Movies like Planet Hunting With The James Webb Space Telescope (2021)
The best movies like Planet Hunting With The James Webb Space Telescope (2021) are The Arrival (1996), Doppelgänger (1969) and 2010 (1984). If Planet Hunting With The James Webb Space Telescope hooked you, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedStar Wars (1977)8.2/10 from 23,165 votes
- NewestSignal One (2026)Released 2026
The Arrival (1996)
Zane Ziminski is an astrophysicist who receives a message that seems to have extraterrestrial origins. Eerily soon after his discovery, Zane is fired. He then embarks on a search to determine the origins of the transmission that leads him into a Hitchcockian labyrinth of paranoia and intrigue.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDoppelgänger (1969)
A planet is discovered in the same orbit as Earth's but is located on the exact opposite side of the sun, making it not visible from Earth. The European Space Exploration Council decide to send American astronaut Glenn Ross and British scientist John Kane via spaceship to explore the other planet.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like this2010 (1984)
While planet Earth poises on the brink of nuclear self-destruction, a team of Russian and American scientists aboard the Leonov hurtles to a rendezvous with the still-orbiting Discovery spacecraft and its sole known survivor, the homicidal computer HAL.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisClara (2018)
An astronomer becomes obsessed with searching the cosmos for signs of life beyond Earth which leads to a shocking discovery.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like this2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
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.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Man from Planet X (1951)
While watching for a planet that may collide with earth, scientists stationed in Scotland are approached by a visitor from outer space.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisSignal One (2026)
A computer scientist is invited by a tech billionaire to join his private facility on a Caribbean island to investigate extraterrestrial matter on Earth. When they make contact beyond our world, chaos erupts as we’re left to wonder: do they come in peace?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Anakin Skywalker, a young slave strong with the Force, is discovered on Tatooine. Meanwhile, the evil Sith have returned, enacting their plot for revenge against the Jedi.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisUnknown: Cosmic Time Machine (2023)
The James Webb Telescope stirs imaginations with vivid photos of distant galaxies. This documentary tracks its historic journey from inception to launch.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisProject: ALF (1996)
Six years ago, the lovable intergalactic fugitive Gordon Shumway, best known as ALF, was on his way back to his new home when the Alien Task Force finally caught up with him. Now, he is being studied at a top-secret military base where he finds allies who feel that ALF's existence should be announced to the world to ensure his safety... especially when they learn that the abrasive Colonel Milfoil wants ALF, and all Alien Life-Forms, destroyed.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World (2016)
Werner Herzog's exploration of the Internet and the connected world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIt Came from Outer Space (1953)
Author and amateur astronomer John Putnam and schoolteacher Ellen Fields witness an enormous meteorite come down near a small town in Arizona. Putnam becomes a local object of scorn when, after examining the object up close, he announces that it is a spacecraft, and that it is inhabited...
