The moon landing remains one of the most iconic and celebrated moments in human history, captivating the imagination of filmmakers and audiences alike. Films about the moon landing explore the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of astronauts, scientists, and engineers as they strive to accomplish what was once thought impossible: setting foot on the moon. These films often blend elements of drama, history, and science fiction, offering a diverse range of perspectives on the landmark event. Here is a selection of films that delve into the stories behind the moon landing:
“Apollo 13”, 1995
Director: Ron Howard
Directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton, this film tells the true story of the Apollo 13 mission, which faced a life-threatening crisis on its way to the moon. While not specifically about a successful moon landing, it insightfully depicts the dangers of space travel and the ingenuity and determination required to safely return the astronauts to Earth.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise, Ed Harris, Kathleen Quinlan, Mary Kate Schellhardt, Emily Ann Lloyd, Miko Hughes, Max Elliott Slade;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: drama, adventure, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 140 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Apollo 13” on the website imdb.com
“The Dish”, 2000
Director: Rob Sitch
A charming Australian comedy-drama directed by Rob Sitch, this film recounts the story of a remote Australian community and its satellite dish, which played a pivotal role in broadcasting the live footage of the Apollo 11 moon landing. It's a lighthearted look at a lesser-known aspect of the historic event, celebrating the global impact of the moon landing.
Starring: Sam Neill, Billy Mitchell, Rosalind Hammond, Christopher-Robin Street, Luke Keltie, Naomi Wright, Ben Wright-Smith, Beverley Dunn, Grant Thompson, Bille Brown;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, comedy, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Dish” on the website imdb.com
“Moonwalk One”, 1970
Director: Theo Kamecke
This documentary film, directed by Theo Kamecke, provides a comprehensive overview of the Apollo 11 mission from preparation to its conclusion, featuring real footage of the mission and in-depth interviews with the astronauts and NASA personnel. It’s a historical document that captures the zeitgeist of the era and the monumental achievement of the moon landing.
Starring: Laurence Luckinbill, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, Robert H. Goddard, Richard Nixon, Sharon Sites Adams;
Production year: 1970;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Moonwalk One” on the website imdb.com
“For All Mankind”, 2019
Director: Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, Meera Menon, Andrew Stanton, Dan Liu
Directed by Al Reinert, this documentary focuses on the Apollo program more broadly but offers an in-depth look at the various missions aimed at landing on the moon, including the successful Apollo 11 mission. It features real NASA footage and interviews with astronauts, offering a unique and personal perspective on the space race and moon landings.
Starring: Joel Kinnaman, Wrenn Schmidt, Krys Marshall, Jodi Balfour, Shantel Van Santen, Cynthy Wu, Coral Peña, Noah Harpster, Michael Dorman, Sarah Jones;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: science fiction, drama;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “For All Mankind” on the website imdb.com
“In the Shadow of the Moon”, 2019
Director: Jim Mickle
This British documentary film, directed by David Sington, features interviews with Apollo space program astronauts, sharing their experiences in their own words, coupled with archival material. It provides a compelling overview of the various missions, including the challenges and triumphs of reaching the moon.
Starring: Boyd Holbrook, Cleopatra Coleman, Bokeem Woodbine, Michael C. Hall, Rudi Dharmalingham, Al Maini, Quincy Kirkwood, Sarah Dugdale, Rachel Keller, Ryan Allen;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: science fiction, detective, thriller, crime;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “In the Shadow of the Moon” on the website imdb.com
Each of these films, in its own way, captures the awe, wonder, and historical significance of the moon landing, providing viewers with a range of narratives that commemorate human space exploration.
The exploration of the moon landing through the cinematic lens has offered audiences a diverse array of storytelling, merging fact with creative speculation, and grounding the monumental achievement in personal, cultural, and existential narratives. These films, ranging from the technically precise and emotionally charged “Apollo 13” to the profound and imaginative “First Man,” and even extending into speculative and alternative history narratives like in “Moon,” engage viewers not just with the surface details of these missions but with the deeper resonances they hold for humanity. They capture the awe-inspiring realization of a dream that once seemed unreachable, highlight the indomitable spirit of those who dared to turn fantasy into reality, and probe the philosophical implications of extending our reach beyond our earthly confines. In doing so, films about the moon landing foster a reinvigoration of our collective imagination, reminding us of the boundless potential of human endeavor and the unending quest for knowledge and understanding amidst the vast expanse of the universe.
