Since the dawn of cinema, filmmakers have been fascinated with telling stories set in the farthest reaches of the cosmos.
In this article, we will be counting down five of the most epic space operas ever committed to film.
From early sci-fi serials like Flash Gordon to recent CGI-heavy spectacles like Guardians of the Galaxy, the wonder and adventure of outer space translates perfectly to the big screen.
These are the movies that truly immerse audiences in intricate galactic worldbuilding, high stakes space battles, and larger-than-life heroes and villains.
Snyder, known for his stylistic vision in films like 300 and Justice League, is pulling out all the stops for this massive original story set in a colonized solar system.
With stunning visuals and wall-to-wall action, Rebel Moon looks primed to deliver space fantasy on a scale rarely seen but there are some other films that will surely give you chills. Let the countdown begins.
#5 Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Based on the manga series Gunnm, this 2019 American cyberpunk epic space film directed by Robert Rodriguez depicts a dystopian future in the 26th century. After being rebuilt with cyborg technology, Alita (Rosa Salazar) is found in a junkyard with no memory of her past.
As she tries to uncover her origins and navigate her new identity, she uses her lethal combat skills to become a hunter-warrior. The innovative VFX bring Alita and the futuristic world around her to life in vivid detail.
#4 Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
George Miller’s 2015 addition to his Mad Max franchise is a intense, exhilarating action film. Tom Hardy steps into the role of Max Rockatansky, a drifter in a desert wasteland dominated by tyrannical Immortan Joe.
When Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) tries to free Joe’s female slaves, she allies with Max in her fight for freedom. Known for its practical effects and stunt work, Fury Road is a visual feast with nonstop chase scenes across the post-apocalyptic Australian outback.
#3 Star Wars
This epic space opera franchise created by George Lucas has become a pop culture phenomenon since its debut in 1977.
Known for its iconic characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Darth Vader as well as concepts like the Force, lightsabers, and hyperspace travel, Star Wars provides exciting galactic adventures set “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.”
With multiple film trilogies, TV shows, books, games and more to dive into, this epic space film series is always a good choice for escaping into a galaxy far away.
#2 Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
This 2014 Marvel superhero film injects refreshing humor and 70s soundtrack tunes into the comic book movie genre. Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is the latest in franchise.
Directed by James Gunn, the epic space opera follows Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) who forms an unlikely team of intergalactic misfits – Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot.
They must put aside their differences to stop the villainous Ronan the Accuser from wielding an infinite stone. With quick-witted dialogue and a stellar soundtrack, it’s a fun, irreverent space adventure.
#1 Dune (2021)
Dune is a 2021 epic space & science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve. It is the first of a planned two-part adaptation of the 1965 novel of the same name by Frank Herbert.
The film has an ensemble cast that includes Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, David Dastmalchian, and Javier Bardem.
Set in the far future on Arrakis, a desert planet that is the only source of “the spice” melange, the most valuable substance in the universe. The spice allows for interstellar travel and extends human life.
The story of this epic space drama film explores complex themes like ecology, religion, politics, betrayal, war, and human emotion through the eyes of the various factions fighting for control of the spice on Arrakis.
See also: The Best Orphan Movies of all time
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