Over almost a decade since its initial release, Ridley Scott’s blockbuster “The Martian” continues to captivate audiences for numerous reasons. From the thrilling opening scene to the deeply emotional conclusion, and everything in between, this cinematic adaptation of Andy Weir’s popular novel is the perfect blend of heartwarming entertainment. The story of stranded astronaut Mark Watney (played by Matt Damon) using his wit to survive on Mars, with people uniting from diverse backgrounds to bring him home safely to Earth, makes for a gripping narrative. It’s an inspiring film filled with genuine emotion, as well as numerous nail-biting suspense sequences that Scott masterfully delivers.
After watching “The Martian,” it’s hard not to crave more stories in the same vein. Although a sequel doesn’t exist, and perhaps isn’t needed, there are numerous films that make excellent choices for viewing next. Some of these movies align well with “The Martian” as they too feature uplifting astronaut narratives showcasing human resilience. Others continue the cinematic legacy by involving key cast or crew members who contributed to the success of “The Martian.” No matter the reason, these 11 outstanding films similar to “The Martian” are perfect for prolonging the captivating experience this 2015 sci-fi masterpiece offered.
Gravity
If you’re seeking movies similar to “The Martian” that showcase an astronaut battling incredible odds, consider watching “Gravity,” a blockbuster hit from the 2010s. Released in October 2013, “Gravity” offered a stunning portrayal of space by renowned director Alfonso Cuaron. Similar to how “The Martian” showcased Matt Damon’s skills, “Gravity” provided Sandra Bullock ample opportunity to shine as astronaut Dr. Ryan Stone. Throughout the movie, audiences hold their breath as they watch Stone struggle to survive in space, where she faces a shortage of resources, time, and more.
As a devoted admirer, I’ve always been captivated by Cuaron’s unique filmmaking style, showcased masterfully in movies like “Y Tu Mama Tambien” and “Children of Men.” These films, though not traditionally crowd-pleasers, are brimming with artistic brilliance that can’t be ignored. However, “Gravity” takes Cuaron into a different gear, as he dives headfirst into exhilarating filmmaking territory. He meticulously crafts a plethora of gripping, otherworldly situations for Stone to maneuver through, scenarios that could only unfold in the vast expanse of space. The on-screen ingenuity is hard to resist, and so is his audacious decision to open with an extended, uninterrupted shot sequence.
Bullock effectively captivates as the focal point, drawing viewers in deeply to Stone’s longing for home throughout the story. To this day, the emotional impact and stunning visuals of “Gravity” still leave us awestruck. Don’t miss out on it – make sure “The Martian” isn’t your only 2010s space film treasure!
Elysium
If you’ve enjoyed “The Martian,” another sci-fi movie from 2013 that you might find interesting is “Elysium.” Directed by Neill Blomkamp, who also made “District 9,” and starring Matt Damon, this film delves into the issues of class and wealth inequality in a future society. The wealthy live in a space station just beyond Earth’s gravitational pull, while the poor remain on Earth. Although not all of its heavier themes are fully developed, “Elysium” offers an exciting and unique viewing experience. The film’s realistic props and sets, which reflect Blomkamp’s affinity for tactile sci-fi environments, are captivating and make pausing to appreciate the intricate production design a rewarding part of watching “Elysium.
One noteworthy feature includes actors such as Jodie Foster delivering an unforgettable accent, while Sharlto Copley steals the show by overpowering the scenery. They both bring a lot of enjoyment to their roles as the main antagonists. On the other hand, Damon, Wagner Moura, and Diego Luna deliver captivating performances, adding depth to the storyline, which is accentuated with unique and impactful action scenes.
Elysium” and “The Martian” might seem like different genres, with “Elysium” leaning more towards action and machismo with its emphasis on testosterone and explosions, while “The Martian” leans more towards heartfelt drama and global unity. Yet, both films underscore Matthew McConaughey’s dedication to science fiction movies that transcend typical franchise stereotypes. As a result, these two productions can be seen as thematically related cousins, showcasing McConaughey’s versatility as a leading actor in diverse sci-fi roles.
