Science fiction movies allow us to explore new worlds on screen, from outer space to undiscovered planets. There is a sense of wonder to the genre, along with humanity, as science fiction can capture human emotion even when far across the galaxy. Science fiction helps us dream of the universe while reminding us of our place within it.

With such a wide universe to explore, sci-fi movies can vary wildly in their costuming – but for any movies that involve going into space, a spacesuit is involved. Many movies feature the puffy white space suits we’ve come to expect from NASA, while others play with both design and color, creating a suit that’s unique and memorable. Let’s look at some of the coolest space suits in sci-fi movies, in no particular order.

8 Sunshine (2007)

     Fox Searchlight Pictures

Sunshine is a 2007 movie directed by Danny Boyle that centers around a group of astronauts on a mission to save the dying sun. The team does their mission in elaborate gold suits that are unlike any space suit we’ve seen. They’re bulky, with thin eye slits that resemble Medieval armor just as much as they do spacesuits, offering protection for the dangerous mission to the sun. These suits are probably the flashiest in any sci-fi movie, and make this even more memorable.

7 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

     Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

The 1968 sci-fi classic 2001: A Space Odyssey is one of director Stanley Kubrick’s best films, and for good reason. It’s a huge, sweeping epic that shows the vastness of space, along with a conflict between man and machine on a journey to Jupiter. The spacesuits are simply designed, but are in bright colors, unlike typical astronaut suits. In particular, the suit worn by Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea) is in a striking orange that pops in the film’s visuals.

6 The Martian (2015)

     20th Century Fox

Ridley Scott’s 2015 film The Martian stars Matt Damon as an astronaut who struggles to survive and return home after being left on Mars. His suit is white with orange designs and has a more realistic look than some suits. The chest plate provides unique details with the name of the mission, Ares III. Rather than a suit in pristine condition, it has a lived-in feel to it, growing dirty and worn as Damon remains stuck on Mars.

5 Lightyear (2022)

     Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Lightyear, a 2022 film directed by Angus MacLane, provides a backstory for Buzz Lightyear, the film character whose action figure Andy plays with in the Toy Story franchise. Despite being animated, the various spacesuits have just as much detail as those in a live-action movie. Costume supervisor Fran Kalal and her team took inspiration from NASA, but also wanted something “a little more awesome”. The result takes the suit we all know and gives it new life. In addition to the classic purple, green, and white colors, we also see new details of the suit, from its surrender button to its hidden pen.

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4 Prometheus (2012)

Another Ridley Scott film, 2012’s Prometheus is a prequel to Scott’s 1979 movie, Alien. Prometheus focuses on a spaceship crew in the late 21st century, who face a deadly threat on a distant world. The suits are modern and sleek but still feel simple and classic, in a deep blue color that really sets them apart. The helmets are also unique for being fully clear all the way around, making it easier to see each character. It’s a smart design that’s also stylish.

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3 Oblivion (2013)

     Universal Pictures

Oblivion is a 2013 movie directed by Joseph Kosinski. It features Tom Cruise as Jack Harper, who finds himself fighting against an alien threat in a ravaged future world. His spacesuit is gray and lightweight compared to most, making it resemble a superhero suit. It works well for action, as it doesn’t weigh the character down. This practical approach is a new take on the classic spacesuit, with a style that many current sci-fi movies have channeled.

2 Moonraker (1979)

     United Artists

Released in 1979 and directed by Lewis Gilbert, Moonraker is another addition to the James Bond franchise, with Roger Moore in the role of James Bond. After the popularity of Star Wars in 1977, the film’s producers decided to move back to their originally intended release of For Your Eyes Only, and send Bond to space instead. Bond’s spacesuit is made of a shiny silver material that’s both sleek and stylish, fitting the character and his suave wardrobe. The Union Jack and name patches on the suit further remind us how perfect it is for the iconic Bond.

1 Star Trek (2009)

     Paramount Pictures

J.J. Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek movie brings a new take to the classic franchise. The movie follows characters from the original TV show, played by new actors, as they take on the Romulan, Nero. This fresh start for the franchise also allows for a fresh take on the costumes. While the crew’s shirts stayed close to the originals, the space suits bring a more modern approach. The suits match the crew’s shirts in colors and have slim profiles, with a lot of clear space in the helmets. The show’s costumes were fun, while these have a more serious effect. Still, they pay tribute to the original while updating the design for modern times.