WatchTree Recommendations
What to Watch After The Martian
From Red Planet Romance to Prehistoric Peril: Four Must‑Watch Picks for Martian Fans
If you loved the clever blend of science, humor and sheer willpower in Ridley Scott’s The Martian, you’ll find a surprisingly diverse quartet of films ready to satisfy that same craving for adventure beyond Earth. From the fresh, animated romance of Lost in Starlight, to the crowd‑pleasing thrills of Star Trek Into Darkness, the timeless gravitas of 2001: A Space Odyssey, and the pulse‑pounding dinosaur chase of 65, each title offers a distinct flavor while echoing the core themes of ingenuity, isolation and the human spirit’s drive to survive.
Together these picks map a spectrum of space‑bound storytelling: Lost in Starlight delivers a new‑generation, visually stunning love story set against a Mars mission; Star Trek Into Darkness captures the camaraderie and daring of a crew battling existential threats; 2001: A Space Odyssey stands as the classic, philosophical foundation that inspired modern sci‑fi; and 65 brings raw, visceral survival to a primeval Earth, reminding us that the fight for life knows no era. Whether you’re after fresh animation, blockbuster action, cinematic history, or gritty survival, this lineup promises a compelling journey for any fan of The Martian’s daring optimism.
Why these movies are similar to The Martian
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.
These recommendations branch out from The Martian with similar tone, themes, genre elements, or audience appeal.
Lost in Starlight
MOVIE • 2025
animation • romance • science_fiction
Why Watch Next
This animated adventure blends the thrill of a Mars mission with a heartfelt love story, offering a fresh, visually striking take on isolation and connection that fans of The Martian’s ingenuity will appreciate.
Overview
When an astronaut leaves Earth for Mars, the vast infinite space divides star-crossed lovers in this animated romance that crosses the cosmos.
Star Trek Into Darkness
MOVIE • 2013
action • adventure • science_fiction
Why Watch Next
A crowd‑pleasing sequel that amps up the camaraderie and daring of a crew facing interstellar danger, delivering the same blend of humor, heroism and high‑stakes action that made The Martian a fan favorite.
Overview
When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.
2001: A Space Odyssey
MOVIE • 1968
science_fiction • mystery • adventure
Why Watch Next
Kubrick’s seminal masterpiece explores existential questions and the awe of space travel, providing a timeless, philosophically rich counterpoint to The Martian’s optimistic survival tale.
Overview
Humanity finds a mysterious object buried beneath the lunar surface and sets off to find its origins with the help of HAL 9000, the world's most advanced super computer.
65
MOVIE • 2023
action • adventure • science_fiction
Why Watch Next
A gritty, dinosaur‑laden survival story that mirrors The Martian’s fight against an unforgiving environment, offering intense action and a compelling father‑daughter dynamic that resonates with audiences.
Overview
65 million years ago, the only 2 survivors of a spaceship from Somaris that crash-landed on Earth, must fend off dinosaurs to reach the escape vessel in time before an imminent asteroid strike threatens to destroy the planet.
More shows and movies featuring actors from The Martian
Looking for familiar faces? These picks include performers connected to The Martian.
Good Will Hunting
MOVIE • 1997
Why It’s Relevant
Good Will Hunting showcases a brilliant problem‑solver confronting personal and intellectual challenges, echoing the inventive, survival‑driven spirit of The Martian.
Zero Dark Thirty
MOVIE • 2012
Why It’s Relevant
Zero Dark Thirty mirrors The Martian's high‑stakes mission vibe, delivering an intense, problem‑solving thriller about a relentless hunt.
Ford v Ferrari
MOVIE • 2019
Why It’s Relevant
Ford v Ferrari centers on engineering ingenuity and high‑stakes competition, mirroring the technical problem‑solving and tension that drive The Martian.
The 355
MOVIE • 2022
Why It’s Relevant
The 355 offers a globe‑spanning, action‑packed rescue feel that echoes the adventurous, survival‑against‑odds spirit of The Martian.