No One Will Save You
There are many films that depict individuals fighting against overwhelming obstacles. Yet, those falling under the science fiction category, such as “The Martian,” are less common. Nonetheless, they exist, and the upcoming 2023 film, “No One Will Save You,” starring Kaitlyn Dever, is a prime example. The movie primarily revolves around Dever’s character, Brynn Adams, who fends off an alien invasion in her own home. Interestingly, this movie avoids dialogue, as Brynn lives alone and disconnected from society, explaining the ominous title. With a small cast and limited conventional dialogues, “No One Will Save You” presents an already daring exploration of storytelling. In contrast to today’s movies on streaming platforms that often rely heavily on expository dialogue, “No One Will Save You” serves as a testament to the strength of physical storytelling.
As a devoted viewer, I must say, just like Matt Damon in “The Martian,” Dever has the talent and charisma to carry a film on her own. Her captivating facial expressions and physicality make every scene compelling as she bravely confronts these otherworldly adversaries. What’s more, there’s something incredibly relatable about Dever that makes her an ideal protagonist to cheer for in the face of seemingly impossible odds. The imaginative, suspenseful storylines featuring the extraterrestrial invaders make “No One Will Save You” a delight to watch. And while escaping Mars might be challenging, “No One Will Save You” paints a vivid picture that Earth is just as treacherous when it comes to survival.
Interstellar
Initially, when viewers were introduced to promotional materials for “The Martian,” it’s possible they felt a strange sense of familiarity. After all, hadn’t Matt Damon portrayed an astronaut marooned on another planet before in a movie? But prior to his role as the resilient Mark Watney, Damon had taken on a more complex and psychologically troubled character in his brief appearance in “Interstellar,” released in 2014. This Christopher Nolan production is a vast tapestry of captivating visuals and deep emotion. Under Nolan’s skilled direction, sights once considered impossible, like the edge of a black hole, seem within reach, much like watching the sunrise from your own window. Notable actors such as Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain breathe life into their characters, giving them a tangible emotional depth as they navigate a story that spans the entire cosmos.
In the movie “Interstellar”, Matt Damon enters the scene as Dr. Mann, a character who seems ordinary at first glance but has hidden depths. This role suits Damon well since it allows him to portray a more mysterious and complex character than he often plays in his typical leading roles. The fact that such a renowned actor like Damon was cast for a smaller part sets the stage for Christopher Nolan’s subsequent star-studded casting choices for “Oppenheimer” several years later. If you enjoyed Matt Damon in “The Martian” and are looking for more space adventures, “Interstellar” will not disappoint – it offers much more than just Damon’s captivating performance.
Arrival
In American cinema, science fiction films often lean towards action-packed adventures with grand visual effects primarily targeted at younger audiences. While these movies hold significance in popular culture, they don’t represent the only form of high-quality sci-fi filmmaking. Instead, the most impactful sci-fi movies tend to focus on portraying human experiences more deeply, such as “The Martian.” Released in 2016, “Arrival,” which followed “The Martian” by 13 months, is an excellent example of this subgenre that delves into the complexities of human interaction with aliens.
In the film titled “Arrival”, the story revolves around extraterrestrial beings landing on Earth, where humans opt for dialogue rather than immediate aggression to engage these newcomers. The sole act of violence depicted in the movie – a concealed bomb explosion on an alien spacecraft – is shown to achieve nothing other than causing harm to humans and various species.
In much the same way that “The Martian” revolves around the character of Mark Watney, the film adaptation of Ted Chiang’s novella “Story of Your Life,” directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Eric Heisserer, primarily focuses on linguist Louise Banks, portrayed brilliantly by Amy Adams. Her story is deeply captivating and beautifully enacted by Adams. Though the stunning visuals created by Villeneuve and cinematographer Bradford Young, which evoke the immense scale of the alien ships, serve to impress, Adams’ performance ensures that Louise Banks remains at the center of your thoughts. The film’s narrative structure, personal touch, and powerful emotional resonance make for an impactful experience you won’t easily forget. Just like “The Martian,” “Arrival” showcases the best that science fiction cinema has to offer.
