Best Space Documentaries

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Aspiring astronauts and science enthusiasts will love these stellar documentaries about space. These films look at amazing feats of discovery and exploration, from landing on the moon to building telescopes that can see far beyond our galaxy. These true stories also introduce some of the brave and intelligent scientists and astronauts who made it possible to explore our vast universe by using their STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills. But even those who struggle with science can enjoy the gorgeous views of the cosmos and our planet from above. And for more out-of-this-world picks like Cosmos, try our list of the Best Science Shows for Kids.

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Apollo 11 Poster Image

MOVIE

Apollo 11

age 5+

Moon-landing docu has awesome footage but may bore kids.

March 1, 2019 2019 G (93 minutes)

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Deep Sky Movie Poster: Image of the Pillars of Creation captured by the James Webb Space Telescope

MOVIE

Deep Sky

age 5+

Stunning IMAX doc on James Webb Space Telescope discoveries.

October 20, 2023 2023 NR (40 minutes)

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Good Night Oppy Movie Poster

MOVIE

Good Night Oppy

age 5+

Inspiring docu about Mars rovers has teamwork, curiosity.

November 4, 2022 2022 PG (105 minutes)

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A Beautiful Planet Poster Image

MOVIE

A Beautiful Planet

age 6+

Stunning look at Earth -- and man's sobering impact on it.

April 29, 2016 2016 G (45 minutes)

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Armstrong Poster Image

MOVIE

Armstrong

age 8+

Portrait of an American hero celebrates humility, hard work.

July 12, 2019 2019 NR (98 minutes)

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Fight for Space Poster Image

MOVIE

Fight for Space

age 8+

Thoughtful docu about space program urges return to cosmos.

May 19, 2017 2017 NR (92 minutes)

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Journey to Space Poster Image

MOVIE

Journey to Space

age 8+

Stunning visuals in short docu about modern space program.

February 13, 2015 2015 NR (45 minutes)

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Roving Mars Poster Image

MOVIE

Roving Mars

age 8+

NASA sends robots to explore Mars in IMAX docu.

January 27, 2006 2006 G (40 minutes)

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Woman in Motion Poster Image

MOVIE

Woman in Motion

age 8+

Docu about role model Nichelle Nichols inspires, delights.

March 1, 2019 2019 NR (105 minutes)

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Hubble 3D Poster Image

MOVIE

Hubble 3D

age 9+

Space lands on Earth in 3-D glory in this kid-friendly docu.

March 19, 2010 2010 G (43 minutes)

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In the Shadow of the Moon Poster Image

MOVIE

In the Shadow of the Moon

age 9+

Lofty recap of the Apollo moon program.

September 12, 2007 2007 PG (99 minutes)

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The Farthest: Voyager in Space Poster Image

MOVIE

The Farthest: Voyager in Space

age 9+

Fascinating docu on the history and discoveries of Voyager.

February 26, 2017 2017 NR (96 minutes)

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Apollo 13: Survival movie poster: Astronauts suited up.

MOVIE

Apollo 13: Survival

age 10+

Tense re-creation of history in gripping space survival doc.

September 5, 2024 2024 NR (98 minutes)

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Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds Poster Image

MOVIE

Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds

age 10+

Docu about meteorites has beauty, cosmic significance.

November 13, 2020 2020 NR (97 minutes)

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Mercury 13 Poster Image

MOVIE

Mercury 13

age 10+

Inspiring docu about '60s female pilots who faced sexism.

April 20, 2018 2018 NR (78 minutes)

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Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo Poster Image

MOVIE

Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo

age 10+

Riveting documentary about NASA pioneers in '60s and '70s.

April 14, 2017 2017 NR (101 minutes)

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Red Heaven Poster Image

MOVIE

Red Heaven

age 10+

Docu about Mars experiment shows toll of isolation.

November 1, 2021 2021 NR (83 minutes)

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The Last Man on the Moon Poster Image

MOVIE

The Last Man on the Moon

age 10+

Awe-inspiring, insightful docu spotlights American astronaut

February 26, 2014 2014 NR (95 minutes)

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The Mars Generation Poster Image

MOVIE

The Mars Generation

age 10+

Docu follows teens at NASA space camp; some peril.

January 20, 2017 2017 NR (97 minutes)

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The Real Right Stuff Poster Image

MOVIE

The Real Right Stuff

age 10+

Intriguing documentary about NASA's Mercury Program.

November 20, 2020 2020 NR (90 minutes)

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