Movies

Science in film can mean futuristic sci-fi, with faster-than-light-speed spacecraft; laser battles on distant planets; or an uprising of humanlike, intelligent androids. It could also accompany stories of global disasters fueled by exaggerated versions of modern threats, such as pandemics, nuclear war, extreme weather or climate change. It could even present thoughtful portraits of real women and men who were scientific pioneers and innovators, whose discoveries shaped the world as we know it today. Grab some popcorn and settle in with Live Science at the movies.

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NASA astronaut Charles Duke filmed Commander John Young as Young drove the Lunar Roving Vehicle, in footage shot on April 21, 1972 during the fifth day of the Apollo 16 moon landing.

Astonishing AI restoration brings Apollo moon landing films up to speed

By Mindy Weisberger published

Artificial intelligence transformed NASA footage of Apollo missions to the moon, making decades-old events look like they were shot on high-definition video.

Godzilla

Godzilla Grew 30 Times Faster Than Any Organism on Earth. Here's Why.

By Laura Geggel published

If Godzilla were a real creature, his incredibly rapid growth spurt on the big screen would be off the charts, even setting evolutionary records, a new report finds.

A huge Megalodon shark thrashes around on the big screen.

Science of 'The Meg': How Scientists Know the World's Largest Shark Is Gone Forever

By Mindy Weisberger last updated

In the new movie, one, solitary Megalodon is still lurking in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Is that possible?

A <i>T. rex</i> bellows in "Fallen Kingdom," but its real voice would likely have been a lot less dramatic than this lion-like roar.

'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' Skimps on Dinosaur Science

By Mindy Weisberger published

We're not asking for much — at least cover those dinos in a few feathers.

There's a very good reason why the tubby, adorable porgs in "The Last Jedi" resemble the equally endearing puffin.

May the 4th Be With You As You Check Out These Amazing Animals of 'The Last Jedi'

By Mindy Weisberger published

Today (May 4) — also known as Star Wars Day — Live Science is debuting a new movie-themed column and video series, where we'll be looking at how feature films represent science and scientists.

hidden figures, john glenn, taraji p henson

Science and Sci-Fi at the Movies in 2017

By Hanneke Weitering published

There was plenty of science in the movies that hit screens large and small in 2017.

1923 movie sphinx photos

94-Year-Old 'Ten Commandments' Sphinx Unearthed in Coastal Dunes

By Laura Geggel published

1923 movie sphinx photos

Photos: 1923 Sphinx from Movie Set Found Buried in Sandy Dune

By Laura Geggel published

A remarkably well-preserved plaster-of-paris sphinx was uncovered in the dunes along the California coast, near Santa Barbara.

Blade Runner

Machine Dreams: 22 Human-Like Androids from Sci-Fi

By Mindy Weisberger published

Androids are a mainstay of science fiction, compelling audiences to question how we define what makes us human.

A still image from a movie that was stored in bacterial DNA. The image on the left is the original, and the image on the right is reconstructed from the data stored in DNA.

How Scientists Stored a Movie Inside DNA

By Rachael Rettner published

Researchers have encoded the data to make a short video into the DNA molecules of bacteria.

Alien coloring book

This 'Alien' Coloring Book Promises Out-of-This-World Experience [Deal]

By Louis Ramirez published

Titan Books is now selling their 80-page homage to the popular horror/sci-fi franchise, "Alien: The Coloring Book." It's the official coloring book of the sci-fi series.

Alien: Covenant

'Alien: Covenant In Utero' Lets You Experience a Neomorph Birth in VR

By Tariq Malik published

Mars Generation logo

Science Movies on Netflix in May

By Mindy Weisberger published

Catch a whiff of the fresh science movies, documentaries and television shows springing up on Netflix in May.

If Aliens Visit, Don't Expect a Hollywood Ending, Ridley Scott Warns

By Mindy Weisberger published

Film director Ridley Scott suggests that intelligent aliens are "out there," and Earth's inhabitants should prepare for the worst.

'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks': Q&A with Author Rebecca Skloot

By Mindy Weisberger published

Author Rebecca Skloot spoke with Live Science about her involvement with the HBO adaptation of her book, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks."

Sir David Attenborough with a VR headset and controller.

Tour London's Natural History Museum in VR with David Attenborough

By Kacey Deamer published

Let Sir David Attenborough's be your guide.

Kind of a Big Deal: How King Kong Measures Up (Images)

By Mindy Weisberger published

How does the famous, fictional giant ape measure up against some of the biggest animals on Earth — living and extinct?

Streaming Science: What's New to Netflix in March

By Mindy Weisberger published

What's new on Netflix this month in science- and technology-themed entertainment? Take a peek with Live Science.

Couch Potato Scientists, Get Ready: Coming to Netflix in February

By Mindy Weisberger published

Looking for science- and technology-themed entertainment on Netflix? Here’s what's new to the site this month.

James Bond film You Only Live Twice

Live and Let Die: James Bond's Smoking Habits Over the Years

By Sara G. Miller published

When it comes to vices, James Bond may be known for martinis, but a new study finds that he's been quite the smoker as well.