If you're a fan of both the vast expanse of space and the intricate puzzles of detective work, then this curated list is just for you. These films blend the tension of a whodunit with the awe-inspiring backdrop of outer space, offering a unique cinematic experience. Whether you're looking for mind-bending mysteries, thrilling chases, or just a good old-fashioned detective story set among the stars, this collection has something for every space enthusiast and mystery lover.

Dark Star (1974)
Description: A low-budget sci-fi comedy where the crew of a spaceship must deal with a malfunctioning bomb and existential questions.
Fact: John Carpenter, who later directed classics like "Halloween," co-wrote and directed this film.


Alien (1979)
Description: This iconic film not only delivers horror but also a detective element as the crew of the Nostromo tries to uncover the alien threat on their ship.
Fact: The film's tagline, "In space no one can hear you scream," became one of the most famous in cinema history. The alien creature was designed by H.R. Giger, whose work was so unique it was hard to replicate.


The Expanse (1981)
Description: A marshal on a mining colony in space investigates a series of mysterious deaths, uncovering a corporate conspiracy.
Fact: Often described as "High Noon in space," it's a homage to classic Westerns but set in a futuristic environment.


Event Horizon (1997)
Description: A rescue mission turns into a psychological thriller as the crew investigates the mysterious reappearance of the spaceship Event Horizon.
Fact: The film was initially rated NC-17 due to its graphic content but was edited down to an R rating. The original cut was much darker and more disturbing.


Solaris (2002)
Description: A psychological drama where a psychologist is sent to investigate the crew's strange behavior on a space station orbiting the planet Solaris.
Fact: This is a remake of the 1972 Soviet film by Andrei Tarkovsky. The film explores themes of memory, identity, and the human psyche.


Sunshine (2007)
Description: A team of astronauts on a mission to reignite the dying sun must solve the mystery of their predecessor's failure.
Fact: The film features a cameo by Cillian Murphy, who also starred in "28 Days Later" directed by Danny Boyle.


Moon (2009)
Description: A lone astronaut on a lunar mining base starts to unravel the mysteries of his mission and his own identity.
Fact: Sam Rockwell plays both the main character and his clone, showcasing his acting range. The film was Duncan Jones' directorial debut.


Pandorum (2009)
Description: Two crew members of a spaceship awaken with no memory of their mission, leading to a tense investigation into what happened to their ship and crew.
Fact: The film's title refers to a fictional disease that causes paranoia and hallucinations, a key element in the plot.


Cargo (2009)
Description: A Swiss film where a doctor on a spaceship must solve the mystery of a deadly virus outbreak among the crew.
Fact: The film was shot in Switzerland, using a real cargo ship to simulate the spaceship interior.
