Despite eventually becoming a writer, I definitely went through an astronaut phase as a kid. I mean, who didn’t? There’s something so fascinating about outer space and the universe, and for little kids with big dreams, imagining yourself strapped into a rocket ship, hurtling toward the stars, is pretty exciting. Plus, with the recent Artemis II launch (who else watched it live?), and the release of Project Hail Mary—the book-to-movie adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling science fiction novel—everyone’s eyes are turned back toward the skies.

Your little one may be a long way off from their own trip to the International Space Station, but in the meantime, there are plenty of kid-friendly space movies to keep them dreaming big. From nostalgic films to parent-approved picks, these family-friendly movies have all the epic adventure and nods to modern science that make outer space movies so fun to watch. If you’re already sewing your kiddo’s space costume for Halloween, you’ll want to add these to your watchlist.

You May Also Like:

In this article
1 How we chose the best outer space movies
2 Best space movies for younger kids (ages 4-7)
3 Best space movies for older kids (ages 8-10)
4 Best space movies for tweens and teens (ages 11+)
5 Fun space movie night ideas for families
6 FAQs about space movies for kids

How we chose the best outer space movies

1. Nostalgic picks

Stories about space and astronauts are one of the film genres that have transcended time. On this list, you’ll find plenty of space movies from the 80’s and 90’s that you may have watched when you were a kid (Zenon and E.T., for example!) These are the perfect nostalgic picks to share with your kiddos in the wake of the Artemis II launch.

2. Modern parent-approved favorites

Next, we turned to members of The Everymom team with little ones of their own, and asked them what space films they have already shared with their kiddos (or are eager to share once they’re old enough). Many of these picks are kid-friendly animated movies, Disney favorites, and other films perfect for younger kiddos just starting to learn about outer space.

3. Parent age rating recommendations

Finally, we turned to Common Sense Media to confirm age ratings and recommendations from their community of parents.

Note for parents: Many of these films deal with dangerous and high-stress situations, heavy topics, and other themes that may be distressing for some younger viewers. Consider researching and watching first if you’re concerned.

wall-e image space movies for kids
Source: Disney

Best space movies for younger kids (ages 4-7)

Wall-E (2008)

Rated: G | Run time: 1h 39m | Where to watch: Disney+

Wall-E is the last robot left on Earth. He spends his days tidying up the planet the best he can, until he spots EVE, a probe sent back to Earth on a scanning mission. Invigorated with a new purpose, Wall-E embarks on a journey through the universe with EVE. Together, they’ll try to save humanity and Earth.

This is a Disney movie perfect for younger kiddos (it’s also an Oscar winner!). Not only does the film encourage conversations about environmental responsibility, but it also promotes kindness toward those who are different from us and sparks curiosity about the universe and life beyond our planet.

Elio (2025)

Rated: PG | Run time: 1h 42m | Where to watch: Disney+

Elio is just like many of the young kids watching the film: a space fanatic with an unquenchable curiosity about the universe. When he’s accidentally beamed up to an interplanetary organization and mistaken for Earth’s leader, he must bond with aliens and navigate an intergalactic crisis.

Elio is great for kids not only because of its space content, but because of the positive role model the film provides with its protagonist. Elio is kind, compassionate, and a strong leader. He navigates complex emotions with grace and shows kids watching that family can be found anywhere. This is another Disney Oscar-nominated film!

More of the best space movies for younger kids

elio image space movies for kids
Source: © 2024 Disney/Pixar

Best space movies for older kids (ages 8-10)

E.T. (1982)

Rated: PG | Run time: 2h | Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV

When a gentle alien is stranded on Earth, he’s discovered by a young boy named Elliott, who strives to keep the alien’s existence a secret. Eventually, the two form a unique and unbreakable bond, one that comes to a head as E.T. is the subject of a risky government experiment.

If there’s any film on this list that captures the magic of childhood, it’s this one. E.T. is a timeless classic enjoyed by multiple generations. With its profound themes of friendship, empathy, and loyalty, it’s a worthy choice for a family movie night.

Flight of the Navigator (1986)

Rated: PG | Run time: 1h 29m | Where to watch: Disney+

Looking for an ’80s family movie? Put on Flight of the Navigator. Twelve-year-old David disappears in the woods and is discovered eight years later—but he hasn’t aged. As scientists try to determine why, David escapes on a spaceship adventure alongside his robot assistant, Max—voiced by actor and comedian Paul Reubens.

While kids might be skeptical of the 1980’s special effects, the movie still holds up. It features a smart and dynamic protagonist who paves his own way (and even outsmarts some adults). The film allows young viewers to explore the universe through an engaging, imaginative tale.

Project Hail Mary (2026)

Rated: PG-13 | Run time: 2h 37m | Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters! The film is expected to make its streaming debut on Amazon Prime Video later this spring.

Based on the bestselling science fiction novel by Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary follows science teacher Ryland Grace after he wakes up on a spaceship with no recollection of how he got there. As he pieces together his memory, he realizes he must find a way to destroy the mysterious substance blotting out the sun and bringing humanity to the brink of extinction. Along the way, he’ll form an unexpected bond with a creature he never could have imagined.

If you’re weary of this film’s PG-13 rating, don’t fret. This is a gripping and imaginative science fiction film that blends exploration of the universe with themes of friendship, loyalty, and discovering one’s true purpose. While its high-stakes plot line does include some tension, suspense, and sci-fi-related danger, it should be an appropriate family watch for your older kiddos.

