Top 10 Space Race Action Films

Description: This epic drama chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program, focusing on the Mercury Seven astronauts. It's not just about the race to space but also the personal sacrifices and the sheer guts it took to be part of this historic endeavor.

Fact: The film was adapted from Tom Wolfe's non-fiction book of the same name. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning four.

Description: A gripping tale of the Apollo 13 lunar mission that went disastrously wrong, showcasing the ingenuity and courage of NASA's team to bring the astronauts safely back to Earth. It's a testament to human resilience and teamwork.

Fact: The film uses real NASA footage and was praised for its accuracy. Tom Hanks was actually in a zero-gravity simulation for some scenes.

Description: A group of oil drillers are sent into space to stop an asteroid from colliding with Earth. It's over-the-top action with a race against time to save humanity, making it a quintessential space race film.

Fact: The film was released the same year as "Deep Impact," another asteroid movie, leading to a box office competition.

Description: A farmer builds a rocket in his barn to fulfill his dream of space travel, facing bureaucratic and financial challenges. It's a quirky take on the space race, focusing on individual ambition.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of amateur rocket enthusiasts. Billy Bob Thornton's character actually launches a rocket in the film.

Description: Christopher Nolan's epic about a team of astronauts traveling through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. It's a blend of space exploration, time dilation, and the human spirit's quest for survival.

Fact: The film's visual effects team won an Academy Award. Real scientists, including Kip Thorne, were consulted for the film's depiction of black holes and wormholes.

Description: A biographical drama about Neil Armstrong and the Apollo 11 mission, focusing on the personal sacrifices and the monumental achievement of landing on the moon. It's a race against time and personal demons.

Fact: The film uses practical effects to simulate the moon landing, and Ryan Gosling, who played Armstrong, did not blink in many scenes to capture the astronaut's focus.

Description: While not a traditional space race film, 'Gravity' captures the isolation and danger of space, with Sandra Bullock's character fighting for survival after a space shuttle disaster. It's a visually stunning and emotionally intense journey.

Fact: The film was shot in a lightbox to simulate the harsh lighting conditions of space. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Director for Alfonso Cuarón.

Description: Based on Andy Weir's novel, this film follows astronaut Mark Watney, who must survive alone on Mars after being left behind by his crew. It's a thrilling mix of survival, science, and the race against time to rescue him.

Fact: The film's science was reviewed by NASA for accuracy. Matt Damon grew real potatoes for the film, just like his character.

Description: This film tells the true story of three African-American women who played key roles in NASA's space race efforts. It's a celebration of their contributions and the race to put a man in space.

Fact: The film was nominated for three Academy Awards. The real-life women portrayed in the film were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in

Description: A tale of three astronauts stranded in space when their spacecraft malfunctions, showcasing the race against time to rescue them. It's a suspenseful look at the perils of space travel.

Fact: The film was released just months after the Apollo 11 moon landing, capitalizing on the public's fascination with space. It was nominated for two Academy Awards.