Exploring the many ways space, space travels, and extraterrestrial life are depicted in film, TV, literature, anime, comics, and technology.

Imagining Life in Space

So many new shows, so little time. Which are worth your precious eyeballs? These list rank the best new series in each genre that have premiered since 2019, so you still have plenty of time to catch up.

New Shows to Check Out

The Space Page

As the mysterious final frontier that is space continues to fascinate those of us on earth, there continue to be many current TV shows about space. From Doctor Who to Star Trek: Discovery,&nbsp; the desire to tell stories about travelling the stars is a constant, and&nbsp;the best current <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-space-tv-shows-series/ranker-tv?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">space TV shows</a> come in many forms. Some good current TV shows about space are dramas, while other new space TV series are hilarious comedies.

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What will you find on this list of the best current outer space TV shows? Set in a galaxy far, far away, characters on The Mandalorian spend as much time hopping between the stars and planets as they do on the ground. Apple TV+ has For All Mankind, which dramatizes an alternate history of the space race that cemented our eyes to the stars. Fox&#39;s The Orville,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/seth-macfarlane-facts/coy-jandreau" target="_blank">Seth MacFarlane&#39;s</a>&nbsp;comedic drama set 400 years in the future,&nbsp;is dominating the ratings, while the Star Trek series it&#39;s fondly referencing keep coming up with new space-tacular spin-offs.&nbsp;Other good current space series include Moonbase 8 and Another Life.

 
There are a lot of great shows about outer space, so it&#39;s hard to pick just one as the best of the best. Vote your favorite current space shows to the top of the list to help other fans find new faves.

The Best Current TV Shows About Space

TV Program

The 15+ Best Current TV Shows About Space, Ranked By Fans

Ranker TV

Sci-Fi

Space: the final frontier. And, ample ground for movies and storytelling of all kinds for generations. And while the endless vacuum of space and stars is inherently intriguing to many, the vast continuum of infinite galactic expanse isn't necessarily for everyone.There's plenty of space-set movies for the nerdier crowd,<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/scariest-movies-set-in-space/ranker-horror"> for the horror crowd</a>, and even those audiences that count themselves <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/scifi-parody-spoof-movies/ranker-film">as more comedically inclined</a>. But what are the space movies that viewers of all tastes can agree on? In that spirit, here are a handful of the best <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/the-best-space-movies/ranker-film?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">outer space movies</a> that even non-space nerds might love.

18 Outer Space Movies That Even Non-Space Nerds Can Love

Film

Outer Space Movies That Even Non-Space Nerds Can Love

Emmett ORegan

Best TV

The outer galaxy has fascinated television viewers for decades. The best <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/current-tv-shows-about-space/ranker-tv?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">space TV shows</a> feature out-of-this-world storylines, extraterrestrial beings, and scientific humanoids. This list of the greatest TV shows about outer space includes everything from Star Trek: The Original Series to Battlestar Galactica to Firefly and is ranked from best to worst by your votes.

What shows will you find on this list of the best TV shows set in space? Since it first premiered in 1963, Doctor Who has become a staple of British - and global - television. The regenerating Time Lord explores space and time from his distinctive blue ship, the TARDIS.&nbsp;The lead characters of Mystery Science Theatre 3000 are trapped in a spaceship and forced to watch B movies as their captor attempts to take over the world. Other good TV shows about space include Babylon 5, Lost in Space, and Farscape. Next to those classics and are <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/current-tv-shows-about-space/ranker-tv" target="_blank">newer TV shows set in space</a>, such as The Mandalorian, For All Mankind, and Space Force.

Which space TV show do you think is the best? Vote up the best TV shows set in space and see where your favorite out-of-this-world series rank.

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Mystery Science Theater 3000

The Best Space Shows In The Galaxy (or at least ever on TV)

The Best TV Shows Set in Space, Ranked by Fans

Lists about the gazillions of things spinning around the whole infinite universe.

