One does not need a degree in astrophysics to be fascinated by space. Today, the best space documentaries can inform you about planets, constellations, and satellites. Anyone interested in everything space-related can understand how we could explore space and what odds we have at colonising it so that, one day, we could build a better future for humanity here, on our planet.
By now, you might be wondering – Are there any good space documentaries on Netflix? Definitely, yes! And these documentaries are not only interesting but also informative because they explore all sorts of subjects – from life possibilities on other planets to famous space missions that made it to our history annals. Below, we list some of the best space science documentaries, highly praised by viewers and critics alike.
Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking
Ever wondered, what is the most viewed documentary on Netflix? That would be Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking. This is a short documentary series that captivates audiences by blending astrophysical facts into accessible and engaging concepts the wide public can understand. This scientific space documentary explores Stephen Hawking’s brilliant ideas, including the possibility of time travel, physics behind the black holes, and more – all using stunning CGI and wonderful storytelling.
The Farthest: Voyager in Space
One of the best space documentaries Netflix released recently, this film covers famous Voyager missions that helped us gain a better understanding of far-away planets in our solar system. The visuals are breathtaking, and the documentary almost became the most-watched one while scoring an impressive 8.1/10 on IMDb.
The Universe
This highly acclaimed space documentary series, produced by the History Channel and streaming on Netflix, investigates the vastness of space, far-away planets, stars, black holes, and other celestial phenomena. With expert interviews, computer-generated imagery, and in-depth analysis, The Universe offers a comprehensive and visually captivating journey through space.
The Mars Generation
This almost documentary show presents American teenagers who dream about exploring Mars and have gathered to train under their experienced mentors’ guidance. Besides a training camp, this documentary features many experts who talk about different subjects such as the Challenger and Columbia shuttle disasters, speculating about the future of space expansion. Mars Generation does not make it to the list of 100% accurate space documentaries on Netflix because it features a fictional plot, but this add-on can also serve as a bonus for non-technical viewers.
Return to space
Orbital Today, SpaceNews and Space.com unanimously agree that these days, one can’t talk about space without discussing Elon Musk and SpaceX – and that’s what Return to Space is about. This documentary highlights the company’s iconic accomplishments and many challenges faced while navigating into orbit. You can see the historic Falcon rocket launch, and a trip to the ISS, and discover some motives that drove Musk and his team.
Aliens World
This is a deep space Netflix documentary that, ironically, doesn’t say much about space, nebulae, stars, etc. Instead, it focuses on how life on other planets in our vast Universe could look like. Aliens World pays close attention to four exoplanets – Atlas, Terra, Eden, and Janus. This documentary premise is that there’s a biosphere in the first three, whereas Terra is technologically advanced but dying. And while this show does not deal with confirmed scientific facts, it builds on valid theories of planetary evolution, technology, and more.
Black Holes is The Edge of All We Know
Black Holes is The Edge of All We Know provides an in-depth look at the Event Horizon Telescope project. As scientists try to capture images of a black hole, they shed light on our Universe’s most mysterious phenomena. This documentary is based on real scientific insights and was created with the help of many bright minds, including Steven Hawking. No wonder, it captured so much attention – not only from ‘ordinary’ viewers, but also from the scientific community.
Bonus: Best science series on Netflix
If you are passionate not only about space but also about science in general, you may enjoy these science documentaries on Netflix, because they explore all sorts of subjects related to our planet and offer some valuable food for thought:
● Our Planet: this breathtaking documentary about nature explores our world’s beauty while discussing how climate change influences our ecosystems.
● Down to Earth with Zac Efron: this documentary series explores sustainable living practices, emphasising culture and wellness through engaging and informative scenarios.
● A Life on Our Planet: this science documentary highlights the critical state of our nature due to technological impact, serving as a powerful call to action to anyone who cares.
Watching space documentaries and shows that discuss relevant problems at home can give us some food for thought and, hopefully, point humanity in the right direction that focuses on nurturing the vast resources we have at hand. But before this happens, we can at least enjoy a good night in front of our TVs!
Author: Emma Thorpe
Leave a Reply