There are plenty of stars out there, but no better than the ones we find in the movies. From Mars to Bugs Bunny to Kevin Spacey, the concept of films revolving around space has been a staple in the industry since the camera was invented. Here are a few of our favorites (or less so).
“2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) 
This technically brilliant masterpiece will make you want to gaze at a night sky in wonder.
“Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope” (1977)
Luke Skywalker is the literal definition of teenage angst as the most-popular marketing ploy of all time comes to life.
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977) 
Steven Spielberg’s follow-up to Jaws features some of cinema’s best space imagery. (Be sure to check out the 1998 director’s cut.)
“Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)
Stellar fights in a city made of clouds make up for C-3PO complaining for half of the movie. Also, a little green monster who is somehow both adorable and terrifying becomes a teacher.
“E.T.” (1982) 
Young Drew Barrymore costars with 2017’s Macaulay Culkin, who plays the titular character.
“Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi” (1983)
“Maury,” but in space.
“Spaceballs” (1987)
Star Wars, but Jewish.
“Space Jam” (1996)
One of the worst baseball players of all time remembers he’s good at basketball. Bugs Bunny is there for some reason.
“Contact” (1997)
Robert Zemeckis’ science-fiction classic features a fantastic performance from Jodie Foster. It expertly balances entertainment with sweeping examinations of big ideas.
“Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” (1999)
A really long episode of “Wacky Races,” in which Jar Jar Binks makes his first appearance on the screen and in our infuriated everlasting conscience.
“Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones” (2002)
A teenager and his much-older female companion make googly-eyes at each other until the ending credits.
“Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith” (2005)
Hayden Christensen may not win Best Actor, but he’s definitely a nominee for Most Actor.
“The Knowing” (2009)
This movie should be shot into outer space and never seen again.
“Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)
The fat guy from Parks and Rec teams up with a raccoon and Vin Diesel voicing a tree, because that’s apparently a thing that happens now.
“Interstellar” (2014)
Matthew McConaughey hides behind a bookshelf in space? We don’t know. We didn’t really understand it.
“The Martian” (2015)
This well-casted movie is one of the more fun space films. Donald Glover steals the show as an eccentric scientist.
“Arrival” (2016)
Amy Adams plays charades with aliens in order to prevent the Earth’s destruction.
“Moon” (2009)
One of the best science-fiction films ever made. Extra points since it’s the only movie that features Kevin Spacey in space.