Space: The Final Frontier

Whoa Facts

Saturn’s&nbsp;moon Titan has been the subject of innumerable science fiction works, including Kurt Vonnegut’s classic The Sirens of Titan and Philip K. Dick's The Game-Players of Titan. References to it show up in movies, on TV shows, and on rock albums. Titan might just be the most famous moon in the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/planets-in-the-solar-system/jtdesaulnier">solar system</a>. But why is Titan so cool? The short answer: because it's more like Earth than you might expect.Titan has fascinated star-gazers since it was <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/firsts-in-space/ranker-science">first discovered</a> by Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens in 1655. Huygens called the moon Saturni Luna, but it was later renamed by John Herschel for the Titans of Greek mythology.Despite its relatively early discovery, Titan stumped the scientific community over the next few hundred years.&nbsp;The moon’s hazy atmosphere&nbsp;made it difficult&nbsp;to discern many facts about Titan or unravel its enticing mysteries. More recently, however, thanks to visits by spacecraft like Cassini-Huygens,&nbsp;researchers are learning the exciting truth: Titan has many <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/pictures-of-earth-from-space/ashley-reign">Earth</a>-like qualities, including flowing liquids, organic compounds and, possibly even&nbsp;a prebiotic environment.There are plenty of extraordinary things you didn't know about Titan. The fact that it might one day be able to support life is just one of them.

16 Facts About Saturn's Moon Titan, The Closest Thing We Have To A Second Earth

General

Everything You Should Know About Titan: Our Best Bet for a New Home in the Stars

Bruce Maisy

Prepare your psyche for some out-there space facts. Outer space can be considered an absolute horror show of unending blackness extraordinarily hostile to life. Simply put: there are a lot of <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-things-astronauts-saw-in-space/johnandrewl" target="_blank">weird things about space</a>. If you're the sort of person who likes to be intrigued, all you have to do is look up at the night sky and think about <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/earth-size-comparison/sammy-leary" target="_blank">the size of the Earth compared to the rest of the galaxy</a>, or anything on this list full of high-octane nightmare fuel. Of all of the creepy things about space and the universe, these may be the most unsettling. Enjoy?

Creepy Facts About Outer Space You Can't Unlearn

Kellen Perry

Lists that rank the greatest, most unforgettable films in every genre released in the Great '80s.

The Best Movies of the 1980s

80s Movies

When it comes to movies set in space, the &#39;80s was the decade of the sequel. As this 80s space movie list demonstrates, sometimes it pays to stick with what works. Four Star Trek sequels, two Star Wars sequels, one Alien sequel and, just for good measure, a sequel to 2001: A Space Odyssey were all successful space movies from the 80&#39;s. What a great decade to be alive!

But don&rsquo;t worry if you think the 80&#39;s was completely without originality. Among the top 1980s space movies you&rsquo;ll also find The Last Starfighter, Dune, Flash Gordon, and The Transformers: The Movie&mdash;which has spawned a few sequels of its own.

So which do you prefer, Star Wars or Star Trek? Vote up your favorite space movies from the 80&#39;s, or add any that we might have missed.

Sexmission

The Best Space Movies Of The 1980s

80s Space Movies | List of Best 1980s Space Operas

Ranker Film

Lists about astronauts, space exploration, and what we've learned about the effects of space travel on the human body.

Life in Outer Space

NASA

What is the International Space Station? Only&nbsp;humanity&#39;s largest and most expensive attempt to spend long periods of time in space! As such, it&#39;s a technical marvel, featuring sophisticated computers and laboratory instruments, miles of wire, and state-of-the-art accommodations for the crew. What happens on the ISS? What kinds of discoveries are being made up there, and how did it get up there in the first place? What&#39;s <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/what-is-life-like-on-international-space-station/kelly-patrick" target="_blank">daily life like</a>&nbsp;for the astronauts? It&#39;s time to find out!

