10 Great Sci-Fi Movies For People Who Don't Like Sci-Fi

Ridley Scott has great pedigree as a director of science fiction, but rarely has he created something so warm and human (while maintaining a high degree of scientific believability) as he did with The Martian. Based on a novel by Andy Weir, Scott and writer Drew Goddard carefully replicate the source material’s serious space travel elements with humour and thriller elements to appeal to the masses.

Matt Damon stars as Mark Watney, a botanist who finds himself stranded on the titular red planet after a mission gone wrong. Using his skills, he manages to sustain himself while hoping for an eventual rescue.

Over time the tenacious Watney establishes a communication system with Earth, where NASA personnel slowly formulate a plan to bring back their man, while simultaneously protecting the lives of the remaining crew members on their way back home.

Matt Damon brings everyman qualities to a highly trained astronaut, and the star-studded cast includes Jessica Chastain and Jeff Daniels, both great as ever. The Martian hits the sweet spot between believable serious sci fi and heart pounding survival drama.