Introduction
In 2011 NASA scientists compiled a list of the seven best science‑fiction movies ever made. Surprisingly, Fritz Lang’s 1929 silent epic Woman in the Moon secured the fifth spot, and for good reason.
Plot at a Glance
The film follows entrepreneur Wolf Heilus and Professor Georg Manfeldt as they assemble a crew to travel to the Moon in search of gold. Their team includes assistants Windegger and Friede, a stowaway named Gustav, and a spy posing as Walter Turner.
Why NASA Scientists Love It
Although the movie makes some obvious mistakes—such as depicting an atmosphere on the Moon—it gets many aspects of rocket travel remarkably right, especially considering it was made three decades before real spaceflight.
- Accurate multi‑stage rocket design
- Use of a launch pad and countdown sequence
- Depiction of weightlessness and orbital mechanics
Scientific Advisors Behind the Scenes
Rocket pioneer Hermann Oberth served as an advisor, and science writer Willy Ley consulted on the script. Their expertise explains the film’s prescient technical details.
Fritz Lang’s Visionary Approach
Lang’s fascination with sci‑fi magazines and his willingness to hire scientific consultants set a new standard for the genre. His earlier masterpiece Metropolis suffered a similar critical backlash before gaining legendary status.
NASA’s Full List and What It Reveals
The complete NASA ranking (from 7 to 1) is:
- Jurassic Park
- The Thing From Another World
- Woman in the Moon
- The Day the Earth Stood Still
- Metropolis
- Contact
- Gattaca
Most selections date from the 1950s‑1920s, showing NASA values bold imagination and forward‑thinking concepts over strict scientific realism.
Legacy and Influence
Because of its accurate portrayal of rocket technology, Woman in the Moon was even banned in Germany during the V‑2 rocket era. Decades later, it remains a touchstone for filmmakers who strive to blend spectacle with scientific credibility.
Conclusion
Fritz Lang’s silent classic may look dated, but its pioneering vision of space travel earned it a deserved place on NASA’s best‑of‑sci‑fi list—a testament to the power of imagination grounded in real science.