The history of ISS is full of stories, from its beginnings featuring dozens of flights just to build it, to the current experiments it runs, to the quirks that each astronaut brings with them into orbit. ISS crew members have done everything from conduct sophisticated research to brew coffee. They&#39;ve brought international foods, recorded songs, and taken countless pictures (and yes, <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/space-selfies/jacob-shelton">even selfies</a>). The best part? This has all been done in a spirit of international cooperation unmatched in history.

Here are some cool International Space Station facts, both about the station itself and the astronauts who have spent time on it.

15 Out-Of-This-World Facts About The International Space Station

15 Cool Facts About the International Space Station

Mike Rothschild

1950s: The Postwar Boom

1950s

The best '50s space movies play up the general feeling of Cold War Communist paranoia that seemed to pervade every fiber of the nation during that decade. Many 1950s sci-fi movies also touched on the fear induced by the creation of the atomic bomb.Though the most famous version of H.G. Well’s War of the Worlds is the radio play created by Orson Welles (which many actually believed to be true), the version listed here is actually the very first film version. The apocalyptic alien attack in the film mirrors the feeling of impending, nuclear doom that Americans felt throughout the post-WWII era, and the alien invasion itself was meant to represent the spread of Communist alliance.Other great space movies from this decade include The Day the Earth Stood Still, Flight to Mars, and Forbidden Planet.&nbsp;Vote up the best '50s space movies below, and be sure to let us know what you think in the comment section.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

The Best '50s Space Movies

50s Space Movies | List of Best 1950s Space Films

Lists that rank the most fascinating, most trusted documentaries on every subject, from poverty and addiction to Wall Street and the oil industry.

Documentaries You Need to See

poll

There are a number of documentaries out there that detail the different aspects of the universe specifically discussing outer space, including the science of the universe, conspiracies about whether or not we truly landed on the moon, detailing the different planets in the solar system and the possibilities of aliens and UFO&rsquo;s. No matter what your interest in watching a space documentary film or <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-astronomy-documentary-series/ranker-tv" target="_blank">space docuseries</a> is, there&rsquo;s sure to be the perfect fitting one included on this list.

What are the best documentaries about space?&nbsp;The documentaries on this list cover any aspect imaginable when it comes to the topic of space, such as whether we&rsquo;re alone in the universe or not, the beautiful qualities of the planets and the stars in our solar system and NASA space shuttle missions. Many of these films are informational, providing a historical context as well as scientific background.

This list has the best documentary films dealing with the subject of space, including: Orphans of Apollo, Through the Wormhole and The Planets. Vote up your favorite, spaciest documentary below or add any not already on the list.

For All Mankind

The Best Documentaries About Space

Space

The greatest space adventure films provide audiences with a sense of wonder. They take us to new worlds that offer thrills and excitement, but also occasionally laughter. For that reason, they tend to be incredibly popular at the box office. The top space adventure films rank among the biggest blockbusters ever. Of course, Star Wars is the most notable example. 2001: A Space Odyssey has similarly earned itself a&nbsp;spot as an all-time classic. There are plenty more big hits, including the recent Guardians of the Galaxy adventures.

Vote up the best space adventure films below. Don&#39;t see your favorite on the list? Add it, then check back to see how other users are ranking it.&nbsp;

The Best Space Adventure Films

The Best Space Adventure Films, Ranked

Ranking Movies of the 1970s

1970s

Deciding the absolute best '70s space movie is a battle that’s almost intergalactic. Is it <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/tags/star-wars?ref=internalCrossLinking_tag">Star Wars</a>, Star Trek, or Alien? Each film has spawned sequels for more than three decades and each continues to be wildly popular with sci-fi fans and general movie lovers alike.&nbsp;Toward the end of the 1970s the space movie genre exploded, they were good and they were everywhere, even James Bond went to space (and found a little romance there) in Moonraker.&nbsp;On this list of the top space movies of the 70s there are both fan favorites and lesser known space films you might enjoy, like Silent Running&nbsp;and&nbsp;Black Hole. The seventies also gave&nbsp;Battlestar Galactica fans two films to extend the BSG universe even further. And don’t miss Solaris, the Russian space film that was later remade by George Clooney. &nbsp;So, which of the movies on this list of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-movies-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">greatest films</a> taking place in space made in the 1970s is the best? That's up to you! Vote up the greatest <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/the-best-space-movies/all-genre-movies-lists?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">space movies</a> ever made (provided they were released between 1970 and 1979), or add other good '70s space movies we might have missed.

