One Giant Leap for Cinema: Top 5 Moon Landing Movies to Celebrate Apollo 11’s Legacy

Prepare some popcorn and tissues, folks, since we are about to celebrate a big date – 21st of July. The anniversary of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s historic first steps on the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission. It’s the perfect time to revisit some of the best moon landing movies that bring this monumental achievement to life. From documentary masterpieces to inspiring dramas, these films capture the spirit of exploration, the tension of the space race, and the sheer wonder of humanity’s greatest adventure. Let’s countdown our top 5 moon landing movies that are sure to leave you starry-eyed.

Apollo 11 (2019)

IMDB rating: 8.2/10

Kicking off our list is the breathtaking documentary “Apollo 11.” Director Todd Douglas Miller takes viewers on an immersive journey using newly discovered 70mm footage and more than 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings. 

This moon landing movie puts you right in the heart of the action, from the electrifying launch to the nail-biting lunar descent. With no narration or modern interviews, “Apollo 11” lets the raw footage speak for itself, creating a thrilling experience that’s as close as most of us will ever get to walking on the moon. 

The Dish (2000)

IMDB rating: 7.1/10

For a charming and often overlooked gem, look no further than “The Dish.” This Australian comedy-drama tells the true story of the Parkes Observatory’s crucial role in relaying live television of the moon landing to 600 million people. 

Starring Sam Neill, the film balances humor and heart as it showcases the behind-the-scenes drama of ensuring the world could witness Armstrong’s “one small step.” It’s a delightful reminder that even small towns can play a big part in making history.

For All Mankind (1989)

IMDB rating: 8.0/10

Al Reinert’s “For All Mankind” takes a broader view of the Apollo program, weaving together footage from multiple missions to create a poetic portrait of humanity’s lunar endeavors. Accompanied by Brian Eno’s ethereal score, this documentary movie about moon landing feels less like a history lesson and more like a dream. It captures not just the technical achievements, but the profound emotional and philosophical impact of seeing our planet from the perspective of the moon.

First Man (2018)

IMDB rating: 7.3/10

Directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong, “First Man” is an immersive and meticulously crafted film that deserves recognition as a definitive moon-landing movie. It offers a uniquely intimate portrayal of Neil Armstrong’s journey to becoming the first human to walk on the moon.

With stunning cinematography that evolves from grainy 16mm to breathtaking IMAX lunar landscapes, and a sound design that puts viewers right in the cramped, rattling spacecraft, “First Man” creates an immersive experience of early space travel. While celebrating the technical triumph of the moon landing, this relatively new moon landing movie also delves into Armstrong’s grief following the loss of his young daughter, adding a profound emotional depth to this historic achievement. 

The Last Man on the Moon (2014)

IMDB rating: 7.4/10

Rounding out our list is the poignant documentary “The Last Man on the Moon,” which tells the story of Eugene Cernan, the commander of Apollo 17 and the last person to walk on the lunar surface. This film offers a unique perspective on the Apollo program, blending Cernan’s personal reflections with archival footage to create a moving tribute to the end of an era. It’s not a heartfelt moon landing movie on Netflix, but it’s a bittersweet reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we have yet to go in space exploration.

As we celebrate the anniversary of Apollo 11’s monumental achievement, these moon landing movies offer a window into the courage, intelligence, and teamwork that made the moon landing possible. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for liftoff – these lunar adventures are sure to leave you over the moon!