Top 5 Deep Space Movies

With the new Star Trek movie out this week, I decided to take a look back at the top-five deep space movies. Now to qualify for this list, the majority of the movie had to take place outside our solar system, so trips to Mars and Jupiter didn’t count. I also decided to include only one movie per movie franchise. That means you will only see one Star Trek and one Star Wars movie on this list; you can’t have the whole list taken up by Wookies and Vulcans. So let’s blast off.
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Honorable Mention: Serenity (2005)

I think Serenity is a great movie. But I can't be a hundred percent sure if it stands on its own or whether the only reason I like it is because I liked the TV show Firefly. Fox did nerds everywhere a great disservice by canceling the series after only one season; this series demanded more time and we got it in a two-hour movie. Joss Whedon  does a good job wrapping up some old story lines, but I think people who weren’t fans of the show can also enjoy Serenity. Though I can’t know for sure, which is why it's an honorable mention.
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5) Galaxy Quest (1999)

I was surprised how much I like this movie. Not only is it funny but the action is pretty good, too. Starring Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Sam Rockwell, and Alan Rickman, the cast is fantastic and pays homage not only to Star Trek, but to Star Trek fans. The highlight of the film is obviously Alan Rickman, the actor who clearly doesn't want to be a part of this team. He's so bitchy throughout the movie you can't help but laugh. By Grabthar's hammer I liked this movie.
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4) Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Yes, I love Star Trek and Star Wars movies with the best of them. But in my heart of hearts I will always be a comic book nerd first. That's why it should be no surprise that Guardians of the Galaxy is making the list. This is one of my favorite movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. All of the characters are great and each of the unique personalities and goals blend together well as one team. I'm so glad that this movie made Chris Pratt a star. Deservedly so—he's funny, he’s handsome, and he's fun to watch. Guardians of the Galaxy works independently of the larger Marvel Universe, which means more people can enjoy it, but it also gives fans enough Easter eggs to reward their viewing. Not only that, but the soundtrack is amazing as well. If you can't get behind Bradley Cooper playing a talking raccoon and Vin Diesel playing a tree that can only say three words, I don't know if we can be friends.
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3) Aliens (1986)

Yes, the original Alien movie directed by Ridley Scott was suspenseful, had a great story, looked good, and holds up, but the James Cameron sequel not only achieves all of that, but it’s fun as well. The shoot-'em-up action movie Aliens is probably what people remember more than the original (except, of course, that stomach bursting scene). Sigourney Weaver's Ripley is also a more interesting character in the sequel. She's good as a blue collar worker in the original, but when she's a surrogate mother fighting to protect someone she loves, something special goes off in Ripley that makes her even more iconic. Plus, that yellow exoskeleton suit is just bad ass.

2) Star Trek (2009)

I like the new Star Trek movie more than I like Wrath of Khan. There, I said it; please don't hurt me. The new Star Trek movie rejuvenated the series and updated it for today’s audiences. The movie boasts great action and a cast that does an admirable job filling in for iconic roles. And I love the way director JJ Abrams found a way to create a reboot and doesn’t negate the old movies. The Wrath of Khan, which is considered by many to be the best Star Trek movie, is a little dated. I watched it as a kid and I loved it, but I tried watching it again within the past 10 years and it was just too goofy and looked too cheap for me to really enjoy it.
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1) Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

My partner may be the first person I've ever met who likes Star Trek more than Star Wars. Of course Star Trek is a great series, but Star Wars connected with people in a way I don't think any other movie series has ever been able to. The original trilogy has possibly the best villain in all of movie history. And once more Darth Vader winds up ahead in this story. Setting up for a finale movie that isn't as great as this one, but stands the test of time. With characters you know and love and a soundtrack just as iconic as the movie itself could it be anything else. You know it to be true.
What do you think of this list? Anything I missed? Let me know. I’m taking next week off but will be back in two weeks to talk Suicide Squad.