Life of Pi
In much the same way that science fiction films often stick to a single formula, many American movies with heavy visual effects are predominantly found in the action genre. Yet exceptions exist, as exemplified by “The Martian” and “Life of Pi”. These films pushed the boundaries of visual effects technology to serve character-driven narratives rather than just action. Essentially, they harnessed the full emotional impact that digital special effects could provide.
For dedicated fans of “Life of Pi”, it’s well-known that this story about Pi (Suraj Sharma) surviving at sea is a complex, intricately detailed tale. While the focus might seem limited to a teenager and a tiger on a boat, there’s actually a wealth of theological and thematic depth hidden within this one narrative. The gripping survival journey of Pi, lost at sea, is underpinned by an abundance of visual effects that make the open ocean and the incredibly lifelike tiger, Richard Parker, appear as authentic as they do.
The movie “Life of Pi” convincingly makes the implausible seem real through its skillful application of digital effects, delving into Pi’s mind. Vibrant visuals are prevalent throughout the film, creating a stunning spectacle even during nighttime scenes on the ocean, filled with shimmering fish and various whale species. Similar to “The Martian,” “Life of Pi” leaves audiences in awe with its breathtaking imagery that not only captivates the eyes but also stirs emotions.
Cloverfield
Initially, the “Cloverfield” series consisted only of the 2008 film. This movie was directed by Matt Reeves, who later became famous for directing “The Batman,” and written by Drew Goddard, who also worked on “The Cabin in the Woods” and adapted “The Martian.” Without Goddard’s contribution, Andy Weir’s novel might not have been made into a movie. If you’re intrigued and want to explore Goddard’s earlier genre works, watching “Cloverfield” would be an excellent starting point.
In the style of discovered recordings, “Cloverfield” presents a darker, more somber science fiction tale set against the backdrop of a post-9/11 era. Unlike the optimistic spirit of “The Martian,” where humans can triumph over any adversity, “Cloverfield” portrays how one monstrous creature devastates New York City beyond recognition. However, the focus on human emotions and experiences in “Cloverfield,” which would usually be mere extras in a standard “Godzilla” film, hints at the character-centric approach of “The Martian.
From the outset, Goddard has been captivated by delving into the complexities of characters in science fiction narratives, and this fascination is evident not only in “The Martian” but also in his earlier work like “Cloverfield.” In a sense, “Cloverfield” can be seen as a preliminary trial run for some of the strengths that made “The Martian” successful.
I Am Legend
Approximately a decade prior to “The Martian,” director Francis Lawrence’s film “I Am Legend” paved the way for science fiction movies featuring solo movie stars in desolate landscapes, which was later echoed in “The Martian.” Instead of showcasing an astronaut abandoned on Mars, “I Am Legend” revolves around Robert Neville (played by Will Smith), the lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic New York City following a catastrophic virus that annihilated humanity. This story serves as a powerful demonstration that Will Smith’s charm isn’t solely derived from his popularity in ’90s and 2000s blockbusters, but also showcases his genuine acting talent, as evident in “I Am Legend.
In the movie “I Am Legend,” Smith manages to captivate viewers throughout, even with just a canine co-star for most of the film. He delivers an impressive performance that effectively balances Neville’s ability to defend himself with moments displaying the character’s emotional fragility in this desolate post-apocalyptic setting.
As a gamer, I find the grim ambiance of “I Am Legend” intriguing, considering my usual forte lies in cheerful narratives where even a robot uprising leaves room for humor. However, Will Smith and I, Lawrence, chose to delve into a grittier setting for this movie, one that doesn’t shy away from depicting a man at his lowest ebb as he struggles to survive each day. Although the overly sentimental, CGI-heavy ending of the theatrical cut of “I Am Legend” can be questionable, overall, the film, like “The Martian,” stands strong as a blockbuster, proving that sometimes, less really is more.
