Best Space Smuggler Action Films

Description: Han Solo, the charming rogue, is a smuggler who gets involved in the Rebel Alliance's fight against the Empire. His adventures with the Millennium Falcon are legendary in the realm of space smuggling.

Fact: The film was initially panned by critics but became a cultural phenomenon, spawning a franchise that has dominated pop culture for decades.

Description: James Bond goes to space in this film to stop a villain's plot involving space shuttles. While not a smuggler himself, Bond's mission involves infiltrating and disrupting a smuggling operation in space.

Fact: This was the first Bond film to be shot in space, with scenes filmed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. It was also the most expensive Bond film at the time of its release.

Description: While not primarily about smuggling, the film involves the crew of the USS Enterprise dealing with a mysterious alien entity that has absorbed knowledge from a smuggler's ship, leading to interstellar intrigue.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a TV series pilot, but it was expanded into a feature film when the original Star Trek series gained popularity in syndication.

Description: This film, while not directly about smuggling, features a marshal on a mining colony in space who uncovers a drug smuggling operation. It's a gritty, noir-inspired space western with a strong lead performance by Sean Connery.

Fact: The film was originally titled "Io," after one of Jupiter's moons where the story takes place. It was also one of the first films to use CGI for space scenes.

Description: This film follows a group of space pirates who smuggle ice, a valuable commodity in a universe where water is scarce. It's a mix of comedy, adventure, and action, making it a unique entry in the space smuggler genre.

Fact: The film was inspired by the success of "Star Wars" and was intended to be a spoof of the space opera genre. It features an early role for Ron Perlman.

Description: This film features a cab driver, Korben Dallas, who gets entangled in a cosmic plot involving a mysterious fifth element. While not a smuggler himself, he aids in the smuggling of this element, making it a fitting addition to our list.

Fact: The film was shot in both English and French, with different actors for the French version. It was also one of the first films to use digital color grading extensively.

Description: Riddick, a notorious criminal, crash-lands on a planet with a group of survivors. His smuggling background comes into play as they navigate the dangers of the planet, including deadly creatures that hunt in the dark.

Fact: The film was initially conceived as a low-budget horror film, but its success led to the creation of a larger universe with "The Chronicles of Riddick."

Description: Although not strictly a smuggler film, Riddick, the anti-hero, engages in smuggling activities as he navigates through a universe filled with bounty hunters and mercenaries. His journey involves a quest for survival and a fight against an ancient evil.

Fact: Vin Diesel, who plays Riddick, also produced the film, and it was his first time producing a feature film. The film's visual style was heavily influenced by the works of H.R. Giger.

Description: Set in the universe of the TV series "Firefly," Serenity follows the crew of the spaceship Serenity, led by Captain Malcolm Reynolds, as they take on a dangerous mission involving a secret that could shake the galaxy. It's the quintessential space smuggler film with a mix of action, drama, and a touch of the Western genre.

Fact: Joss Whedon, the creator of "Firefly," wrote and directed this film to give the series a proper conclusion after its cancellation. The film was shot in just 50 days.

Description: While the Guardians are more mercenaries than smugglers, their adventures often involve smuggling, heists, and outrunning the law. This film brings a fresh, humorous take on space adventure with a band of misfits.

Fact: The film's soundtrack, "Awesome Mix Vol. 1," became a cultural phenomenon, with its mix of classic '70s and '80s hits. The character Groot was initially voiced by Vin Diesel, who only said "I am Groot" in various intonations.