7 Fascinating Space Documentaries to Watch Today

Space is an enticing subject for all audiences. Whether scientists or enthusiasts want to learn a bit more about their favorite subject or parents and teachers are looking for educational material for kids, space documentaries are sure to please. They’re steeped in fascinating information and give Earth-bound people a chance to see what astronauts and astronomers get to analyze. But what are the best ones to watch?

While this list of space documentaries is far from exhaustive, it does include many great movies and shows to savor over a few days or binge-watch all at once. Viewers can review their passions or learn a bit more about various subjects. Here are seven exciting space documentaries to start watching today.

1. Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know (2020)

On April 10, 2019, astronomers released the first-ever image of a black hole humanity had ever seen. The project director of the Event Horizon telescope said over 200 researchers helped reach this incredible achievement. But what do people really know about black holes? Astronomers are still trying to determine much about these intriguing space objects and Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know attempts to provide some answers.

This almost two-hour documentary discusses what black holes are and what scientists know so far. Those interested in watching can access the documentary on YouTube, Google Play, Netflix, Apple TV and Amazon Prime.

2. Challenger: The Final Flight (2020)

Those new to learning about space may not know about the tragic Challenger launch on January 28, 1986. While this is a sadder space documentary, it is a part of learning about the brave people who brought the human race to space and how to prevent future tragedies. It also features interviews of friends, family and fellow scientists who knew the astronauts who unfortunately perished during the Challenger’s televised launch.

This four-part miniseries is currently only available on Netflix. Each episode is about 45 minutes, making it manageable for a classroom or a night of education with space documentaries.

3. The Farthest (2017)

How far has humanity crossed into space? While they may not have gone as far physically, the Voyager 1 has traveled over 11 billion miles away from the planet since it first launched on September 5, 1977. The craft was able to reach Jupiter by March 5, 1979, and officially entered interstellar space on August 1, 2012. Voyager 1 — and its twin, Voyager 2 — have sice sent back incredible images and changed astronomers’ understanding of several space objects.

The Farthest covers the history of the Voyager program and features interviews of the original and current NASA teams involved in the project. Those who want to enjoy this one-and-a-half documentary can get it on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV and Google Play. However, it is also available for free with PBS.

4. The Wonderful: Stories From the Space Station (2021)

Ever wondered what it’s like to be off-planet? This space documentary has you covered. The Wonderful: Stories From the Space Station features interviews from various astronauts that have personally been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and their experiences. No longer do people have to wait until space travel becomes available to the public — they can experience what it’s like with this astounding film.

The Wonderful: Stories From the Space Station is about two hours long and covers more than 20 years of the creation of the ISS. It is available on Apple TV, Vudu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Redbox and YouTube.

5. The Hunt for Planet B (2021)

One topic on the majority of people’s minds is climate change. While climate scientists are doing what they can to save Earth, many worry the planet is past the point of no return. What can humans do to save the species? If staying on the home planet isn’t an option, Planet B may be the next best option. This documentary covers the now-infamous James Webb Telescope as well as the scientists searching for another world that can sustain human life.

The Hunt for Planet B has about an hour-and-a-half runtime and discusses the scientific intrigue and emotional reasons for finding a new planet. It’s available on a variety of platforms — Sling TV, Apple TV, Google Play, Roku, YouTube and Amazon Prime.

6. The Planets (2019)

For those who want to know more about the planets, look no further than this aptly-named space documentary. It originally premiered on the BBC Network in the U.K. with a voiceover by Professor Brian Cox of the University of Manchester. The Planets combines computer-generated imagery (CGI) with actual footage from space missions to discuss the Sun and groupings of the other elements of the solar system. Zachary Quinto narrates the Planets for U.S. audiences.

The series comprises five episodes, which cover the Sun and the rocky planets, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and the three remaining icy planets. For easy viewing, The Planets is available on PBS NOVA and BBC Earth.

7. Alien Worlds (2020)

What would life look like on other planets? What are some of the ways they could have developed? Alien Worlds combines science fact and fiction to theorize what different species could look like out in space. The series takes imagined extraterrestrial objects and imagines what life on Earth could have adapted to with alternate environmental stressors. While Alien Worlds isn’t strictly a factual docuseries, it is a fun look at what other life forms might look like and why. Life out there probably won’t look human.

Alien Worlds is a four-part space documentary anyone might love as a proposed look at extraterrestrial beings using CGI. Each 40-minute episode is available on Netflix and is narrated by Sophie Okonedo.

Watch These Excellent Space Documentaries

Space is an exciting frontier for all humans to discover. While some may not make it there in their lifetimes, they can still enjoy what the outer realm has to offer through these fantastic space documentaries. Check out these space documentaries, shows and movies to learn more about the exciting worlds beyond Earth’s atmosphere.