19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

As someone who’s spent countless hours lost in the cosmos of cinema, I must say these recommendations are nothing short of interstellar! Each one offers a unique blend of science fiction, emotion, and suspense that will captivate even the most jaded viewer.


If you’re seeking films similar to the timeless sci-fi masterpiece “Interstellar,” here’s a suggestion that will surely pique your interest. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of Christopher Nolan’s finest works, we’ve compiled an extensive list of titles that delve into related themes, share a similar mood, or evoke feelings of wonder and awe (or a blend of these sensations).

You’ve got a wealth of choices, ranging from timeless classics such as “2001: A Space Odyssey” to contemporary favorites like “Arrival”. These, and many more, should provide ample entertainment for your lengthy voyage into the cosmos.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Arrival (2016)

Denis Villeneuve’s 2016 sci-fi drama, “Arrival”, shares striking similarities with “Interstellar”. It isn’t just that they both conclude in a thought-provoking manner; they also delve into profound and emotional narratives revolving around parents. These parents are willing to go to extraordinary lengths either to forge connections with their children or to protect them. Additionally, both movies grapple with the enigma of what lies ahead, reflecting the uncertainty of our future.

Stream Arrival on Paramount+.
Rent/Buy Arrival on Amazon. 

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Frequency (2000)

Gregory Hoblit’s 2000 science fiction thriller, Frequency, tells the story of NYPD detective John Sullivan (Jim Caviezel) who converses with his father (Dennis Quaid), an individual presumed deceased for thirty years, but surprisingly reaches him from the year 1969 via radio communication.

Rent/Buy Frequency on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Contact (1997)

In this film, titled “Contact,” directed by Robert Zemeckis, we follow Dr. Ellie Arroway, portrayed by Jodie Foster, as she uncovers proof of extraterrestrial existence and undertakes a monumental journey into deep space in pursuit of communication with these beings. Additionally, you’ll encounter a younger Matthew McConaughey in this movie, well before he took on the role of Cooper in “Interstellar.”

Rent/Buy Contact on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Back in the day, I found myself drawn to one of the most iconic sci-fi films of the 20th century – Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, “2001: A Space Odyssey.” This movie follows a crew of brave astronauts on a journey to Jupiter, pursuing a mysterious artifact that seems to be beckoning Earth. In many ways, it paved the way for films like “Interstellar” to truly shine.

Stream 2001: A Space Odyssey on Max.
Rent/Buy 2001: A Space Odyssey on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Sunshine (2007)

In Danny Boyle’s movie “Sunshine,” a team embarks on a desperate mission to reach a dying sun and rekindle its surface, thus averting a prolonged, frigid end for humanity. Similar to “Interstellar,” this film delves into the struggle of human survival as well as the potential flaws within mankind.

Rent/Buy Sunshine on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Big Fish (2003)

Indeed, unlike the sci-fi genre or space exploration, the film “Big Fish” by Tim Burton is centered around the profound connection between a parent and child. Similar to “Interstellar”, this movie emphasizes familial ties, both tender and poignant.

Rent/Buy Big Fish on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

In recent times, one of the most imaginative films to win Best Picture, “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” is a thought-provoking, boundary-pushing, and intensely emotional saga about an ordinary woman (Michelle Yeoh) who goes to extraordinary lengths to foster strong family ties. The familial connections and turmoil depicted in this movie rival those seen in “Interstellar.”

Rent/Buy Everything Everywhere All at Once on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Moon (2009)

The movie titled “Moon” is a must-see for any science fiction enthusiast, offering a unique viewing experience worthy of being watched at least once throughout one’s lifetime. In this film, Sam Rockwell portrays a solitary worker carrying out his assignment on the moon’s surface under Duncan Jones’ direction. The innovative drama delves into themes of loneliness and humanity while serving up numerous unexpected twists and turns along the way.

Rent/Buy Moon on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Ad Astra (2019)

Despite not receiving enough recognition, the film “Ad Astra” stands among the finest space-travel movies from the past ten years. The plot revolves around the character played by Brad Pitt, an astronaut who journeys deep into our solar system to locate and confront his absentee father (portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones) before he can potentially destroy humanity with a single action, such as pressing a button.

