19 of the best space documentaries you need to watch

• Humanity has always found the topic of space to be fascinating, capturing our imaginations and motivating us to explore the vast unknown.
• Science and technological developments have made it feasible for us to explore the universe in previously unimaginable ways.
• However, not everyone can see the marvels of space for themselves.

Fortunately, many space documentaries are available that can take us to the far reaches of the cosmos and show us a glimpse of space's breathtaking majesty. But which ones are worth watching?

Well, here we'll look at some of the best space documentaries in this piece, covering subjects like the evolution of space exploration, cosmic mysteries, and the potential for further space travel. Whether you're a die-hard space fan or just looking for a fun and educational documentary to watch, these ideas will satisfy your curiosity and make you think about the final frontier.

The list below is not exhaustive; it is also in no particular order.

What are the best space documentaries?

There are thousands of space documentaries, but some are leagues ahead. Of course, like any question of this nature, personal taste will decide which is "the best." 

But, there are some outstanding space documentaries that, simply put, are a must-watch. We have included a few of these in our list below, but there are more.

What are the best space documentaries around?

The last years happened to have produced some great space documentaries. These include, but are not limited to:

• Apollo 11 - An inspiring documentary about one of the most significant achievements of our species. It is a compilation of footage and contemporary audio from the time. We'll discuss this in more detail further on.
• Chasing the Moon - This great little documentary series traces the significant events behind the race to land on the Moon. It also includes archival footage, some never-seen-before by the public.
• Searching for Skylab - America's Forgotten Triumph - This 2019 documentary explores the story behind the 1970s American space station Skylab.

But there is a huge catalog of space documentaries that are great to watch, whatever year. 

1. "Apollo 11" has no narrator

"Apollo 11" is a fascinating documentary packed with historical footage from this history-making manned mission to the Moon. You'll see actual footage from the NASA control room, the rocket itself, and the moon lander.

It offers an incredible opportunity to understand everything that went into that awe-inspiring event, from pre-launch to splashdown recovery. 

Unlike other documentaries, "Apollo 11" does not have a narrator. All audio is from mission control, which can sometimes make it difficult to understand. Otherwise, this is a refreshing and fascinating insight into one of man's most outstanding achievements.

2. "Fight for Space" is a must watch

"The Fight for Space" is an exciting documentary whose central theme is the decline of the space program post the Apollo program. The documentary attempts to explain why, since then, man hasn't even left Earth's orbit.

It features famous scientists like American astronomer and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and Michio Kaku, who argue that the decision to cut back on space exploration funding was a real scientific tragedy. They also attempt to make a case for returning to space immediately.

This is a must-watch if you love space and exploration.

3. "Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman" is awesome

"Through the Wormhole" is remarkable simply by the fact it is narrated by none other than Morgan Freeman. But, it also is an excellent documentary exploring some of the deepest mysteries of existence.

It attempts to answer things like: 

- What was there before the beginning?

- Are we alone?

- Is there a creator?

The documentary brings together the brightest minds and best ideas from the very edges of science - Astrophysics, Astrobiology, Quantum Mechanics, String Theory, and more. It is fascinating to watch. 

4. Carl Sagan's "Cosmos" is legendary

Carl Sagan's "Cosmos" is the closest you'll ever get to the perfect documentary series on space and the cosmos. It is an absolute must-watch for anyone who considers themselves a fan of space exploration.

Hosted and narrated by the late, great Carl Sagan, "Cosmos" is simply one of the best on the market. By watching "Cosmos," you will be treated to an engaging guided tour of the universe as we knew it back in the 1980s.

It originally aired on PBS and is split into 13 fascinating episodes. Do yourself a favor and watch as soon as you can.

5. "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" is an excellent reboot of Sagan's masterpiece

Hosted and narrated by the great Neil deGrasse Tyson, "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" is effectively a homage to the 1980s masterpiece with Carl Sagan. Neil often quotes Carl Sagan as one of his greatest inspirations for pursuing his career in Astrophysics.

This sequel-of-sorts is split into 13 episodes and features updated graphics and information to bring it up to current science and discoveries. It, like the original, is another must-see documentary on space and offers a great fresh look into the void. 

You won't regret binge-watching this one.

6. "Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking" is riveting

If a documentary includes the much-missed Stephen Hawking, it must be good, right? Frankly, if you want to hear the views of anyone on the subject of space, you can't go wrong with one of the most acclaimed scientists of all time.

The 2010 TV mini-series was written by Stephen and feature aliens, time travel, and the story of everything, with incredible graphics and exciting explanations from the theoretical physicist and cosmologist.

This documentary series has everything you'll ever need in one neat package. Add this to your to-watch list ASAP.

7. "Journey to the Edge of the Universe" won't disappoint

Depending on which versions you watch, you'll either be rewarded with the dulcet tones of Alex Baldwin for the US Version or the great Sean Pertwee for the British version.

"Journey to the Edge of the Universe" takes you on a graphic-packed, breathtaking tour of the universe.

It promises and doesn't disappoint to take you to the edge of space as we know it and hits you with scientific facts. It is an excellent space documentary that you'd be silly to miss.

This excellent 2008 documentary was the first broadcast on National Geographic and the Discovery Channel. 

8. "Hubble" is a charming documentary

This 2010 IMAX documentary film is another great one to watch if you haven't already. Also known as Hubble 3D, IMAX: Hubble or IMAX: Hubble 3D, this documentary is an exciting insight into the efforts made to maintain necessary scientific instruments in space. 

Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, the documentary primarily focuses on the trials and tribulations of 7 astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on a mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. 

If you haven't caught this one yet, it comes thoroughly recommended. 

