Page
The Martian
- Summary
- How to watch
- News & features
❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).
Watch trailer
02:42
The Martian
Save
- 2015
- Ridley Scott
- 141 mins
- 12
Summary
Science-fiction drama based on the novel by Andy Weir, starring Matt Damon. After a manned mission to Mars is hit by a ferocious storm, Mark Watney is left behind when his fellow crew members make their escape. Using scientific knowledge, ingenuity and drawing on seemingly inexhaustible levels of resolve, Mark must find a way to survive long enough to be rescued.
Ad
Powered By
IMDB
Review
A star rating of 4 out of 5.
Stella Papamichael
Life on Mars requires ingenuity and a keen sense of humour if Ridley Scott's film (based on Andy Weir's novel) is anything to go by. An Oscar-nominated Matt Damon is the astronaut left for dead who must make do and mend on the Red Planet, accompanied only by disco records belonging to his commanding officer (Jessica Chastain). There are surprisingly few dark moments in a survival story that went on to win a Golden Globe in the best comedy or musical category with our hero cheerfully setting his mind to growing potatoes and re-opening lines of communication with Nasa (Jeff Daniels, Kristen Wiig and Chiwetel Ejiofor at ground control). He also addresses the audience in video diaries, drawing us deeper into his world as he works his way through life-threatening technical problems before the narrative switches focus to Nasa's rescue mission. The use of "real science" adds a fascinating dimension to the story, even if the psychological aspects - given the extreme distance from Earth - are less convincing. Scott, uncharacteristically, never uses the epic landscape to convey a more profound feeling of isolation either. Instead, Damon lives by his wits and trades on witticisms to get by, which makes him great company in the most dire straits.
imdb-square
8.0/10
How to watch
Loading
Streaming
Credits
Cast
rolenameMark WatneyMatt DamonMelissa LewisJessica ChastainAnnie MontroseKristen WiigTeddy SandersJeff DanielsRick MartinezMichael PenaBeth JohanssenKate MaraMitch HendersonSean BeanChris BeckSebastian StanAlex VogelAksel HennieRich PurnellDonald GloverVenkat KapoorChiwetel EjioforMindy ParkMackenzie DavisBruce NgBenedict WongTim GrimesNick MohammedMike WatkinsEnzo CilentiBrendan HatchJonathan Aris
Show more
Crew
rolenameDirectorRidley Scott
Details
Theatrical distributor
20th Century Fox
Released on
2015-10-02
Languages
English
Guidance
swearing
Available on
DVD and Blu-ray
Formats
Colour
News & features about The Martian
-
23 best sci-fi books to help you escape reality: From Dune to The Martian
From epic space operas to mind‑bending thrillers, these are the sci‑fi stories that will transport you to other worlds.
-
The Revenant and The Martian aren’t as accurate as you thought
And they’re not the only popular films to fudge the facts…
Ad
-
The Revenant, The Martian and Wolf Hall triumph at the Golden Globes
Epic drama The Revenant starring Leonardo DiCaprio wins three awards, while the BBC earns best miniseries in the US awards ceremony
-
Meet the cast of BBC drama Marriage
Sean Bean and Nicola Walker lead the new series charting the daily lives of married couple Ian and Emma.
-
Project Hail Mary book vs film differences: What was changed for the Ryan Gosling film?
The acclaimed film is adapted from the novel by Andy Weir, but how faithful is it to its source material?
-
Next James Bond casting gets official update from Amazon as speculation reaches fever pitch
The search for the next 007 is officially underway.
-
Project Hail Mary breaks major record for Amazon following blockbuster weekend at box office
It has also secured its spot as the highest-grossing debut of any movie so far this year.
Ad
-
Project Hail Mary author slams Star Trek TV shows as he reveals his pitch for one was rejected
“I don’t like a lot of the new Trek."
-
Scenes from a Marriage: Release date, cast, trailer for HBO series
Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain co-star in this emotional remake.
-
Pierre cast: Who stars in the 6-part drama?
Your essential guide to the cast of Pierre.
-
Project Hail Mary author Andy Weir had no idea what alien creature Rocky was going to look like until he saw the puppet
The popular sci-fi writer says he does not have a very "visual imagination".
-
Project Hail Mary review: Ryan Gosling charms in science fiction with a reassuring soul ★★★★☆
This adaptation of Andy Weir's novel is by no means the most original movie – but there's much joy to be had.
-
David Tennant's Doctor meets Missy in Doctor Who 60th audio special
You don't have to wait long for David Tennant's Doctor Who return after all.
-
Best films released in the UK this month: March 2026
Highlights include Project Hail Mary, The Good Boy and Splitsville.
-
MultiVersus characters: Tier list, classes, who's best & who's next?
Who's the best character in MultiVersus? