Space movies like Project Hail Mary do not come around often and the box office proved it. The biggest opening day for an original film in years. Sold out on the first weekend before some people could get tickets. So here is the list of what holds up while you wait for your seat.

The Martian is the obvious starting point because Andy Weir wrote both books. It won a Golden Globe for Best Comedy, which Ridley Scott accepted with visible confusion, and it still holds up as the feel-good benchmark for the genre. Interstellar is for when you want something bigger and stranger and you have two and a half hours and somewhere to sit. Matthew McConaughey, a dying Earth, a wormhole, and children who age while their father does not. Ad Astra is the underrated one. Brad Pitt, Neptune, a car chase on the moon with laser pistols, and one of Donald Sutherland's final roles. Visually jaw-dropping and largely overlooked.

John Carter of Mars is the wildcard. One of the biggest box office flops in history. Also, according to the texts, a genuine sci-fi gem.

Topics: space movies like Project Hail Mary, The Martian, Interstellar, Ad Astra Brad Pitt, John Carter of Mars

Originally aired on 2026-03-27

Space movies like Project Hail Mary do not come around often and the box office proved it. The biggest opening day for an original film in years. Sold out on the first weekend before some people could get tickets. So here is the list of what holds up while you wait for your seat.
The Martian is the obvious starting point because Andy Weir wrote both books. It won a Golden Globe for Best Comedy, which Ridley Scott accepted with visible confusion, and it still holds up as the feel-good benchmark for the genre. Interstellar is for when you want something bigger and stranger and you have two and a half hours and somewhere to sit. Matthew McConaughey, a dying Earth, a wormhole, and children who age while their father does not. Ad Astra is the underrated one. Brad Pitt, Neptune, a car chase on the moon with laser pistols, and one of Donald Sutherland's final roles. Visually jaw-dropping and largely overlooked.
John Carter of Mars is the wildcard. One of the biggest box office flops in history. Also, according to the texts, a genuine sci-fi gem.
Topics: space movies like Project Hail Mary, The Martian, Interstellar, Ad Astra Brad Pitt, John Carter of Mars
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-03-27

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.