Summary

For as long as skill fiction has exist , there have been stories about the red satellite known asMars , and the film landscape has been no unlike . From movie serials of the 1930s right up until modern times , sci - fi lovers have been becharm by the narrative potential difference of Mars as filmmakers have depicted foreign stories of geographic expedition and uncovering . While there have been many cinema about Martians invading Earth , there have also been just as many movies that explored the planet of Mars itself .

Likethe expert sci - fi movies , picture about Mars extend comment not just on the endless voltage of the population but also on humans ' sensing of its huge , unknowable nature . As the most comparable satellite to Earth in terms of its potential for life and colonialization , it ’s no surprise that Mars has been continually depicted in sci - fi movies since the birth of celluloid itself . While some movies about Mars have been the subject of rough criticism and initially receive a disconfirming reception , await back , there were many underappreciated and extremely levelheaded sci - fi movies about Mars .

10John Carter (2012)

Directed by Andrew Stanton

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Adapted from Edgar Rice Burroughs ' A Princess of Mars , Disney ’s John Carter brings the author ’s Barsoom series to life . When American Confederate Civil War headwaiter John Carter accidentally transmit himself to Mars , he soon becomes entangle in the planet ’s own internal tycoon struggles . Using the increased strength and speed yield to him by Mars ' atmosphere , Carter fights to attain peace on the distant major planet known by the native as Barsoom .

As one of the most expensive movies ever made and amongthe grown box spot flops of all time , the conversation around Disney’sJohn Carterhas consistently revolved around its financial unsuccessful person . In what has been dubbed “ one of the worst selling movement in movie history “ ( viaEl Pais ) , watcher did not wrench out to witness what had been plan as the first in a young dealership . The miserable failure ofJohn Carterwas a lesson to Hollywood about the need to promote movies in a way that compels hearing to show up at theaters .

John Carterwas a merriment fib about a Civil War soldier who was transported to Mars , where he became entangle in a long - standing warfare between different factions of the major planet . give up just a few years afterAvatar , John Carter’spromotion made it seem like a lacklustre rip - off rather than a visually impressive adaption of the acclaimedBarsoomseries of novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs . With origin material boasting a rich Martian mythology , John Cartercould have been a muckle better than it was , but it did not merit such to be such a ruinous failure .

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

9Mission To Mars (2000)

Directed by Brian De Palma

Although director Brian De Palma boasts a filmography filled with classic releases likeScarface , The Untouchables , andMission : inconceivable , others , such asMission to Mars , were not as acclaimed . With a tale revolving around the first man missionary post to Mars , things go awry when they must convey a deliverance mission for their colleague . With a mixed reception , Mission to Marsdivided critics upon firing , as some feel De Palma overlook the fool , while others praised its telling visuals .

However , appear back onMission to Mars , almost a poop of a century since its release , the bad reviews felt overly harsh as this was an piquant film with entertaining action chronological succession . While aspects ofMission to Mars ' ocular vogue may have felt derivative of2001 : A Space Odyssey , that was one of the slap-up sci - fi movies ever made . In truth , behind all the criticisms ofMission to Mars , there was an intelligent sci - fi photographic film that ’s well deserving checking out for those with an interesting Martian - based cinema .

8The Last Days On Mars (2013)

Directed by Ruairí Robinson

In the same vein as Ridley Scott ’s 1979 classicAlien , The Last Days on Marsdepicted a chemical group of astronauts succumbing one by one to a orphic force while hoard specimen on Mars . As a mix between sci - fi escapade and B - picture show revulsion , Irish director Ruairí Robinson also paid homage to alien movies of the fifties with the advantage of modern - twenty-four hours exceptional burden . As a relatively swift one-time - schooltime outer space tale , The Last Day on Marswas categorise by an intense sense of paranoia and claustrophobia .

With telling visuals and potent cinematography , The Last day on Marslooked fantastic , although contemporaneous reviews criticize it for being too derivative of other works . While the photographic film did n’t break down any boundaries regarding storytelling , the slow and unnerving edifice of tension as the crew became progressively stir - dotty was thoroughly enjoyable . AlthoughThe Last Days on Marsdidn’t quite live up to its potential difference as a tense repugnance set in space , there ’s plenty to enjoy here .

7Red Planet (2000)

Directed by Antony Hoffman

The feature moving-picture show - making calling of Antony Hoffman began and terminate with the commercial failure ofRed Planet . As a boxwood office bomb that recouped just over $ 33 million of its $ 88 million budget , Red Planetfailed to cross-file with audiences at the time who did not connect with this interesting and realistic sci - fi filmabout astronauts searching for a solution to a dying Earth on Mars . WhileRed Planetwas known for ashocking behind - the - scene movie fightbetween atomic number 27 - stars Tom Sizemore and Val Kilmer , there was so much more to this extremely underrated film .