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGood Night Oppy (2022)
The inspirational true story of Opportunity, a rover that was sent to Mars for a 90-day mission but ended up surviving for 15 years. Follow Opportunity’s groundbreaking journey on Mars and the remarkable bond forged between a robot and her humans millions of miles away.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like this*batteries not included (1987)
In a soon to be demolished block of apartments, the residents resist the criminal methods used to force them to leave so a greedy tycoon can build his new skyscraper. When tiny mechanical aliens land for a recharge, they decide to stay and help out.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSilent Running (1972)
After the entire flora goes extinct, ecologist Lowell maintains a greenhouse aboard a space station for the future with his android companions. However, he rebels after being ordered to destroy the greenhouse in favor of carrying cargo, a decision that puts him at odds with everyone but his mechanical companions.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCapricorn One (1977)
In order to protect the reputation of the American space program, a team of NASA administrators turn the first Mars mission into a phony Mars landing. Under threat of harm to their families the astronauts play their part in the deception on a staged set in a deserted military base. But once the real ship returns to Earth and burns up on re-entry, the astronauts become liabilities. Now, with the help of a crusading reporter, they must battle a sinister conspiracy that will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEncounters at the End of the World (2008)
Acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog travels to Antarctica, where he finds a desolate, beautiful landscape, largely untouched by human hands, and a group of truly unique people who risk their lives to study it. Centered at McMurdo Station, the United States' largest Antarctic research center, Herzog explores the minds of the scientists willing to abandon civilization and endure volatile conditions to learn more about the continent's wildlife and awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRobinson Crusoe on Mars (1964)
Stranded on Mars with only a monkey as a companion, an astronaut must figure out how to find oxygen, water, and food and companionship on the lifeless planet.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStar Wars (1977)
Princess Leia is captured and held hostage by the evil Imperial forces in their effort to take over the galactic Empire. Venturesome Luke Skywalker and dashing captain Han Solo team together with the loveable robot duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue the beautiful princess and restore peace and justice in the Empire.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisStargate (1994)
An interstellar teleportation device, found in Egypt, leads to a planet with humans resembling ancient Egyptians who worship the god Ra.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPlanet Heroes - The Ace That Jumped Over The Moon (2008)
Fisher Price Planet Heroes The Ace that jumped over the moon Earth Ace and his need for speed land him on the Moon--and into an instant friendship with Moon "Lunar", Sun's old friend. When Ace receives a distress call from Sun "commander", Moon decides to help Ace and his old pal fight the forces of Black Hole "professor Darkness". The rest of the Planet Hero's team is immobilized, so what can they do? With Secret Weapon named "Lola" (a space cow!), the two head into a battle you won't want to miss! Approx.16 minute episode * Color * Not Rated
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Recoil (2014)
Traveling through deep space, lone pilot Marshall and his trusty AI, Bodhi, receive a distress call. Now, Marshall gets a lot of those, and acts on them when he’s motivated enough by the potential reward. But this time, the cry for help is from his own brother, who’s stranded on the edge of a massive black hole, “trapped in distorted space.”
Why it matches: Similar story and style
The Planets (1983)
Based on the famous Gustav Holst musical suite, Ken Russell's musical delight takes viewers on a magnificent journey of the planets of the Solar System.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Apogee of Fear (2012)
A short science fiction film shot on the International Space Station.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
La Station spatiale internationale - Missions à haut risque (2026)
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Izo (2004)
Izo is an assassin in the service of a Tosa lord and Imperial supporter. After killing dozens of the Shogun's men, Izo is captured and crucified. Instead of being extinguished, his rage propels him through the space-time continuum to present-day Tokyo. Here Izo transforms himself into a new, improved killing machine.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFamily Guy Presents: It's a Trap! (2010)
With the Griffins stuck again at home during a blackout, Peter tells the story of “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.”
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStar Trek (2009)
The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James Kirk, is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock, a Vulcan, was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before. The human adventure has begun again.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCloser (2013)
Something terrifying is happening to the Earth. Luke and Sarah, unaware of the danger, are just worried about having a passionate offhand camping weekend. Two unexpected guests will ruin their plans.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
BURN·E (2008)
What lengths will a robot undergo to do his job? BURN·E is a dedicated hard working robot who finds himself locked out of his ship. BURN·E quickly learns that completing a simple task can often be a very difficult endeavor.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Worth the HypeMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Planet Hunting With The James Webb Space Telescope?
The closest matches to Planet Hunting With The James Webb Space Telescope are The Arrival (1996), Doppelgänger (1969) and 2010 (1984). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Planet Hunting With The James Webb Space Telescope?
Start with The Arrival (1996), the closest match to Planet Hunting With The James Webb Space Telescope.
What is the highest-rated movie like Planet Hunting With The James Webb Space Telescope?
Star Wars (1977), rated 8.2/10 by 23,165 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Planet Hunting With The James Webb Space Telescope?
Signal One (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Planet Hunting With The James Webb Space Telescope?
Yes: The Arrival (1996), Doppelgänger (1969) and 2010 (1984).
How are movies similar to Planet Hunting With The James Webb Space Telescope chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Planet Hunting With The James Webb Space Telescope, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.