Category 1: SPACE EXPLORATION (dramatized true stories)
1.
The Right Stuff (1983) PG *****
2.
October Sky (1999) PG ****
3.
The Dish (2001) PG-13 ****
Category 2: SCIENCE FICTION
2a. SPACE EXPLORATION
1.
Star Trek (any two TV episodes or any one movie, 1984, 2009, 2013, PG-13) ***
2.
Star Wars (1977) Episode 4: A New Hope , PG ***
3.
2001- A Space Odyssey (1968) G **/*** ( A classic because of HAL!)
4.
2010- The Year We Make Contact (1984) PG*** (sequel to 2001- A Space Odyssey)
5.
Gravity (2013) PG-13 **** (should be renamed “Angular Momentum” not “Gravity!)
6.
Interstellar (2015)*** (I had high hopes for this film, but ended up disappointed…)
2b. ALIENS INVADE EARTH
1.
E.T. (1982) PG ***
2.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008) PG-13 ***
3.
War of the Worlds ( 1953,** remade 2005,**) PG-13
4.
Men in Black (1997) PG-13 ***
5.
Super 8 (2011) PG-13 ***
2c. EARTHLINGS ON OTHER WORLDS
1.
Avatar (2009) PG-13 ***
2.
Mission to Mars (2000) PG ***
3.
Red Planet (2000) PG-13 ****
4.
Race to Mars (2010)****
2d. ENVIRONMENTAL CATASTROPHE, EVOLUTION OF SPECIES
1.
Water World (1995) PG-13 ****
2.
Armageddon (1998) PG-13 **
3.
Deep Impact (1998) PG-13 ****
4.
The Time Machine (1960) PG-13 **
5.
Planet of the Apes (1968,*** remade 2001***) PG-13

Category 3: SCIENCE DOCUMENTARIES
1.
Cosmos (Carl Sagan or Neil DeGrasse Tyson series) (watch 2 episodes) ****
2.
The Universe (History Channel Series) (watch 2 episodes) ****
3.
Living on Mars (National Geographic)
4.
The Planets (BBC series) (watch 2 episodes)****
5.
The Hawking Paradox (black holes)****
6.
Chasing Ice (climate change) *****
Pierce Family Rating System (PFRS)
* Don’t bother, do your math homework instead
** Questionable science, somewhat entertaining, some interesting features
*** Interesting and/or entertaining, but not that much accurate science
**** Both the quality of the science and the entertainment were good, worth watching!
***** A must see! Excellent film, excellent science
No stars: Has not been previewed by PFRS, but has been given good reviews by other rating systems

Most of these movies can be rented or streamed instantly online using Amazon ,
Netflix, or YouTube. Some of the documentaries are available for in-school viewing in the Tech Control Room: see Mrs. Taylor. If you have trouble finding a film let me know and I will help you locate it.
Credit options for watching astronomy movies:
1.
Extra Credit on Unit Tests:
Watch two full-length movies (two 1-hour series episodes count as one full length film) from different categories (True Stories, Science Fiction, or
Science Documentary). Fill out the “Movie Analysis and Review” for each movie or series, and receive up to 5 extra points on a unit test (valid once each marking period). Most of these movies may be fun to watch with friends or your whole family!
2.
Final Exam Project Option:
Throughout the year, watch two movies from each of the six film categories (1, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and 3) and fill out the “Movie Analysis and
Review” for each movie. Your final exam project can be a presentation based on these films. More details on the final project will be given later in the year, but you can start watching and reviewing the movies anytime.

Your Name: __________________________ Date: _____________________
Movie Watched: ______________________ Year produced:____________
Category (circle one): True story Science Fiction Documentary
1.
Summarize the plot or content of the movie in one paragraph below:
2.
List and describe any main characters:
3.
List the major science topics that appeared in the film:

Discussion:
1.
In a few paragraphs (about 1 page), describe and discuss the accuracy or inaccuracy of the science, especially astronomy-related topics, that were presented in the movie (for Science Fiction films). If this was a True Story or a Documentary, explain what you learned from the film, focusing on the science as well as any social, historical, or political significance.

2.
You are a film critic. Rate the movie on a scale of 1 (don’t see it!) to 5 (a must see!) and justify your rating in a few paragraphs. Note: your ratings do NOT have to match mine!