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Mission to Mars

Mission to Mars

For centuries we've been looking for the origin of life on earth. We've been looking on the wrong planet.

2000114 minPGMidcredits score: 30th percentile of all films
Director
Brian De Palma
Starring
Gary Sinise, Tim Robbins, Don Cheadle, Connie Nielsen

When the first manned mission to Mars meets with a catastrophic and mysterious disaster after reporting an unidentified structure, a rescue mission is launched to investigate the tragedy and bring back any survivors.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Mission to Mars?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Mission to Mars streaming on Disney+ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Mission to Mars?

Mission to Mars earns 6 badges, led by Heavy for a PG-rated film and Before they were famous.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Mission to Mars worth watching?

Mission to Mars' Midcredits score is the 30th percentile of all films, from 123K ratings across 6 sources. 33% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

30th percentile

Better received than 30% of films

36th percentile among Adventure30th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)35th
Approval (how many liked it)27th

57 /100

35th percentile of all films

40th percentile among Adventure35th percentile among 2000s

Critics 34 · Audience 59

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.6 — solid but not unanimous.

33% liked it

27th percentile of all films

33rd percentile among Adventure25th percentile among 2000s
33% rated it 7–1067% rated it 1–6

Critics 24% · Audience 30%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 3 noms overall

96th percentile

123K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Adventure92nd percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 38% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$100M
Opening weekend$23M
Domestic gross$61M
Worldwide gross$111M

Returned 1.1× its budget — 89th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is visually impressive, heartfelt, and deliberately paced, but fans see this as sincere homage while detractors see it as derivative and maudlin.

Fans praised

  • Stunning visuals and realistic Mars landscapes
  • Haunting Ennio Morricone score
  • Sincere emotional core and character camaraderie

Detractors panned

  • Clichéd, wooden dialogue
  • Derivative of 2001, The Abyss, Apollo 13
  • Sappy sentimentality and cheesy alien design

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive75

De Palma's fluid, dizzying camera work

Effects and spectacleDivisive65

Impressive for 2000 but some dated CGI

ActingDivisive55

Solid cast hamstrung by weak script

Plot and storyDivisive40

Muddled rescue mission turns to alien origin reveal

PacingDivisive40

Slow build with a rushed climax

CharactersDivisive35

Thin, one-dimensional archetypes

Dialogue25

Cliched, expository, often laughable

Originality20

Blatant rip-off of 2001 and other sci-fi classics

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 10 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • Critics vs users 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is Mission to Mars like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something that leaves you smiling.

It leaves you hopeful.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
TenseContemplativeHopeful
Heaviest: middle
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its space exploration and human drama with solemn sincerity, aiming for wonder and emotional impact.
The rideThe film oscillates between tense survival sequences and contemplative moments about human destiny, with the emotional peak during the crew's ordeal and the revelation.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional beginning-middle-end structure, following the rescue mission from launch to discovery.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a sense of wonder at the cosmic connection, tempered by the sacrifices made along the way.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestRescue
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe first Mars mission ends in tragedy; a rescue mission is dispatched, leading to the discovery of an alien structure and first contact.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsSacrifice · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores humanity's search for meaning and connection in the cosmos, culminating in the revelation that humans are descendants of Martian-seeded life, giving their existence a profound purpose.
StanceThe film celebrates human curiosity, sacrifice, and the pursuit of knowledge, presenting the cosmic revelation as a positive affirmation of humanity's place in the universe.

The world

Near futureOuter spaceIn transitScience fiction
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score · Ennio Morricone
SettingMars and the spacecraft en route
MusicThe score is sweeping and emotional, underscoring the awe and tragedy of the mission.

Content guide

Is Mission to Mars okay for kids?

PG

Mission to Mars is rated PG: “Rated PG for sci-fi violence and mild language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (72/100), sexual content at minimal (6/100), language at moderate (42/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (16/100) and frightening material at intense (62/100). Overall it is heavier than 93% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 15 other countries
  • UKPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • South KoreaAll
  • BrazilL
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • GreecePG
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • Norway15
  • Sweden7
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 49% of all filmsHeavier than 93% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 97%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-rated film
heavier than 5%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 82%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 30%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 90%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence and frightening material.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Mission to Mars have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Mission to Mars?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Gary Sinise
as Jim McConnell
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tim Robbins
as Woody Blake
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Don Cheadle
as Luke Graham
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Connie Nielsen
as Terri Fisher
newcomer then · star now
Jerry O'Connell
as Phil Ohlmyer
Peter Outerbridge
as Sergei Kirov
Kavan Smith
as Nicholas Willis
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jill Teed
as Reneé Coté
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Elise Neal
as Debra Graham
Marilyn Norry
as NASA Wife
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Mission to Mars?

Movies like Mission to Mars include The Martian (2015), Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001) and Project Hail Mary (2026). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in the near future, and half are stories about astronauts.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its world: outer space. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Mission to Mars?

149 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: space exploration. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.