Starcrash

The Best '70s Space Movies

70s Space Movies | List of Best 1970s Space Films

On this list of best '90s space movies, you'll see that these movies are out of this world. There were so many disaster-science fiction, space movies of the '90s, so it's definitely hard to determine what the #1 film is.Armageddon&nbsp;was nominated for technical Academy Awards -&nbsp;could this be the greatest 90s space movie? Bruce Willis can make any adventure space movie of the '90s a box office hit.&nbsp;Ron Howard's 1990s space film Apollo 13, based on true events, is sure to be at the top of this list. With so many stars, how could this not be the greatest space movie of all time?These space movies of the '90s took so many strides. Only you will decide which one is the greatest 1990s space film of all time. &nbsp;

Apollo 13

The Best '90s Space Movies

90s Space Movies | List of Best 1990s Space Films

Astronauts

If movies are to be believed, outer space is a war zone&nbsp;where military forces respond to alien threats with a barrage of hot, American lead. The reality&nbsp;is that weapons are incredibly rare in space. That's good, because nothing spells apocalypse quicker than a space station armed with weapons of mass destruction.While the international community has worked hard to keep space as weapons-free as possible that doesn't mean that there isn't a single weapon floating around up there in the darkness. An <a href="https://www.state.gov/t/isn/5181.htm" target="_blank">international treaty</a> bans nations from positioning large-scale weapons in space but there is no such law preventing astronauts from carrying small arms into orbit. In fact, <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/ussr-phantom-cosmonauts-facts/erin-wisti" target="_blank">Russian astronauts</a> are known to pack some serious heat.&nbsp;But weaponizing&nbsp;space remains&nbsp;controversial, which is why most astronauts don't like talking about the guns kept on the International Space Station (ISS).Of course, not every country feels the same way about space warfare. It was recently released that a Russian space cannon was hidden in orbit for years before being decommissioned. So do astronauts really need to carry guns into space, or are the few guns in space an outdated relic from the competitive <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/firsts-in-space/ranker-science" target="_blank">history of space travel</a>?&nbsp;

Space Is Officially A 'Weapons-Free Zone,' So Why Do Astronauts Carry Guns?

Space Is Officially A "Weapons-Free Zone," So Why Do Astronauts Have Guns?

Eric Luis

Lists about real men and women who have achieved everyone's childhood dreams to become astronauts, fly through outer space, and even walk on the freaking moon.

Men on the Moon

While <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-weirdest-things-sent-into-space/mark" target="_blank">floating through space</a> on the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/international-space-station-facts/mike-rothschild" target="_blank">International Space Station</a>, astronauts have a lot of time on their hands. Rather than hanging around all day and doing nothing,&nbsp;they fill their days conducting research on the ISS, some which&nbsp;seem like they could be inspired by a cartoon mad scientist. However, while some of their projects have&nbsp;the distinction of being futuristically bizarre, many also&nbsp;have&nbsp;far-reaching medical implications.

Can You Grow A Human Lung In Outer Space?

The 17 Weirdest Experiments From The International Space Station

The Weirdest Experiments Conducted From The ISS

Jacob Shelton

Lists about the infinite expanses of space and time. Read up to open your mind so wide, it explodes.

