33 Best Space Documentaries (Must Watch!)

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Space documentaries bridge our Earth-bound reality and the celestial wonders that lie far beyond our planet’s atmosphere. They present the captivating beauty of the universe and unravel its intricate details. These films seamlessly merge stunning visuals with hard science, stimulating our brains and igniting curiosity. They have the power to reshape our perception of space, reshaping how we see our place in the vastness of the universe.

Space docs cover diverse topics, including the mesmerizing dance of planetary orbits, audacious Mars missions, historic moon landings, and the relentless search for extraterrestrial life.

So, what should be next on your watch list? In this post, we’ll look at the best space documentaries that promise to enlighten, amaze, and inspire.

1. Cosmos: A Personal Voyage

Release date: 1980
Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu
Duration: 13 episodes, approximately 60 minutes each

Hosted by the iconic astrophysicist Carl Sagan, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage blends scientific revelations and stunning visual effects. The documentary features a myriad of original recordings and photographs, intricately exploring the mysteries of our universe. Sagan’s narration is enlightening and poetic, making complex cosmic concepts accessible.

This series not only delves into the vastness of space but also takes the audience on a journey through time. It offers insights into the evolution of life and the future of our species.

2. For All Mankind

Release date: 1989
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Duration: 80 minutes

For All Mankind is a poignant tribute to the Apollo program’s astronauts. It features original recordings and photographs from NASA archives that capture the breathtaking experiences of the first 24 men on the moon.

The film doesn’t have a traditional narrator but rather lets the astronauts share their personal tales. This allows viewers to relive the magic of lunar exploration.

The documentary crafts a visceral and emotional journey from the adrenaline of liftoff to the serenity of spacewalks and the surreal feeling of standing on alien soil.

3. The Planets

Release date: 1999
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Duration: 8 episodes, typically 49 minutes each

A BBC classic, The Planets provides a comprehensive look at our solar system’s celestial bodies. It uses cutting-edge visual effects for its time and combines with real images from space missions to feel like an interplanetary tour.

Each episode focuses on a different planet or celestial event, with experts providing commentary and insights. The series paints a vivid picture of the dynamic forces at play in our solar system, from Jupiter’s violent storms to Pluto’s icy terrains.

The majestic visuals, combined with a riveting narrative, make The Planets a compelling watch, revealing the beauty and chaos of our cosmic neighborhood.

4. The Universe

Release date: 2007-2015
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Duration: 90 episodes, approximately 45 minutes per episode

The Universe is a series that delves deep into various astronomical topics. It features CGI graphics, real images, and expert commentary to take viewers on a voyage of discovery.

Renowned scientists and astrophysicists provide insights, making even the most complex subjects palatable. The series is educational and inspiring. Viewers are often left with a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for our complex universe.

5. When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions

Release date: 2008
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Duration: 6 episodes, 44 minutes each

When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions offers an intimate look into the golden era of space exploration, detailing NASA’s pioneering missions. It consists of a treasure trove of original footage and candid interviews with astronauts, engineers, and scientists.

This documentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at space travel’s challenges, triumphs, and heartbreaks. Narrated by actor Gary Sinise, the documentary captures the essence of human exploration and the audacity of venturing into the unknown.

Watching When We Left Earth feels like a journey back in time. It is a chance to relive the pivotal moments that shaped our understanding of space and our place within it.

6. Through the Wormhole

Release date: 2010-2017
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Duration: Varies, approximately 45 minutes per episode

Through the Wormhole is a thought-provoking space documentary hosted by Morgan Freeman. It probes the deeper philosophical questions of our universe.

It’s an inspiring documentary that blends science with metaphysics, exploring concepts like alien life, the nature of consciousness, and the fabric of reality. It features experts’ insights showing the human mind’s potential to understand phenomena like black holes and the intricacies of time.

This series is a treasure trove of knowledge and wonder for those looking to take a deep dive into existential queries while also grasping complex astrophysical concepts.

7. Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking

Release date: 2010
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Duration: 3 episodes, 44 minutes each (first two episodes)

In this documentary, Stephen Hawking takes viewers on an inspiring journey. He explains the mysteries of black holes, the possibility of alien life on other planets, and the universe’s grand design.

Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking marries the brilliant insights of Hawking with breathtaking visuals, offering both an informative documentary experience and a visual treat.

You will be left with a profound appreciation of the vastness and intricacies of our cosmos, making it a must-watch for those intrigued by space exploration.

8. Hubble’s Cosmic Journey

Release date: 2015
Where to watch: Amazon
Duration: 44 minutes

Hubble’s Cosmic Journey celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope. It shows the incredible contributions of this observatory to our understanding of the universe.

From breathtaking visuals of distant galaxies to the detailed mapping of our solar system’s planets, Hubble’s revelations are presented in a mesmerizing narrative format.

The documentary dives into both the technical challenges faced during Hubble’s launch and the groundbreaking discoveries it facilitated. It shows human ingenuity in the quest for knowledge, highlighting the transformative power of tools like Hubble in space exploration.

9. Apollo 11

Release date: 2019
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Duration: 93 minutes

Apollo 11 offers a riveting look at the most iconic Apollo mission, giving viewers a front-row seat to humanity’s first steps on the Moon.

This documentary uses never-before-seen footage and audio recordings to show the details of this historic journey, challenges, and marvels. It captures the global anticipation and awe of the momentous event, transporting viewers back to 1969. As an informative documentary that doubles as a trip down memory lane, Apollo 11 stirs nostalgia, pride, and wonder.