9. "For All Mankind" is another fantastic space documentary

Released in 1989, "For All Mankind" is an excellent space documentary you must watch as soon as possible. Compiled from original footage of NASA's Apollo program, this documentary is a fascinating insight into the effort made to put the first humans on the Moon.

Directed by Al Reinert and the score composed by Brian Eno, this documentary is space documentary gold. The documentary, some might call a piece of art, focuses on the beauty of our home planet as seen from space.

It includes the personal experiences of the Apollo program crew and mission control staff. This is a different watching experience compared to other entries on this list. 

10. "In the Shadow of the Moon" is an exciting take on the mission to the Moon

A British-made documentary/film, "In the Shadow of the Moon," is yet another fantastic space documentary that is worth spending your time watching. Released in 2007, it documents the United States' crewed missions to the Moon.

It first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the World Cinema Audience Award the same year. The following year, it was the first film to be awarded Sir Arthur Clarke Award.

Like other documentaries featured on this list, "In the Shadow of the Moon" features original footage from various missions to the Moon. 

11. "The Last Man on the Moon" is an inspiring story

First released in 2014, "The Last Man on the Moon" centers around the events of astronaut Eugene "Gene" Cernan, who walked on the Moon in 1972. Before leaving Earth's nearest celestial body, he left his footprints and his daughter's initials on the Lunar dust. 

This documentary is the first to share his epic story about fulfillment, love, and loss. Combining rare archival footage with compelling visual FX, this documentary offers unparalleled access to this iconic historical figure. 

12. "Roving Mars" is a must-watch for any Mars maniac

If you are fascinated by the "Red Planet," watch this little documentary. Initially released in 2006, "Roving Mars" is an IMAX documentary film about the development, launch, and operation of the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity. 

The documentary film uses actual photographs from the surface of Mars and includes CGI to bring the stills to life. The film was a raging success and made somewhere in the region of $10 million by 2009. 

If you love Mars, you will enjoy watching this fantastic documentary.

13. "Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo" is yet another excellent space documentary

First released in 2017, "Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo" is another space documentary lovers must watch. Focussing on the behind-the-scenes work of mission control, this documentary provides essential information into the lives of the unsung heroes of many space missions.

It combines archival footage and present-day interviews to bring this incredible period of history to life for a modern audience. This is an exciting view for any space program enthusiast. 

14. "First to the Moon: The Journey of Apollo 8" is another excellent space documentary

Premiered in 2018, "First to the Moon: The Journey of Apollo 8" is yet another fantastic space documentary you need to add to your list of stuff to watch -- if you haven't already. Focussing on the events around the second manned mission to the Moon, this documentary offers never-seen-before footage and insights you don't want to miss.

Apollo 8 launched on the 21st of December 1968 and was the first manned spacecraft to leave low Earth orbit and reach the Moon. Not only that, but it also returned to Terra Firma safely.

Initially screened at The Explorers Club in New York City, the Kansas Cosmosphere, and Arizona State University, this documentary comes highly recommended.  

15. "The Space Movie" was produced to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Moon landings

First released in 1979, "The Space Movie" is an exciting take on the Moon landings that occurred a decade before. Produced on request by NASA, this 78-minute-long documentary is narrated by Ed Bishop (a famous contemporary actor) and is a space documentary classic.

Featuring an excellent musical score produced by Mike Oldfield (of Tubular Bells fame), it is a musical journey through our solar system and beyond. It features breathtaking images of the universe and is an epic watch.

16. "The Farthest" traces the journey of Voyager 1 and 2

An Irish production, "The Farthest" chronicles the history of mankind's farthest objects sent into space. Initially released in 2017, this documentary offers a fascinating insight into the only things created by man ever to leave our solar system.

This alone makes the story of the Voyager program unprecedented in human history, and the production includes the testimony of the NASA team involved in its realization. This is a much watch for any self-described space fan.

17. "Moonwalk One" is another fantastic documentary chronically the history-making events of Apollo 11

If you can't get enough of the events of the 1969 Moon landings, then "Moonwalk One" is another space documentary you need to watch. First released in the early 1970s, this documentary is jam-packed with helpful information about all aspects of the Apollo 11 mission.

It is a feature-length production that portrays the massive technological investment and achievements made to ensure the mission's success. If you need some inspiration, this space documentary certainly fits the bill. 

18. "Earthrise" is another fascinating documentary for space lovers

"Earthrise" is a space documentary that tells the story of the first image of Earth ever captured from space in the late-1960s. Told from the perspective of the Apollo 8 astronauts, the docufilm recounts the experiences and memories of this groundbreaking and historical image.

The image has changed our perspective of our place in the cosmos beyond all imagination, and this documentary captures the event's significance. The documentary is a much-watch, offering a view transcending national, political, and religious boundaries. 

19. "The Search for Life in Space" will blow your mind

Is there other life out there in the universe? This is a fundamental question in the back of the mind of anyone who dares to ponder the wonders of the void. 

This is the central premise behind the production of "The Search for Life in Space". This documentary takes a breakneck-speed tour from the depths of the pacific ocean to the far reaches of space on a quest to find life beyond our planet and solar system. 

It attempts to answer, in its way, questions like "Where did we come from?", "How did we get here?" and "Are we alone?"

And that's your lot for today.

Space documentaries offer a unique opportunity to explore the vast expanse of our universe and gain a deeper understanding of the mysteries that lie beyond our world. From the early days of space exploration to the latest discoveries and developments in space science, these documentaries provide an entertaining and educational experience that can inspire and captivate audiences of all ages.

Whether you're a casual viewer or a die-hard space enthusiast, the documentaries on this list will leave you in awe and spark a wonder about the infinite possibilities that await us in the great unknown. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare for an unforgettable journey to the final frontier.