Space-tastic: Our Top 5 Picks for the Cosmic Movie Marathon

Space has always been a source of fascination for humans, and it's no surprise that some of the most memorable and influential films in history have been set in the vast expanse of the cosmos.

From dramas about saving the planet to philosophical musings on the nature of humanity, these films offer a unique perspective on our place in the universe. Here are five of the best space movies that everyone should see at least once.

Interstellar

Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan, solidified Nolan's place as one of the most successful directors of our time. The film follows a group of explorers who journey into space in an effort to save the planet from a food crisis, and features performances from Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain. The film received five Oscar nominations and won the award for Best Visual Effects.

Solaris

Solaris, directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, is a philosophical drama about moral choice, as well as a story about space. The film, which is based on the novel of the same name by Stanislav Lem, was a hit at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize and the FIPRESCI award.

Gravity

Gravity, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is a disaster film that takes place entirely outside of Earth in the weightless environment of space. The film was a major commercial success for Cuarón and features claustrophobic scenes on a spaceship as well as breathtaking views of outer space.

Prometheus

Ridley Scott 's Prometheus was a return to the Alien universe, but unfortunately received mixed reviews from critics and the American Film Academy. Despite featuring performances from Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, and Idris Elba, the film only received one Oscar nomination. However, it was a hit with audiences.

2001: A Space Odyssey

2001: A Space Odyssey, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is based on Arthur C. Clarke's 1951 story The Sentinel. The film follows the journey of a 21st century Odysseus as he sets out on a doomed quest involving space artifacts known as monoliths that have affected the evolution of our planet. Kubrick and Clarke spent two years working on the script for the film.