Mars in the Movies: A History

Films about Mars have been a science-fiction staple for more than a century. From Thomas Edison’s 1910 short film A Trip to Mars to Ridley Scott’s 2015 smash hit The Martian, the red planet has captivated audiences worldwide. This comprehensive survey describes 98 significant (and not so) films, television movies and miniseries, and direct to video productions focusing on Mars. The author discusses them in their historical context and details the development of special effects and cinematic approaches through the years. Cast, crew and production information are provided where available, along with plot summaries and quotes from critics.