Most critic slatedRed Planetupon its release . However , the acclaimed reviewerRoger Ebertrecognized the film ’s merits and highlighted its telling “ emphasis on place and character . ” Ebert highlighted howRed Planetbrought to heed sci - fi movies of the 1950s in the agency that scientist were forced to think themselves out of complex problem . AlthoughRed Planet’sbad reputation may put witness off , those willing to give it a hazard will ascertain a human sci - fi story of real depth awaits them .

6Flash Gordon’s Trip To Mars (1938)

Directed by Ford Beebe, Robert F. Hill, & Frederick Stephani

Flash Gordonwas one of the most democratic sci - fi pulp heroes of the 1930s , and his epic 15 - chapter movie dangerous undertaking was among the best picture serials of that era . The full flick has a entire runtime of a walloping 299 minutes as Flash Gordon locomote to Mars to combat Ming the Merciless and his Modern friend , Queen Azura . As the secondment of three long - form movie serials issue by Universal between 1936 and 1940,Trip to Marshad a focussed plotline that was developed over the grade of its multiple installments .

Flash Gordon ’s Trip to Marswill be a real treat for those with nostalgia for an earlier era of sci - fi filmmaking , as each approximately 20 - hour chapter ended on a cliffhanger that encouraged movie house - goers to return to the theater prison term and time again . Flash Gordonwas a great part of 1930s escape that had an important influence on the musical style in the subsequent ten . With mickle of pulpy fun to be enjoyed , head trip to Marsranked amongthe bestFlash Gordonreleases .

5The Angry Red Planet (1959)

Directed by Ib Melchior

The Angry Red Planetwas a highly ambitious small-arm of 1950s sci - fi filmmaking that was produced on a budget of $ 200,000 in just nine day ( viaTCM . ) The economic consumption of “ CineMagic , ” a technique that commingle live - action footage with hand - pull animation , gave this fascinating film a unparalleled aesthetic . From the appearance of miles - gamy Martian edifice to the depiction of tentacled man devouring plants , The Angry Red Planetwas packed with B complex - pic sci - fi spectacle .

As a picture tamp down with suspense and intrigue , The Angry Red Planetpushed advanced movie making to its downright limit as it used unique proficiency to depict sci - fi creatures in a way technology was not yet able of using traditional mean . With oversized beast and Mars colorized in a menacing tinge of red , The Angry Red Planetcan , at times , feel like a febricity ambition in its sheer outrageousness . As a highly underrated film exploring the strange and strange potential of life on Mars , The Angry Red Planetwas a staring good example of campy fifties B - pic sport .

4Aniara (2018)

Directed by Pella Kågerman and Hugo Lilja

Aniara is a Swedish sci - fi drama direct by Pella Kågerman and Hugo Lilja , base on the poem by Harry Martinson . The film follows the journey of a starship hold settler to Mars , which veers off course of study and plunge into existential despair . As the passenger and crew face the vacuum of space , they get by with personnel casualty , isolation , and humankind ’s deeper experiential doubtfulness . The film star Emelie Jonsson and Bianca Cruzeiro .

After clime change has ravaged the Earth , humanity must find a new home on Mars , as testify in the Swedish - Danish filmAniara . However , when passengers on a mint migration starship were ping off course , they were ram to suppose with their place in the universe in this insightful and intellection - harass sci - fi dramatic event . With a imposing and challenging feeling , Aniarawas a deeply philosophic film that embraced the experiential nature of humanity carve out a fresh existence aside from Earth .

Aniarawas based on a 1956 Swedish epic verse form by Harry Martinson , which was a masterpiece of esoteric science - fiction literature . This telling adjustment explored the transitory nature of human macrocosm , which was confounded by the endless expansion of outer space and time , with humans only being minuscule in comparability . Aniaramay not connect with viewers looking for activeness - pack sci - fi adventure , but with philosophic - minded viewers interested in life ’s crowing doubtfulness , it will be a cinematic treat to lay eyes on .

Bruce Wayne in his Batman costume in The Batman

3Robinson Crusoe On Mars (1964)

Directed by Byron Haskin

Robinson Crusoe on Marsadapted the iconic 1719 novel by Daniel Defoe about a man strand on a desert island and gave an enjoyable sci - fi twist . With Paul Mantee as Commander Kit Draper , this retelling of a classic tarradiddle was relinquish in the midst of the Cold War space raceway as plans to get human beings to the Moon were starting to take contour . However , despite this film ’s contemporary relevance , impressive special effects , and imaginative intent , Robinson Crusoeon Mars did not do well at the box office .

However , the report of this sci - fi narrative has only grown in the years since , as modernistic viewers apprise the story of Mantee run aground on Mars with nothing but a scamp familiar . motion-picture photography took place mostly at Death Valley National Parks in California ( viaNational Parks Service ) , which realistically bewitch the essence of the disjunct red satellite . A extremely ambitious pic , in many style , Robinson Crusoe on Marswas out front of its timeas its plot had much in common with Ridley Scott ’s 2015 filmThe Martian .

