Ron Howard’s 1995 film, Apollo 13, was a huge success, earning over $355 million worldwide and receiving critical acclaim, including an Oscar nomination. Even though most viewers knew the astronauts returned safely, the movie remains incredibly suspenseful. This is thanks to Howard’s skillful direction and the excellent acting from the entire cast. What’s particularly remarkable about Apollo 13 is how realistic it feels – it even impressed the experts at NASA.
CNN recently highlighted favorite space movies according to retired astronauts. Several praised the film Apollo 13, with Michael Massimino noting it beautifully honored the hardworking team at Mission Control. Chris Hadfield described it as a gripping portrayal of the intense and dangerous reality of space travel. Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger shared that the film still captivates her every time she watches it, leaving her breathless.
Apollo 13 Is As Great as the Astronauts Say (and It’s Streaming Now)
It’s no wonder many people at NASA love the movie Apollo 13. The film celebrates a remarkable moment for the agency – how a potential disaster was transformed into a story of teamwork and resilience. It’s a naturally cinematic story, and Ron Howard was an ideal choice to direct it. He used classic filmmaking techniques to create a thrilling and engaging drama that remains powerful today. He was especially skilled at creating the scenes set in space, fully drawing the audience into the experience. That’s why it makes sense that Apollo 13 has been re-released in IMAX.
Beyond its compelling story, Apollo 13 features a fantastic cast. Tom Hanks delivers another memorable performance as Jim Lovell, perfectly embodying the astronaut with a mix of charm and strength. He shares a believable and engaging dynamic with Bill Paxton and Kevin Bacon, who play his fellow astronauts Fred Haise and Jack Swigert – their teamwork feels genuinely authentic. Ed Harris is also exceptional as Gene Kranz, the flight director, commanding the screen with his powerful presence whenever he appears.
As with most movies “based on a true story,” Apollo 13 takes some creative liberties to make the events more compelling for a film audience. While there are a few historical inaccuracies, they don’t diminish the amazing job director Ron Howard and his team did. It’s significant that Apollo 13 has so many fans who actually worked at NASA. If the movie hadn’t been well-made, former astronauts would have been quick to point out its flaws. The fact that they consistently praise it speaks volumes about how good Apollo 13 truly is.
Enjoying the positive reviews of Apollo 13? You can now stream the movie on AMC+ or rent or buy it from digital stores like Apple and Amazon. With a big year for science fiction movies ahead – including the upcoming film Project Hail Mary – now is a great time to revisit or discover this classic space adventure.
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2026-02-07 00:10