Space is a truly limitless resource of mystery, but sadly, the same cannot be said about space documentaries, which tend to fall a little short. If you’re here googling the best space documentaries 2024, it probably makes little sense to suggest the iconic shows like Into The Universe With Stephen Hawking or Through The Wormhole, narrated by Morgan Freeman — the chances are, you’ve seen them already (if not, that’s where you should start!)
Of course, Netflix is not the top go-to resource as far as documentaries are concerned, but in 2024, it did update its library with some good space-themed docu-shows worth watching. Below, we list the top new arrivals and wrap up with a fiction series you might check out after you’re done with the real documentaries!
Apollo 13: Survival (2024)
If we’re asking — what is the best 2024 space documentary on Netflix? Then, this one has little competition — it is the only truly new arrival this year. As the name suggests, the film focuses on a notorious Apollo mission that almost went wrong. And while the astronauts were safely returned to Earth, the tensions during this mission were undeniable. In this new documentary, you will get a chance to learn some new facts about the unlucky thirteenth mission — and prove to yourself once again that real life is sometimes way scarier than fiction.
Space: The Longest Goodbye (2023)
As far as updated space documentaries 2024 on Netflix go, this one is another good addition. Technically, it premiered in 2023, but Netflix only added it to its documentaries library the next year. This movie, even though it lasts only an hour and a half, raises the topic of long-term isolation on long missions — and the psychological toll it has on astronauts.
This is one of those documentaries based on interviews, personal stories, and insights from psychologists and former astronauts, thus offering a deep look into the mental health struggles and the coping mechanisms necessary to deal with an ‘exciting’ journey to the outer cosmos. If you ever wondered what it’s like to go on a mission, you should definitely check out this nerve-wracking documentary.
The Space Race (2023)
Another curious addition to the list of Netflix documentaries discusses the experiences of the first Black astronauts in NASA, offering real interviews with aerospace pioneers Ed Dwight, Guion Bluford, Charles Bolden, and Victor Glover. The movie is worth watching not only as a tribute to our age of tolerance and inclusion. It is an intriguing feature based on real events that will take you through some major moments of the US aerospace history — from a totally new angle.
Secrets Of The Universe With Tim Peake (2023)
News resource Orbital Today especially recommends this documentary to anyone interested not only in the mysteries of the cosmos but also in the UK’s contribution to its exploration. It is narrated by Tim Peake, the first British astronaut on the ISS, but do not be mistaken — it is not a single-mission report. Instead, Major Peake will shed light on the enigmas of our solar system and explain, in an easy-to-follow manner, what we already know about the deep cosmos and how much is still to uncover.
Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine (2023)
This hour-long documentary tells a detailed story behind one of the most famous telescopes launched by NASA — James Webb. The viewer will be guided through the whole story — from the intricacies of engineering to telescope launch. You will get to learn just how technologically challenging this tech is and discover some of its potential and limitations. Perhaps this will also shed light on why there’s so much we do not know about our universe — and make you wonder just how great it is that we manage to constantly learn more!
Return to Space (2022)
If you’re interested in cosmic exploration, you have probably seen this documentary about SpaceX’s successes and challenges. But just in case you have not — this show is worth watching. In the centre of the narration is the 2020 SpaceX mission to the ISS, but you will also discover many new things about this iconic company as you watch.
Bonus: 3 Body Problem (2024)
Now, if you want to relax and just have fun, think — What is the new Netflix series about space travel? Then, you should definitely check out this new arrival. The captivating story is based on a Chinese novel series, Remembrance of Earth’s Past — and even though the show does have a fictional plot, the scientific basis behind it is undeniable.
Novel writer Liu Cixin builds his narration on classic problems of Newtonian physics — and 3 Body Problem is the third adaptation worth checking out. It is also shot by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, the first show this duo worked together on after Game of Thrones, so you can count on some unexpected plot twists here, too.
So, while not a classic space documentary, it is totally worth watching. At least we could not find a worthy candidate to wrap up this list — so feel free to suggest your favourite show in the comments!