Theories of the Universe

People love to drop <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/facts-about-albert-einstein/stephanroget">Albert Einstein</a>'s theory of relativity into conversation, whether they're discussing the latest Hollywood blockbuster or just <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/hipsters-trying-too-hard/amylindorff?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">trying to look</a> smart. But what is the theory of relativity? You may know that it involves gravity pulling objects and some possible time dilation, but probably don't know that it is a whole new way of describing reality itself. You may take for granted that you have to meet a friend for breakfast at your favorite place at ten in the morning, but without the forces outlined in the general theory of relativity you would meet at a completely different place at a different time.First published in 1915, Einstein's theory of relativity managed to solve problems physicists and astronomers had been grappling with for centuries. It's revealed&nbsp;secrets about <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/what-happens-to-your-body-in-a-black-hole/bruce-maisy">black holes</a>, planetary orbits, and space travel. And as you learn more facts about the theory of relativity and spacetime, you'll discover just how mind-blowing it is.

12 Beyond Fascinating Facts About The Theory Of Relativity

12 Things Everyone Should Know About the Theory Of Relativity?

Aaron Edwards

Black holes. Portals. Dark matter. Parallel worlds. Team Instinct. As common as these terms are today, we're sadly still no closer to knowing the true nature of the universe we live in. To make things worse, we may never reach that day.But in attempting to understand these concepts, we use two distinct sets of rules: Quantum Mechanics, which is the study of all things super-small (atoms, quarks, Ant-Man on occasion), and General Relativity, which is the study of larger things (people, planets, also Ant-Man).The issue? Two sets of rules don't exactly make it easy to explain the already mind-boggling terms listed above. For example, dark matter can be both infinitesimal and super-massive at the same time, so how can we possibly put something like this into perspective?That's where String Theory comes in.String theory is a hypothetical explanation that could potentially unify ALL MATTER in the known universe, big or small.Wouldn't that make things so much easier to understand?In theory, yes. But, like everything in our universe, the concepts presented within string theory are nearly-impossible for our feeble human minds to comprehend, and would undoubtedly only lead to more feelings of societal insignificance regarding our place in the cosmos, <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/creepy-space-facts/kellen-perry">depression epidemics</a>, and a global blanket of general malaise about this whole “existence” thing.So, that said, below are the most fascinating ideas presented within String Theory. &nbsp;

Mind-Bending Facts About String Theory That Will Change The Way You Think

String Theory Facts & Ideas That Will Change The Way You Think

Jeff Richard

Space lists at Ranker - The ultimate source for hundreds of space lists and rankings

Space lists on Ranker

We have sent a lot of strange things into space, and there is no sign that we will stop putting weird things into space any time soon. From light sabers to sea urchins, it doesn&#39;t seem like there is any limit to what we will send into space. Another thing we have sent into space is bacteria. Scientists were curious about what would happen to bacteria in space, and they found the answer after they sent some salmonella for a journey and then tested it on animals when it came back to earth. They found that the space bacteria had grown much stronger. Because of that, cleanliness in space is of utmost importance. The cost of sending things into space are very high so it must have cost one space tourist a lot of money to get a seat on a rocket headed to the International Space Station. It takes a huge amount of energy to get a rocket free of Earth&#39;s gravitational field and for each additional body you have to add a lot of weight in terms of body mass as well as all of the supplies that each person needs to survive.

In the name of science, NASA and various organizations have sent dozens of random things into outer space. Here are the geekiest and weirdest ones.

The 9 Geekiest Things Sent Into Space

Things Sent Into Space | Weird Stuff In Space

Mark Holmes

Are we the only intelligent lifeforms in the entire universe? Probably not. Exploring the unknown worlds, motives, and visits of extraterrestrial life and UFOs.

Aliens.

Entertainment

Over 1,300 movie fans have come together to cast their votes for the best alien invasion movies ever made. From epic blockbusters to low-key sci-fi thrillers, the list is teeming with amazing selections that never fail to captivate audiences around the world.

From Steven Spielberg&#39;s classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind and War of the Worlds, to more recent gems like&nbsp;Cloverfield&nbsp;and Arrival, these are some of our favorite films about otherworldly encounters. Although they explore vastly different themes and genres, each one captures a unique blend of thrills and suspense as humanity finds itself at odds with hostile extraterrestrial forces. Other famous movies about alien invasions include Edge of Tomorrow,&nbsp;Mars Attacks!, Signs, Independence Day, and Men in Black.

