As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Space documentaries have provided incredible insights into the mysteries of the cosmos, the history of space exploration, and the human endeavors to reach beyond Earth. Based on IMDb ratings, the following list highlights the top 10 space documentaries, ranked from highest to lowest rating.

1. “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage” (1980)

• IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
• Narrator: Carl Sagan
• Director: Adrian Malone
• Summary:
  Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, hosted by Carl Sagan, remains a landmark in space documentaries. It explores everything from the origins of life on Earth to the vastness of the universe. Sagan’s philosophical reflections and poetic narrative make this series a profound exploration of science and human existence. The series is often credited with inspiring a generation of scientists and space enthusiasts.

2. “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” (2014)

• IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
• Narrator: Neil deGrasse Tyson
• Director: Brannon Braga, Ann Druyan
• Summary:
  A modern continuation of Sagan’s original Cosmos, A Spacetime Odyssey follows in its predecessor’s footsteps by bringing the wonders of the universe to a new generation. Hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, this series utilizes stunning visual effects to explore cosmic phenomena, from the Big Bang to the development of life on Earth. It is both an educational and visual spectacle.

3. “The Planets” (2019)

• IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
• Narrator: Brian Cox
• Director: Gideon Bradshaw
• Summary:
  Narrated by physicist Brian Cox, The Planets takes viewers on a journey across our solar system, revealing the history and mysteries of each planet. With cutting-edge visual effects and accessible explanations, this series covers everything from Mars’s ancient water flows to the violent storms of Jupiter, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in planetary science.

4. “Journey to the Edge of the Universe” (2008)

• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
• Narrators: Alec Baldwin (U.S.), Sean Pertwee (U.K.)
• Directors: Yavar Abbas
• Summary:
  This documentary takes viewers on an epic journey through space, traveling from Earth to the very edge of the observable universe. Using CGI, the documentary explores various astronomical phenomena, such as black holes and supernovae, providing a visually captivating experience while grounding the content in modern scientific theories.

5. “Apollo 11” (2019)

• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
• Director: Todd Douglas Miller
• Summary:
  Apollo 11 presents a fresh look at the historic Moon landing using newly discovered footage. By removing narration and relying solely on mission audio, the documentary allows viewers to experience the tension, excitement, and triumph of one of humanity’s greatest achievements as if it were happening in real-time. This immersive approach makes it a standout entry in the space documentary genre.

6. “For All Mankind” (1989)

• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
• Director: Al Reinert
• Summary:
  This documentary captures the Apollo missions using NASA’s archival footage. For All Mankind combines the raw emotions of the astronauts with breathtaking imagery of the Moon and Earth from space. The film is less about the technical aspects of the Apollo missions and more about the experience of being in space, giving viewers an intimate look at humanity’s first steps beyond Earth.

7. “The Last Man on the Moon” (2014)

• IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
• Narrator: Eugene Cernan
• Director: Mark Craig
• Summary:
  This documentary follows the life of Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the Moon. It offers a personal perspective on the emotional and physical challenges faced by astronauts and the lasting effects of their missions on their personal lives. The film paints a poignant portrait of the Apollo program through Cernan’s eyes, highlighting the bittersweet reality of space exploration.

8. “The Farthest: Voyager in Space” (2017)

• IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
• Director: Emer Reynolds
• Summary:
  The Farthest tells the story of the Voyager space probes, which have been traveling through the solar system since 1977. These probes gave humanity its first close-up views of the outer planets and continue to transmit data as they journey into interstellar space. This documentary celebrates the scientific breakthroughs of the Voyager missions and the incredible legacy they leave behind.

9. “In the Shadow of the Moon” (2007)

• IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
• Director: David Sington
• Summary:
  Featuring interviews with Apollo astronauts, In the Shadow of the Moon focuses on the human stories behind NASA‘s lunar missions. The documentary highlights the bravery, determination, and personal sacrifices of those who ventured into space, offering a personal and reflective take on the golden age of space exploration.

10. “Hubble” (2010)

• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
• Narrator: Leonardo DiCaprio
• Directors: Toni Myers
• Summary:
  IMAX’s Hubble takes viewers on an awe-inspiring journey through space as seen through the Hubble Space Telescope. The documentary highlights stunning images of distant galaxies and nebulae, while also documenting the astronaut missions to repair and upgrade the telescope. With narration by Leonardo DiCaprio, Hubble is a breathtaking visual journey that showcases the importance of this iconic telescope.

The documentaries listed here represent the pinnacle of space exploration storytelling. Whether they focus on the scientific achievements of space exploration or the profound philosophical questions posed by our understanding of the cosmos, each film provides an immersive and thought-provoking experience. From the timeless reflections of Cosmos: A Personal Voyage to the gripping real-time footage of Apollo 11, these documentaries have earned their high ratings by capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide.