Astronaut Tim Peake's five favourite space films

It’s International Space Week 2025 and NASA are preparing their next Artemis mission to once again send humans to the Moon.

Back on Earth, BBC Bitesize has been speaking to astronaut Tim Peake, who spent 186 days on the International Space Station (ISS). Here are his five favourite space films:

Apollo 13 (1995): PG

What is the plot?
“Houston – we have a problem.”
This gripping film recounts NASA’s ill-fated mission to the Moon in 1970, just a year after humans first set foot there. What begins as a routine spaceflight turns into a desperate struggle for survival after an oxygen tank explodes, crippling the spacecraft. The claustrophobic tension aboard the damaged craft is palpable, and as the problems in space begin to snowball, the team in Mission Control work tirelessly against the clock to bring the crew home safely.

Space Fact:
The film was based on book Lost Moon, written by astronaut Jim Lovell. He pulled some strings at NASA and they allowed the crew to film weightless scenes on their training flights.

Who directed it, and who's in the cast?
Directed by Ron Howard, the film stars Tom Hanks (Jim Lovell), Kevin Bacon (Jack Swigert), Bill Paxton (Fred Haise) and Ed Harris (Gene Kranz).

What does Tim say?
Apollo 13 excels in its balance of technical accuracy and human drama. It’s a story of teamwork, resilience and problem solving – a thrilling, emotional and inspiring space drama that celebrates human ingenuity and courage in the face of desperate odds.
Apollo 13 sets the benchmark for excellence that those of us in the space industry strive to live up to.

Moon (2009): 15

What is the plot?
This thought-provoking and intimate film is an indie sci-fi gem. It’s set on a lunar mining base and tells the story of an astronaut nearing the end of a three-year solo contract on the Moon. His routine existence unravels after he makes a startling and chilling discovery.

Space-ish Fact:
The lunar base for the film was built at Shepperton Studios in London as a full 360-degree set. The cast and crew were sealed in every morning ready for a full day’s filming.

Who directed it, and who's in the cast?
Created by first-time director Duncan Jones, it stars Sam Rockwell who “delivers a powerhouse performance, carrying almost the entire movie on his own,” according to Tim.

What does Tim say?
The film stands out for its minimalism – focusing less on special effects and more on atmosphere, drama, mystery and psychology. Moon is a smart, emotional and powerful film that explores ethical questions of human identity and corporate exploitation. You’ll find yourself thinking about Moon long after the movie has ended.

Interstellar (2014): 12

What is the plot?
Interstellar has it all. Set in a future where Earth is becoming uninhabitable and there is an overwhelming sense of dread and unease. A group of astronauts travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. This epic sci-fi drama blends an impressive cosmic spectacle with deeply human themes.

Space Fact:
The film’s special advisor, theoretical physicist Kip Thorne, helped the filmmakers create breathtakingly realistic depictions of black holeswormholes and distant planets. Experts also confirmed that the portrayal of wormholes in the film was scientifically accurate, publishing research on it in the American Journal of Physics.

Who directed it, and who's in the cast?
The film was brought to life by director Christopher Nolan and the main cast features Matthew McConaughley, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain. Composer Hans Zimmer provides a soaring, deeply moving score.

What does Tim say?
As a desperate search for a new planet seems to falter, the emotional core lies in the relationship between one of the astronauts and his daughter left behind on Earth.
This is probably the most ambitious space movie I have watched and delivers heartfelt drama and scientific speculation in bucket loads.

Arrival (2016): 12

What is the plot?
This cerebral sci-fi film tells the story of mysterious alien ships landing on Earth and humanity’s attempts to communicate with the beings inside. The story centres on a linguist who is tasked with decoding the aliens’ complex written symbols. As tensions rise due to the unknown intention of the visitors, she begins to unravel the meanings of the symbols. It’s an understanding that has a profound impact on not just her own future, but that of the human race.

Space Fact:When Canadian director Denis Villeneuve first met executives in Hollywood he would always tell them he wanted to make a science-fiction film. He had been a fan since a child and loved films such as Blade Runner and 2001: A Space Odyssey. But, as a young independent filmmaker he didn’t have the budget, until Arrival came along. Villeneuve has gone on to direct more sci-fi blockbusters including; Blade Runner 2049, Dune One, Two and with Three to come.

Who directed it, and who's in the cast?
Directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker.

What does Tim say?
Arrival focuses less on conflict and more on language, perception and our sense of time. It is a beautifully crafted, emotional and intellectually rich drama that explores communication, memory and the choices that define us. It’s one of those movies you will want to watch again… immediately.

The Martian (2015): 12

What is the plot?
The Martian is based on the award-winning author Andy Weir’s novel and follows fictional astronaut Mark Watney who is stranded on Mars after his crew mistakenly leaves him behind. The film is a smart, funny and inspiring space adventure that celebrates human ingenuity and teamwork, cutting between Watney’s resourceful survival on Mars and NASA’s efforts to bring him home.

Space Fact:
Director Ridley Scott worked with Jim Green, director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division, when planning the film. Green answered questions from set design and productions, he even sent hundreds of real images of Mars and NASA control centres over to the filmmakers. Four days before the film was released, NASA announced they had discovered liquid salt water on the surface of Mars.

Who directed it, and who's in the cast?
Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon. Damon gives a wonderfully charismatic, witty performance, as his character’s survival depends upon technical problem solving which becomes genuinely engaging.

What does Tim say?
As we embark on the Artemis programme to return to the Moon, paving the way for the first human mission to Mars, The Martian reminds us of the need for resilience in the face of adversity.

Tim Peake was the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station, where his work on its Principia mission captured the hearts and minds of millions. He is also a best-selling author and as an ambassador for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Tim is passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers.

Tim has toured the UK with his My Journey to Space and Astronauts: The Quest to Explore Space, which is returning to theatres around the UK this year.

This article was published in October 2025