Best Space Opera Movies & TV Shows

The Fifth Element

In 2257, a taxi driver is unintentionally given the task of saving a young girl who is part of the key that will ensure the survival of humanity.

Run time: 126m Tagline: There is no future without it. Release: 1997-05-02

Stars: Brion James Bruce Willis Charlie Creed-Miles Chris Tucker Gary Oldman Ian Holm Lee Evans Luke Perry Milla Jovovich Tommy Lister Jr.

When an old enemy, the Cylons, resurface and obliterate the 12 colonies, the crew of the aged Galactica protect a small civilian fleet - the last of humanity - as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony, Earth.

Stars: Aaron Douglas Edward James Olmos Grace Park James Callis Jamie Bamber Katee Sackhoff Mary McDonnell Michael Hogan Tahmoh Penikett Tricia Helfer

Dune: Part Two

Follow the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, Paul endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Run time: 167m Tagline: Long live the fighters. Release: 2024-02-27

Stars: Austin Butler Christopher Walken Dave Bautista Florence Pugh Javier Bardem Josh Brolin Léa Seydoux Rebecca Ferguson Timothée Chalamet Zendaya

Dune

Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet's exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence-a commodity capable of unlocking humanity's greatest potential-only those who can conquer their fear will survive.

Run time: 155m Tagline: It begins. Release: 2021-09-15

Stars: Chang Chen Jason Momoa Javier Bardem Josh Brolin Oscar Isaac Rebecca Ferguson Sharon Duncan-Brewster Stellan Skarsgård Stephen McKinley Henderson Timothée Chalamet

Star Wars

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.

Run time: 121m Tagline: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... Release: 1977-05-25

Stars: Alec Guinness Anthony Daniels Carrie Fisher David Prowse Harrison Ford James Earl Jones Kenny Baker Mark Hamill Peter Cushing Peter Mayhew

The Empire Strikes Back

The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.

Run time: 124m Tagline: The Star Wars saga continues. Release: 1980-05-20

Stars: Alec Guinness Anthony Daniels Billy Dee Williams Carrie Fisher David Prowse Frank Oz Harrison Ford Kenny Baker Mark Hamill Peter Mayhew

Return of the Jedi

Luke Skywalker leads a mission to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, the Emperor prepares to crush the Rebellion with a more powerful Death Star, and the Rebel fleet mounts a massive attack on the space station. Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in a final climactic duel before the evil Emperor.

Run time: 132m Tagline: Return to a galaxy far far away. Release: 1983-05-25

Stars: Anthony Daniels Billy Dee Williams Carrie Fisher Frank Oz Harrison Ford Ian McDiarmid James Earl Jones Mark Hamill Peter Mayhew Sebastian Shaw

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

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.

Run time: 136m Tagline: Every saga has a beginning. Release: 1999-05-19

Stars: Ahmed Best Anthony Daniels Ewan McGregor Hugh Quarshie Ian McDiarmid Jake Lloyd Liam Neeson Natalie Portman Oliver Ford Davies Pernilla August

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones

Following an assassination attempt on Senator Padmé Amidala, Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi investigate a mysterious plot into the heart of the Separatist movement and the beginning of the Clone Wars.

Run time: 142m Tagline: A Jedi shall not know anger. Nor hatred. Nor love. Release: 2002-05-15

Stars: Christopher Lee Ewan McGregor Frank Oz Hayden Christensen Ian McDiarmid Jimmy Smits Natalie Portman Pernilla August Samuel L. Jackson Temuera Morrison

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Thirty years after defeating the Galactic Empire, Han Solo and his allies face a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren and his army of Stormtroopers.

Run time: 136m Tagline: Every generation has a story. Release: 2015-12-15

Stars: Adam Driver Andy Serkis Carrie Fisher Daisy Ridley Domhnall Gleeson Harrison Ford John Boyega Lupita Nyong'o Mark Hamill Oscar Isaac

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares to do battle with the First Order.

Run time: 152m Tagline: Let the past die. Release: 2017-12-13

Stars: Adam Driver Andy Serkis Anthony Daniels Carrie Fisher Daisy Ridley Domhnall Gleeson John Boyega Lupita Nyong'o Mark Hamill Oscar Isaac

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once again as the journey of Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron continues. With the power and knowledge of generations behind them, the final battle begins.

Run time: 142m Tagline: The Saga Concludes. Release: 2019-12-18

Stars: Adam Driver Anthony Daniels Carrie Fisher Daisy Ridley Domhnall Gleeson John Boyega Mark Hamill Naomi Ackie Oscar Isaac Richard E. Grant

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

Run time: 150m Tagline: Once more with feeling. Release: 2023-05-03

Stars: Bradley Cooper Chris Pratt Chukwudi Iwuji Dave Bautista Karen Gillan Pom Klementieff Sean Gunn Vin Diesel Will Poulter Zoe Saldaña

The Mandalorian

After the fall of the Galactic Empire, lawlessness has spread throughout the galaxy. A lone gunfighter makes his way through the outer reaches, earning his keep as a bounty hunter.

Stars: Katee Sackhoff Pedro Pascal