Alien
Long before the book “The Martian” hit shelves, director Ridley Scott made a significant mark in the sci-fi genre with his debut venture into this field – the 1979 movie “Alien”. Remarkably, this was only his second full-length film, yet Scott showed remarkable skill in bringing “Alien” to the screen. Over the years, multiple sequels and spoofs have come and gone, but the original “Alien” remains a gripping and unsettling experience. The practical effects still look stunning, while the most nerve-wracking scenes retain their full impact.
In a significant sense, “Alien” can be seen as an early forerunner to “The Martian.” The main narrative of “Alien” revolves around the crew of the Nostromo being systematically eliminated by a xenomorph, leaving only Ellen Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver) in the final act. Similar to Mark Watney, Ripley is portrayed as an underdog in the cosmos, and just like him, it seems impossible for her to escape the alien, making her survival all the more thrilling for viewers.
In some science fiction films, there’s an overindulgence in excessive detail and grandiosity, such as Ridley Scott’s 2017 prequel to “Alien,” titled “Alien: Covenant.” However, movies like “Alien” and “The Martian” demonstrate that a single captivating character can have immense impact in science fiction narratives. If you wish to appreciate Ridley Scott’s reputation as a masterful science fiction filmmaker, watching “Alien” following the success of “The Martian” is highly recommended.
Blade Runner
Over the span of nearly half a century, Ridley Scott has ventured into various creative realms as a director, leaving an indelible mark on the science fiction genre. His influence transcends not only “The Martian” and “Alien,” but also extends to his 1982 masterpiece, “Blade Runner.” This film redefined what science fiction films could visually achieve. In the year 2019 Los Angeles, depicted in “Blade Runner,” protagonist Rick Deckard (played by Harrison Ford) navigates a cityscape drenched in rain, showing signs of wear and tear, and shrouded in smoke. This portrayal of the future wasn’t idealistic, but rather a grim depiction of what humanity’s excess and capitalistic chaos might create. The film’s world is vividly realized through unique production design and practical effects, making it an unforgettable cinematic journey for many viewers.
In addition to being an outstanding example of the noir genre, “Blade Runner” stands out by combining it with science fiction elements, such as synthetic humans known as replicants and a futuristic backdrop. The movie’s most captivating scenes are truly worth pausing to appreciate due to Ridley Scott’s masterful fusion of noir and sci-fi into something fresh and compelling. To add to the appeal, esteemed actors like Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer deliver powerful performances that make the world of “Blade Runner” all the more emotionally resonant. It’s important to note that while it shares some qualities with films like “The Martian,” “Blade Runner” offers a distinctly different tone and perspective on humanity, marking another exceptional sci-fi journey from Ridley Scott.
Apollo 13
If you’re left craving more heartwarming films about the unity of astronauts and mankind after watching “The Martian,” then “Apollo 13” is just what you need. This 1995 film, directed by Ron Howard, is one of Tom Hanks’ best-known roles and tells the true tale of NASA’s Apollo 13 lunar mission. When the journey was intended to be the fifth successful manned trip to the Moon, it turned into a life-threatening challenge when the spacecraft lost its oxygen and power during flight. Similar to the characters in “The Martian” trying to find ways to rescue Mark Watney, “Apollo 13” creates suspense by showing people on Earth and in space working tirelessly to get these astronauts safely back to earth.
The movie “Apollo 13” tells a gripping tale of survival, highlighting unity among ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Unlike other NASA-related movies featuring famous figures like Buzz Aldrin or Neil Armstrong, this film focuses on unsung heroes who demonstrate bravery and intelligence amidst pressure. This relatable aspect adds depth to the drama, making it even more captivating. The talented cast, including actors like Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris, brilliantly portray ordinary Americans thrust into the epic events of history. Similar to “The Martian,” “Apollo 13” poignantly shows people coming together in the face of cosmic chaos instead of succumbing to despair.
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2025-02-04 20:31