Every Movie Filmed in Space (So Far)

Space has always fueled our imagination, inspiring stories of cosmic journeys and extraterrestrial wonders. But a few bold filmmakers have taken it further, shooting actual footage in orbit to capture the raw beauty and challenge of space, creating a unique blend of storytelling and reality.

These projects, from short films to sprawling documentaries, mark a daring chapter in cinema. They showcase the grit it takes to film in zero gravity and the stunning visuals only real space can provide. Let’s explore the films that ventured beyond Earth, sorted by their release years.

For All Mankind (1989)

This U.S. documentary pulls together original footage from NASA’s Apollo missions, offering a front-row seat to humanity’s first steps on the moon. It’s less about narration and more about the raw, unfiltered experience of astronauts working in space, paired with a haunting soundtrack.

The film’s strength lies in its authenticity—every frame is real, shot during historic missions. It captures the awe and danger of space exploration, making it a timeless tribute to human ambition.

Mission to Mir (1997)

Filmed on Russia’s Mir space station, this U.S. documentary uses IMAX cameras to showcase life in orbit. It follows astronauts and cosmonauts as they conduct experiments and navigate the station’s cramped, aging interiors, offering a glimpse into a unique era of space exploration.

The footage feels intimate, almost like a home movie from space. It’s a fascinating look at international cooperation and the daily grind of living off-planet, grounded in real moments.

Space Station 3D (2002)

This U.S.-Canadian documentary, narrated by Tom Cruise, was the first 3D live-action film shot in space. Captured aboard the International Space Station with IMAX cameras, it immerses viewers in the station’s construction and the astronauts’ daily routines, all against a backdrop of Earth’s curvature.

The 3D visuals make every floating tool and distant continent pop off the screen. It’s a technical marvel that balances science with the sheer wonder of space.

Apogee of Fear (2012)

The first fiction short film shot entirely on the International Space Station, this U.S. project is a playful sci-fi comedy. Written and directed by a NASA scientist, it features real astronauts acting out a story of a visitor stirring up trouble in orbit.

Shot with minimal gear in a working space station, it’s a scrappy, charming effort. The zero-gravity antics and authentic setting make it a quirky milestone in space filmmaking.

Yolki 5 (2016)

Part of Russia’s popular comedy anthology series, ‘Yolki 5’ includes a segment filmed on the International Space Station. Cosmonauts handled the cameras, capturing scenes that blend into a lighthearted story about life in orbit, while the main cast stayed on Earth.

The space footage adds a fresh twist to the series, showing the ISS’s tight quarters with a comedic spin. It’s a brief but memorable detour that brings real space into a mainstream film.

A Beautiful Planet (2016)

This U.S. documentary, filmed on the International Space Station with IMAX digital cameras, showcases Earth’s fragile beauty from orbit. Narrated by Jennifer Lawrence, it highlights environmental challenges while offering breathtaking views of oceans, forests, and city lights.

The high-definition footage feels almost otherworldly, capturing the planet’s glow in stunning detail. It’s a love letter to Earth, urging viewers to protect it from 250 miles above.

Space Explorers: The ISS Experience (2020)

This Canadian virtual reality series takes viewers inside the International Space Station through immersive footage shot over multiple missions. It covers everything from scientific experiments to spacewalks, letting you feel like you’re floating alongside the crew.

The VR format is a game-changer, making the ISS’s cramped spaces and Earth’s vistas feel tangible. It’s an innovative blend of education and exploration that redefines documentary filmmaking.

The Challenge (2023)

Russia’s ‘The Challenge’ made history as the first feature-length film to shoot in space with its lead actress and director aboard the International Space Station for twelve days. The story follows a surgeon performing a high-stakes operation in orbit, blending drama with real zero-gravity visuals.

Filming required intense training and coordination with cosmonauts, resulting in a raw, immersive experience. The ISS itself becomes a character, adding unmatched authenticity to the story.

Untitled Tom Cruise Project (TBA)

Announced in 2020, this U.S. action film plans to send Tom Cruise to the International Space Station for scenes shot in actual orbit, in collaboration with SpaceX. Directed by Doug Liman, it aims to deliver Hollywood spectacle with real space as its stage.

Though details are slim, the promise of Cruise in zero gravity has sparked excitement. It’s poised to push the boundaries of blockbuster filmmaking, merging star power with cosmic reality.

What’s your favorite film shot in space, or is there a cosmic story you’d love to see filmed up there? Drop your thoughts in the comments!