The Martian (2015)
Kernel Score: 86% · 20,897 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Drama, Adventure, Science Fiction
Released: 2015-09-30
Runtime: 141 minutes
Is The Martian worth watching?
Must-watch. A stranded astronaut solves one problem after another, and it's funny, clear and optimistic. It makes science feel exciting, and it's one of the most enjoyable survival films.
Watch it if you
- like smart, problem-solving stories
- want a hopeful survival tale
- enjoy Matt Damon carrying a film
Skip it if you
- dislike technical detail
- want a darker, scarier space story
Best for: Family-friendly sci-fi night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Martian
- Stream: YouTube TV, TNT, TBS, tru TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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.
The Martian parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Martian follows an astronaut's resourceful fight to survive alone on Mars.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Includes a dangerous storm and survival peril but little graphic violence.
- Language: Some — Contains occasional strong language for tension and humor.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Martian
If you liked The Martian, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Interstellar (2014) — 95%: Space epic with a more emotional, bigger-idea feel.
- Apollo 13 (1995) — 90%: Real space crisis solved by clever teamwork.
- Gravity (2013) — 81%: Tense survival in orbit.
- Project Hail Mary (2026) — 96%: Newer space story with science, friendship and humour.
- Alien (1979) — 96%: Ridley Scott's tense, scary space classic.
- Apollo 11 (2019) — 87%: Documentary on the real moon landing.
Director
Cast
- Matt Damon as Mark Watney
- Jessica Chastain as Melissa Lewis
- Kristen Wiig as Annie Montrose
- Jeff Daniels as Theodore "Teddy" Sanders
- Michael Peña as Rick Martinez
- Sean Bean as Mitch Henderson
- Kate Mara as Beth Johanssen
- Sebastian Stan as Chris Beck
- Aksel Hennie as Alex Vogel
- Chiwetel Ejiofor as Vincent Kapoor
The Martian FAQ
Is The Martian worth watching?
Must-watch. A stranded astronaut solves one problem after another, and it's funny, clear and optimistic. It makes science feel exciting, and it's one of the most enjoyable survival films.
Where can I watch The Martian?
In the US you can stream The Martian on YouTube TV, TNT, TBS and tru TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Martian OK for kids?
The Martian is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Martian follows an astronaut's resourceful fight to survive alone on Mars.
What movies are like The Martian?
If you liked The Martian, try Interstellar, Apollo 13, Gravity and Project Hail Mary.