10. Black Hole Apocalypse

Release date: 2018
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Duration: 112 minutes

Black Hole Apocalypse ventures into one of the universe’s most enigmatic phenomena to comprehensively explore black holes. This documentary uses state-of-the-art CGI, interviews with leading experts, and engaging narration to take space enthusiasts on a thrilling journey.

Black Hole Apocalypse delves into the formation, nature, and potential future discoveries related to black holes. It also highlights their importance in our understanding of the cosmos.

The documentary shows both the destructive power and the fascinating science of these cosmic behemoths, leaving viewers with awe and curiosity.

11. The Year of Pluto

Release date: 2015
Where to watch: YouTube (NASA’s Official Channel), NASA TV
Duration: 59 minutes

This documentary chronicles the historic journey of the New Horizons spacecraft to Pluto. It offers a detailed account of this distant dwarf planet.

From the initial challenges in launching the mission to the final flight past Pluto, the narrative captures the essence of discovery and the human spirit’s perseverance.

The Year of Pluto features stunning visuals, including the closest images ever captured of Pluto and insights from the mission team. The documentary showcases advancements in space exploration, inspiring those fascinated by the ongoing quest to explore the unknown.

12. Earth from Space

Release date: 2019
Where to watch: BBC, Google Play, and Vudu
Duration: 4 episodes, approximately 60 minutes each

Earth from Space offers a magnificent bird’s-eye view of our home planet, showcasing the intricate natural processes that sustain life. The space documentary utilizes satellite imagery, providing a perspective that reveals the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. It juxtaposes our blue planet’s majesty against the solar system’s backdrop.

This documentary offers a fresh appreciation for Earth’s unique place in the cosmos, bridging the gap between space exploration and the understanding of our environment. It’s a visual treat that reminds us of the sheer wonder of the planet we call home.

13. The Day the Moon Was Gone

Release date: 2010
Where to watch: Discovery Channel, Amazon Prime
Duration: 45 minutes

This documentary delves into a mind-blowing hypothetical scenario: What would happen if the moon suddenly disappeared? Experts and scientific research join hands to uncover the ramifications on Earth’s climate, tides, and even human civilization.

Though rooted in sci-fi movie inspiration, the documentary leans heavily on factual scientific data, making it entertaining and enlightening. It explores the delicate balance of our solar system and the moon’s pivotal role in our planet’s well-being.

14. Space: Unraveling the Cosmos

Release date: 2014
Where to watch: Discovery Channel, Netflix, Hulu
Duration: 90 minutes

Space: Unraveling the Cosmos offers a grand tour of the universe, from our neighboring planets to the far reaches of alien worlds.

It captures the splendor of the cosmos with dazzling visuals, revealing black holes, red planets, and the mysteries of the deep space frontier.

Narratives from experts, intertwined with CGI representations, allow viewers to journey to places that spacecrafts have yet to explore.

15. The Age of Aerospace

Release date: 2016
Where to watch: Discovery Channel, Hulu, Apple TV
Duration: 5 episodes, approximately 60 minutes each

The Age of Aerospace sheds light on the milestones that shaped the history of flight and space travel. From the inception of aviation to the advancements of the international space station, it offers a comprehensive look into humanity’s journey to defy gravity.

This documentary highlights the triumphs, challenges, and innovations of the global space program. It shows that the quest to explore space is deeply ingrained in human ambition.

Whether you’re a fan of history, technology, or space documentaries, The Age of Aerospace caters to all, offering profound and inspiring insights.

16. Failure is not an Option

Release date: 2003
Where to watch: History Channel, Netflix, Hulu
Duration: 90 minutes

Failure is not an Option is centered around NASA’s mission control. It provides a riveting account of the trials and tribulations of the U.S. manned space program.

Through interviews, archival footage, and expert commentary, this documentary brings to life the dramatic moments of early space missions. It highlights the dedication and perseverance of mission control teams by painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced and the sheer determination to ensure success in space travel endeavors.

17. Orphans of Apollo

Release date: 2008
Where to watch: YouTube, Apple TV
Duration: 77 minutes

Orphans of Apollo tells the captivating tale of entrepreneurs who embark on a quest to take control of Russia’s Mir Space Station. It narrates the audacious attempt of private individuals to venture where typically only nations dared.

As the documentary unfolds, it becomes a mirror reflecting the passion and zeal of those who dream big, blurring the lines between science documentaries and adventurous tales.

For those who have ever dreamt of touching the stars or owning a piece of the cosmos, this is a compelling reminder that the universe’s vastness is only limited by our imagination.

Discover 16 other best space documentaries

In the Shadow of the Moon
Hubble’s Enduring Legacy
The Farthest: Voyager in Space
One Strange Rock
Chasing the Moon
The Search for a Second Earth
Fight for Space
Space’s Deepest Secrets
Journey to the Edge of the Universe
Mars: Inside SpaceX
The Real Right Stuff
Final Countdown: NASA and the End of the Space Shuttle Program
Above and Beyond: NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow
Passport to the Universe
Juno: Inside the Unknown
The Blue Planet

Takeaway: Enjoy a cinematic voyage through the cosmos with the best space documentaries

As we hurtle through the 21st century, our fascination with the cosmos seems to grow exponentially. It is fueled by a golden age of space exploration and a treasure trove of documentaries that bring the wonders of the universe right to our screens.

Through the lens of masterful storytelling and groundbreaking visuals, these documentaries promise not just a visual feast but a transformation of perception, offering viewers an enthralling journey through black holes, moon landings, Mars missions, and beyond.

From the mysteries of dark matter to the breathtaking ballet of planetary orbits, these 33 documentaries encapsulate our universe’s beauty and complexity.

So, whether your passion lies in unraveling the secrets of black holes or dreaming about setting foot on Mars, this list serves as your gateway to the wonders of the cosmos.