Embark on a cosmic journey with our curated selection of family-friendly films about astronauts. These films not only entertain but also inspire curiosity about space exploration, making them perfect for family movie nights or educational viewing. Each film brings its unique perspective on space travel, showcasing the wonders of the universe through the eyes of astronauts and their families.

The Right Stuff (1983)
Description: A detailed look at the early days of the U.S. space program, focusing on the Mercury Seven astronauts. It's a long but rewarding watch for families interested in the history of space travel.
Fact: The film's title comes from the phrase used to describe the qualities needed by astronauts.


Apollo 13 (1995)
Description: Based on the true story of the Apollo 13 lunar mission, this film captures the drama of a failed moon landing and the heroic efforts to bring the astronauts back to Earth safely. It's a gripping tale of teamwork and perseverance.
Fact: The film used real NASA footage and had extensive cooperation from NASA, including interviews with the actual astronauts involved.


October Sky (1999)
Description: Inspired by true events, this film follows a young boy in a coal-mining town who dreams of becoming a rocket scientist. It's a story of ambition and family support, set against the backdrop of the Space Race.
Fact: The film's title is an anagram of the book it's based on, "Rocket Boys."


The Astronaut Farmer (2007)
Description: A farmer builds a rocket in his barn to fulfill his lifelong dream of space travel. This film explores themes of determination and the American dream, suitable for family viewing.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of individuals who attempted to build their own rockets.


Space Chimps (2008)
Description: This animated adventure follows a group of chimpanzees sent on a space mission to rescue a stranded astronaut. It's a light-hearted, fun-filled film that introduces younger viewers to the concept of space travel.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life Project Mercury, where chimpanzees were used in early space experiments.


Gravity (2013)
Description: This film showcases the harrowing experience of an astronaut stranded in space after a disaster. It's visually stunning and provides a thrilling narrative about survival in space, suitable for older children and adults.
Fact: The film was shot in a way to simulate zero gravity, using a combination of real-life footage and CGI.


The Martian (2015)
Description: This film follows astronaut Mark Watney, who must survive alone on Mars after being left behind by his crew. It's a tale of human ingenuity and resilience, making it an excellent choice for families to learn about space survival.
Fact: The film was praised for its scientific accuracy, with NASA's involvement in ensuring the portrayal of space travel was as realistic as possible.


Hidden Figures (2016)
Description: This inspiring film tells the story of three African-American women who played crucial roles as mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race. It's an educational and uplifting story for families interested in the history of space exploration.
Fact: The film was nominated for three Oscars, including Best Picture.


Wall-E (2008)
Description: While not strictly about astronauts, Wall-E features space travel and an astronaut-like robot, making it a unique addition to this list. It's a heartwarming story about a robot's journey through space to save humanity.
Fact: Wall-E was the first Pixar film to be released with a PG rating in the UK.


Space Camp (1986)
Description: A group of teenagers at a space camp accidentally get launched into space. This film combines adventure with educational elements about space travel, making it a fun watch for families.
Fact: The film was released just months after the Challenger disaster, which influenced its box office performance.