Whether you&#39;re hoping for an adrenaline rush or simply looking for a thought-provoking story about human resilience in desperate times, these alien invasion movies will take you on an unforgettable journey into outer space. So why not check out this list today, vote up your favorites, and prepare yourself for a thrilling cinematic adventure.

Mars Attacks!

The Best Alien Invasion Movies

The 50+ Best Alien Invasion Movies, Ranked By Fans

Monster Movies

The best alien movies, ranked by fans of space and sci-fi genres. Famous alien related movies can take several forms. What are the best alien movies? Many films about extraterrestrials,&nbsp;alien&nbsp;themed&nbsp;abductions, or visitors from other planets turn them into traditional horror villains. These &quot;alien war&quot; movies tend to follow a simple pattern: 1) UFOs arrive on Earth, 2) a misunderstanding or outright evil intent sparks a war between aliens and humanity, 3) with massively destructive and terrifying results.Whether the movies are funny, scary, or totally crazy, there are plenty of parallels to be found between them. Consider the similarities of&nbsp;Battle: LA, Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds, and even Tim Burton's genre parody, Mars Attacks. However, there are also films in which aliens are not an interstellar threat but a boon to humanity, or at least well-intentioned explorers like Arrival. E.T. is the classic example of the &quot;friendly alien&quot; genre – and the xenomorphs in the Alien franchise stay in outer space, so that's good for humans, too. E.T. is also one of the best alien <a href="https://www.ranker.com/tags/kids-movies?ref=internalCrossLinking_tag">kids movies</a> ever made.What are the best alien films of all time? Often in these films, the aliens are tragically misunderstood, and it's the primal nature of human beings that spark conflict. Finally, there are numerous films about aliens which attempt to &quot;realistically&quot; depict what might happen if humans and extraterrestrials interacted. These include Close Encounters of the Third Kind (another Spielberg film!), District 9, and even abduction films purportedly based on &quot;true stories,&quot; such as Fire in the Sky. All-in-all this is far more than just a top 10 list of the best alien movies.While this list does not include all alien movies ever made, it is a list of the best alien films. What do you think are the greatest alien movies of all time? Vote up the good alien movies you'd watch over and over, and vote down&nbsp;the ones that aren't worth your time. If you find you want more ideas then check out the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-alien-movies-on-netflix/ranker-streaming" target="_blank">best alien movies on Netflix</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/the-best-action-movies-on-netflix-instant/polkadotking">best action movies on Netflix</a>, <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-movies-on-netflix-instant/polkadotking">best movies on Netflix</a>, the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-predator-movies/ranker-film" target="_blank">best Predator movies</a>,&nbsp;and our list of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-horror-movies-on-netflix-instant/polkadotking">scary movies on Netflix</a>.&nbsp;

2001: A Space Odyssey

The Best Alien Movies Ever Made

The Best Movies About Aliens and Alien Abductions, Ranked

Ranker Community

With over 15,000 movie fans voting to shape these rankings of the best space movies, it's clear that sci-fi has a massive fan following. From classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Aliens to more recent favorites such as Gravity and The Martian, there is no shortage of great films set in outer space. These stories have captivated viewers for decades with their thrilling adventures and thought-provoking themes.From Star Wars to Star Trek, science fiction has long been a source of entertainment and inspiration for its devoted audience. Whether it’s an epic intergalactic battle or an intimate character study on humanity’s place in the universe, each film offers something unique that resonates with viewers around the world. As you explore this list of classic space movies and vote up your favorites, take some time to appreciate just how far we've come since Flash Gordon first graced our screens almost 90 years ago!These are the top-rated space movies ever made - from cult classics to mainstream blockbusters - so cast your votes now and help decide which ones deserve recognition as being among the greatest of all time.