Summer might be ending, but that doesn’t mean we’re done talking about summer movies.
And no, I’m not talking about movies that take place in summer (for that look no further than Weekend at Bernie’s). I’m talking about THE movies of summer 2026. The ones that got butts in cinemas on hot summer days and brought families together in air conditioned living rooms.
In particular, I want to talk about a movie that’s had a hold on audiences since it’s theatrical run started this spring and it’s release on digital this summer. A movie that continues to be talked about as award-season buzz has started buzzing. That movie is Project Hail Mary.
There’s just something about outer space that feels summery, right? Maybe it’s because we often associate space travel (and UFO sightings) with the desert. Maybe it’s because the moon landing happened in July. Maybe it’s because there’s a shared sense of freedom and possibility with summer and space travel. Maybe it’s a combination of all of those things!
Regardless, Project Hail Mary was the inspiration for our theme this month – and, if you haven’t guessed it yet, that theme is Space Movies.
All our recommendations this month feature space travel, space creatures, or space objects (and Project Hail Mary has all 3, huzzah!).
You can check out the September Space Movie List below.
Be sure to also read our newest Spotlight on Project Hail Mary from our contributor CineKyle and a feature on Melancholia from Jen Howell.
The September list is also available on Letterboxd here.
Watched a movie from our recommendations? Let us know what you thought on Twitter, Bluesky, or Instagram!