Rent/Buy Ad Astra on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Inception (2010)

Four years prior to “Interstellar”, Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” also delves into the realm of science fiction. It not only showcases grandiose spectacles and thought-provoking questions but also explores the profound bond between parents and children. Re-watching it is an enjoyable experience due to the numerous intriguing fan theories surrounding the movie.

Rent/Buy Inception on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Gravity (2013)

In a just world, Alfonso Cuaron’s masterpiece, Gravity, would have taken the Best Picture award during the 2010s. This film provided an unforgettable, awe-inspiring journey through space, centering around Sandra Bullock’s resilient astronaut character who finds herself stranded in Earth’s orbit. As she battles fear and determination to return home, we are drawn into her harrowing yet inspiring struggle.

Rent/Buy Gravity on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

The Martian (2015)

Apart from showcasing exceptional acting by Matt Damon, “Interstellar” and “The Martian” both narrate captivating tales about two space explorers who undertake hazardous voyages, pushing their limits in terms of physical endurance, mental fortitude, and emotional resilience.

Rent/Buy The Martian on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977)

Back in the ’70s, Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” left an indelible mark on me, much like how Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” did more recently. This timeless film about humans encountering enigmatic extraterrestrial beings not only stirred my heart but also ignited my imagination in ways few others have managed. Its groundbreaking approach to sci-fi paved the way for the genre nearly 50 years ago, and its impact continues to resonate strongly even today.

Rent/Buy Close Encounters of the Third Kind on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Ex Machina (2015)

Released mere months following “Interstellar,” Alex Garland’s “Ex Machina” delivers a chilling and grim science fiction narrative, contrasting with its predecessor but sharing themes revolving around discovery and our limited understanding of the cosmos and human nature. The story centers around an advanced robot (portrayed by Alicia Vikander) and the programmer (Domhnall Gleeson), specifically chosen to execute a Turing test within this context.

Rent/Buy Ex Machina on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

The Fountain (2006)

Among Darren Aronofsky’s most remarkable films, “The Fountain,” stands out. The movie unfolds through three interconnected narratives, each featuring Hugh Jackman’s character making extraordinary efforts to preserve the lives of his beloved, portrayed by Rachel Weisz, in different settings. It is an emotionally stirring, spiritually profound, and awe-inspiring film that warrants repeated viewings.

Rent/Buy The Fountain on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Prometheus (2012)

In a time preceding the Nostromo event depicted in Ridley Scott’s Alien, the movie Prometheus unfolds. It narrates the journey of a team of explorers venturing to a distant celestial body, motivated by the quest for intelligent life. However, their discovery turns out to be much more chilling than anyone could have anticipated.

Rent/Buy Prometheus on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

Midnight Special (2016)

2016’s outstanding science fiction film, “Midnight Special” directed by Jeff Nichols, tells a captivating tale revolving around a father (portrayed by Michael Shannon) who’s on the run with his son (Jaeden Martell). They are fleeing from both the authorities and a secretive cult, as it becomes apparent that the boy possesses extraordinary abilities. Blending science fiction and family drama, Nichols creates an unparalleled narrative filled with suspense and emotional depth.

Rent/Buy Midnight Special on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

District 9 (2009)

In 2009, Neill Blomkamp introduced a groundbreaking sci-fi action thriller to the world with his first full-length film, titled District 9. This movie is set in South Africa following the arrival of alien spacecrafts, and it delves into the intricate human-extraterrestrial relationship. The story fearlessly addresses complex themes without avoiding them.

Rent/Buy District 9 on Amazon.

19 Movies Like Interstellar And How To Watch Them

A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001)

The project known as Artificial Intelligence, initially conceived by Stanley Kubrick and later completed by Steven Spielberg, tells the story of a young robot (portrayed by Haley Joel Osment). This robot embarks on a personal exploration. Straddling the line between human and machine, this journey is filled with challenges for the emotionally-driven AI.

Rent/Buy A.I.: Artificial Intelligence on Amazon.

I’m confident that this recommendation should prove useful when deciding on a movie to watch following “Interstellar”. In case you prefer more recent releases, there’s an abundance of fresh sci-fi films set to premiere in cinemas very soon.

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2024-08-25 23:38