If you didn't get enough of Matt Damon as an astronaut in Interstellar, you're in luck: the beloved actor returns to space in the new sci-fi thriller The Martian. The movie just hit theaters on Oct. 2 in both 3D and standard viewing options, and it's already making waves. The Martian has been raking in profits as well as generating discussion about a possible Oscar nomination for its star, so you know this is a film you don't want to miss. But if you're boycotting sticky movie theater floors, where can you watch The Martian online?
Sadly, your options are pretty limited — as of now, anyways. The film is available for pre-order on iTunes, but there is no date listed for when it will be officially released. You can also buy the audiobook of the original novel on iTunes or Amazon, but the film itself isn't readily available on either platform. And Netflix unfortunately can't help you either, since movies typically aren't available for free streaming until they're out of theaters and released on DVD. The good news, though? If you're dying for a high-quality space movie to watch immediately, the Internet has you covered. Here are some other extraterrestrial films you can stream on Netflix now:
Snowpiercer
I'll be honest that I didn't love Snowpiercer, as evidenced by the fact that I fell asleep each of the three occasions that I tried to make myself watch it. But pretty much everybody else adores this dystopian movie about a future where everyone lives on a space ship which is segregated based on class. An amazing performance by Tilda Swinton gives the movie added street cred, so watch for yourself before following my lead and taking a nap instead.
Starship Troopers
This movie has had a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with many asserting that it is one of the most underrated movies in film history. These critics say that original viewers didn't realize that the space spectacle is political and social satire, using an over-the-top story to make a statement on fascist culture. Plus, it has lots of explosions. Everybody likes explosions.
2001: A Space Odyssey
If you're a Kubrick junkie like me, there's a good chance that you love this movie for its cinematic historical significance. If you're not, you might resent this film for its two and a half hour runtime and lack of 3D special effects. But it was pretty technologically advanced for 1968, so give Mr. Kubrick a break.
Sphere
Opinions have been polarized on this 1998 film based on the book by Michael Crichton (who was also the author of Jurassic Park). On the one hand, you have an all-star cast made up of major players like Samuel L. Jackson, Sharon Stone, Dustin Hoffman, and Queen Latifah. On the other hand, you have a lackluster '90s adaptation of a sci-fi story, including elements such as deadly jellyfish. It's a tough call.
No matter what your taste preference, there's a space movie for you on Netflix. So dive into the online streaming galaxy, and maybe by the time you're back The Martian will be available too.
Images: 20th Century Fox, The Weinstein Company, Metro-Goldyn-Mayer, TriStar Pictures, Warner Bros
