Project Hail Mary is a resounding success, earning praise from both critics and audiences. It had a strong opening weekend and held up remarkably well in its second weekend. This success is well-deserved – the film is visually impressive, emotionally resonant, and features a fantastic performance by Ryan Gosling. It even boasts one of the best movie scenes of 2026, surprisingly not taken directly from Andy Weir’s excellent novel. Project Hail Mary has the potential to become a beloved classic, or at the very least, a long-time favorite for many viewers around the world. While not flawless, it delivers everything it promises. Few would argue against the perfection of other standout sci-fi films, however.
While many people enjoy films like The Martian, Interstellar, Moon, Gravity, Sunshine, Contact, and First Man, they aren’t perfect movies in our opinion. But if you loved Project Hail Mary, you’ll likely appreciate these, particularly The Martian and First Man.
5) Apollo 13
There are many reasons why Apollo 13 is such a successful film. Ron Howard skillfully captured the human element of a story where the astronauts were fighting to return home, while those on Earth watched with increasing fear that they wouldn’t make it.
Apollo 13 is also highly praised for its realism and scientific accuracy, with many experts and astronauts highlighting its technical details. Combined with a fantastic cast including Kevin Bacon, Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Ed Harris, it’s considered one of the best films of the 1990s.
Stream Apollo 13 on AMC+ Roku Premium Channel.
4) Arrival
Most stories about aliens and humans involve lots of action, like spaceships firing lasers and dramatic explosions, often at famous landmarks. However, the movie Arrival, similar to the novel Project Hail Mary, takes a completely different approach.
The movie Arrival shares similarities with Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary, though it wasn’t based on the same source material—the short story “Story of Your Life.” Both stories center around different cultures gradually figuring out how to communicate with each other. However, Arrival takes a much more somber and serious approach; it doesn’t have any lighthearted or playful moments like those found in Project Hail Mary.
Stream Arrival for free on Kanopy.
3) Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Similar to Arrival and the film coming up next, Close Encounters of the Third Kind supports the idea that the most compelling alien movies aren’t about war. Instead, they focus on peaceful communication and attempts to connect—often involving physical contact with beings who don’t have the same number of fingers as humans.
While Clone Encounters can create suspense, like in the scene where lights flood into a home, it mostly aims to convey the wonder of experiencing something unfamiliar. The film succeeds because we understand the characters are feeling this awe, and that feeling is then transferred to the audience.
2) E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Often considered the greatest sci-fi film of all time, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is another masterpiece from Steven Spielberg, following in the footsteps of Close Encounters. However, E.T. is arguably even more moving and emotionally resonant, and its story unfolds at a slightly more engaging pace.
Everything about E.T. just clicks. The story is deeply moving for both kids and grown-ups. It’s a truly emotional film, featuring a lovable alien brought to life with impressive effects and supported by a fantastic cast.
Stream E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for free with ads on The Roku Channel.
1) 2001: A Space Odyssey
While many movies offer more action, even viewers who find 2001: A Space Odyssey slow will likely be impressed by its grand scale and incredible, realistic special effects.
This explores how humanity’s presence has altered the Earth. As our intelligence and technology have grown, we may face unintended consequences. This artwork was among the first to raise concerns about artificial intelligence, and that foresight is certainly worth recognizing.
Stream 2001: A Space Odyssey on HBO Max.
What’s your all-time favorite science fiction film? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-04-01 00:16