2Total Recall (1990)

Directed by Paul Verhoeven

Based on Philip K. Dick ’s short story " We Can commemorate It for You Wholesale " , Total Recall tell apart the story of Douglas Quaid ( Arnold Schwarzenegger ) , a construction worker who receives an implanted retention of an dangerous undertaking in humanity ’s colony on Mars . Quaid finds his memory play out in substantial time , hunt by agents of a inscrutable organization as he works to tumble the tyrannous government of a Martian authoritarian ( Ronny Cox ) .

The sci - fi action at law classicTotal Recallhad in truth unbelievable especial effects for 1990 as it say an outrageous story of implanted memory , shadowy brass , and a hidden Martian secret . With Arnold Schwarzenegger as Douglas Quaid , a human race on a fantastical dangerous undertaking on Mars , the unreliable nature of its narrative has viewers deliberate to this day how much ofTotal Recallwas real and what was a dream . The unparalleled premise ofTotal Recallmade for a thrillingly challenging risky venture that wager with consultation expectations .

Total Recallalso boasted a robust story that addressed root of monocracy and colonialism , have it one of Schwarzenegger ’s upright film . Like the adept movies arrange on exotic planet , Total Recallhas a mint more to say about humankind ' live experience and the very nature of cosmos . While the success ofTotal Recallsadly led to a lackluster remake in 2012 , this has not tarnished the legacy of this visually spectacular tarradiddle base on a short fib by Philip K. Dick .

Leigh is strangled while sitting inside the car in Christine

1The Martian (2015)

Directed by Ridley Scott

accommodate by Ridley Scott from Andy Weir ’s novel of the same name , The Martian follow the predicament of astronaut Mark Watney ( Matt Damon ) after he finds himself stranded alone on Mars after he is falsely presumed utter during a mission . Unable to communicate with Earth and armed with little more than his scientific expertise as a botanist , Watney must find a manner to survive on the bare planet until the next scheduled missionary post arrive .

Of all the many movies about Mars that have been released over the preceding number of decades , Ridley Scott’sThe Martianstood out . With telling counseling from Ridley Scott , a compelling lead functioning from Matt Damon , and an engaging script by Drew Goddard free-base on Andy Weir ’s original novel , The Martiangained widespread acclaim and was one of the good movie of 2015 . With equal parts comedy and drama , The Martianfelt both tense and lightheartedas it tell the story of an cosmonaut plant scientist survive alone on Mars .

The Martianwas simultaneously fresh and electrifying and tell apart a moving account of endurance whose infective soundtrack kept things lighthearted with the inclusion of medicine by the ilk of Donna Summer and David Bowie . As a thrilling proceeds to human body for director Ridley Scott , The Martianranked as one ofScott ’s best moviesin recent times as he examine himself once again a master of the sci - fi literary genre . With impressive scientific accuracy about how one could truly survive onMars , The Martianmust be commended as the greatest sci - fi film about the red , mostly inhospitable , major planet .

Jerry-OConnell-in-Mission-to-Mars-and-Liev-Schreiber-in-The-Last-Days-on-Mars

Custom image by Yeider Chacon.

source : El Pais , Roger Ebert , TCM , National Parks Service

John Carter Movie Poster

Adapted from Edgar Rice Burroughs' A Princess of Mars, Disney’s John Carter brings the author’s Barsoom series to life. When American Confederate Civil War captain John Carter accidentally transports himself to Mars, he soon becomes entangled in the planet’s own internal power struggles. Using the increased strength and speed afforded to him by Mars' atmosphere, Carter fights to achieve peace on the distant planet known by the natives as Barsoom.

Headshot Of Mark Strong

Headshot Of Willem Dafoe

Mission to Mars poster

MARTIAN INVADERS - Last Days on Mars

Tom Sizemore Val Killmer Red Planet

Flash Gordon Trip To Mars Mud People

A Martian creature in the The Angry Red Planet

Aniara - Poster

Aniara is a Swedish sci-fi drama directed by Pella Kågerman and Hugo Lilja, based on the poem by Harry Martinson. The film follows the journey of a spaceship carrying settlers to Mars, which veers off course and plunges into existential despair. As the passengers and crew confront the void of space, they grapple with loss, isolation, and humanity’s deeper existential questions. The film stars Emelie Jonsson and Bianca Cruzeiro.

Cast Placeholder Image

Robinson Crusoe On Mars

Article image

Based on Philip K. Dick’s short story “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale”, Total Recall tells the story of Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a construction worker who receives an implanted memory of an adventure in humanity’s colony on Mars. Quaid finds his memories playing out in real time, hunted by agents of a mysterious organization as he works to topple the tyrannical regime of a Martian dictator (Ronny Cox).

The Martian Movie Poster

Adapted by Ridley Scott from Andy Weir’s novel of the same name, The Martian follows the plight of astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) after he finds himself stranded alone on Mars after he is falsely presumed dead during a mission. Unable to communicate with Earth and armed with little more than his scientific expertise as a botanist, Watney must find a way to survive on the barren planet until the next scheduled mission arrives.

Headshot Of Kristen Wiig In The 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards

Headshot Of Sean Bean IN The Game Of Thrones Final Season Premiere