The Martian (2015)

Yes. 89% of real audiences liked it based on 20,925 votes. Critics agree, scoring it 86%.

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Wikipedia ↗

The Martian is a 2015 American science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon as Mark Watney, a NASA astronaut stranded alone on Mars after his crew mistakenly believes he was killed during an emergency evacuation. With limited supplies and no means of communication, Watney must use his skills as a botanist and engineer to survive on the hostile planet while NASA and his crewmates mount a desperate rescue effort. Based on Andy Weir's 2011 novel, which began as a self-published serial on Weir's personal website before becoming a New York Times bestseller, the film was praised for its scientific accuracy — NASA provided technical consultation, and the film's depictions of Martian geography, habitat design, and orbital mechanics were considered among the most realistic in science fiction cinema.

Matt Damon's performance balanced genuine peril with irreverent humor, as Watney documents his survival efforts through video logs that became the film's emotional anchor. The ensemble supporting cast included Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Sean Bean. Drew Goddard's screenplay emphasized problem-solving and optimism, presenting science as humanity's greatest tool rather than a source of catastrophe — a refreshing departure from the disaster-focused tone of most survival films.

The Martian earned $630 million worldwide and received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Ridley Scott's decision to shoot in Wadi Rum, Jordan as a practical Mars location gave the film a tactile, sun-baked authenticity that enhanced the visual effects. The film is credited with boosting public interest in Mars exploration and was enthusiastically endorsed by NASA scientists and astronauts.