As always, do research beforehand and screen the film first—every kid is different.

project hail mary space movies for kids
Source: Amazon MGM Studios

More of the best space movies for older kids

Best space movies for tweens and teens (ages 11+)

Interstellar (2014)

Rated: PG-13 | Run time: 2h 49m | Where to watch: Peacock or Paramount Plus

From award-winning director Christopher Nolan, Interstellar is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest science fiction films of all time, not only for its excellent writing, but for its scientific accuracy. The film follows ex-pilot Cooper after he leaves his family to embark on a journey across the universe. Ultimately, he’ll discover if humanity has a future among the stars or not.

The stunning visuals and excellent score make this film a standout from the get-go, but what really sets Interstellar apart is how well it blends the realities of space travel with the human experience. At the story’s core rests Cooper’s unconditional love for his daughter, a thread to home that never breaks, no matter how far away he gets. This will surely be an emotional watch, but also a profound one that will spark conversations about the importance of family.

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Rated: PG-13 | Run time: 2h 2m | Where to watch: Disney+

In this epic movie, wild space adventurer Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) finds himself the target of a notorious bounty hunter after he steals an orb desired by a powerful villain. In order to evade this villain, Quill forms an uneasy truce with four other space-traveling misfits. Together, they discover the true purpose of the orb and the threat it poses to the universe.

This is an action-packed adventure film that blends high-stakes plot lines and space-related peril with teamwork, chosen family, and (most importantly) lots of humor. From the first scene, your teens and tweens will fall in love with the franchise, which now includes two sequels: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Note for parents: the film does feature moderate language and some sexual innuendos.

guardians of the galaxy image space movies for kids
Source: © Disney

The Martian (2015)

Rated: PG-13 | Run time: 2h 31m | Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Of all the movies on this list, this one is by far my favorite. Another film based on one of Andy Weir’s bestselling science fiction novels, The Martian follows astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) after he’s accidentally left behind on Mars by his fellow astronauts. Thus begins a several-year-long journey of struggling to survive in the planet’s inhospitable conditions while he awaits rescue.

Matt Damon shines in this movie. His charm and comedic timing make Mark an instantly likable character, one your older kids will surely get a kick out of. Throughout the movie, he relies not on luck to survive, but on scientific knowledge and problem-solving, making him a worthy role model for your kids. Most impressively, the story blends the hard realities of science and space travel with the determination of humanity to survive, no matter what. Make sure to add this to your family movie night watch list!

More of the best space movies for tweens and teens

Fun space movie night ideas for families

The best movie nights are on-theme! Next time you turn on a space movie for your family, try out some of these space-themed ideas to keep your kids entertained and excited:

  • Turn off the lights and make your living room glow-in-the-dark for the duration of the movie! This is easy to achieve with glowsticks from the Dollar Store.
  • Include some on-theme snacks! These don’t have to be crazy at all: “moon rocks” can be popcorn, “alien slime” can be green jello, or a “cosmic cupcake” can just be a normal cupcake.
  • Get your kiddos moving with some astronaut training challenges! These can be memory games, balance tests, or homemade obstacle courses—things that stimulate real astronaut training!
  • During “intermission,” quiz your little ones on some space trivia! This doesn’t have to be too hard or challenging. It can be as simple as “Name that planet.”
  • Do some space-themed crafts! These can include cardboard astronaut helmets or rockets, paper plate UFOs, model solar systems, or space-themed temporary tattoos.
  • After the movie is over, take your kiddos outside for some pre-bedtime stargazing! They’re bound to be much more curious about the night sky after watching a space movie.

Doing activities like these will make the movie-watching experience extra memorable for you and your family. As a result, your kids are more likely to keep asking questions about the film and the science involved. They may even bring that curiosity into school with them!

space movies for kids temporary tattoos
Source: Kindel Media | Pexels
space movies for kids treats
Source: JesĂșs Vidal | Unsplash
Source: Kindel Media | Pexels
Source: JesĂșs Vidal | Unsplash

FAQs about space movies for kids

Are space movies educational for children?

Yes, there are plenty of educational space movies for kids! These films cater to a wide range of ages and are often based in real scientific knowledge about our solar system and the universe. Watching with your little ones will spark meaningful conversations about life on other planets, galaxies other than our own, and the science behind building rockets and probes.

Are there any true-story space movies for kids?

Yes! Space movies such as Hidden Figures (best for older kids) and Apollo 13 (best for tweens and teens) are dramatized adaptations of real-life space missions and scientists. These films are great jumping off points for kiddos to learn more about NASA and space exploration.

What space movies are appropriate for toddlers?

Space movies like Wall-E, Toy Story, Elio, and Space Jam are best for toddlers. These animated space movies offer simple plot lines and engaging visuals, while still sparking plenty of curiosity about the universe, aliens, and outer space.

What is the best space movie for young kids?

The best space movies for younger kids include animated space movies like Elio and Wall-E, as well as ‘80s classics like E.T. or Flight of the Navigator. These films blend high-stakes space peril and adventure with kid-friendly visuals and dialogue. They’re sure to spark curiosity about space travel and the universe without scaring your kids too much.

As always, every kid is different. Make sure to research these films before you watch them with your family.

What is the best space movie for teens and tweens?

The best space movies for teens and tweens include educational films like Hidden Figures and Interstellar, as well as humorous and adventurous movies like The Martian and Guardians of the Galaxy. These films tackle themes that will resonate with teens—friendship, chosen family, and resilience—while exploring scientific ideas they’re likely learning about in school. And don’t be surprised if Project Hail Mary is soon added to this list.

Rebecca Smith
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Smith, Editorial Intern

As editorial intern, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content, and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented by contributing to The Everymom.

READ REBECCA’S FULL BIO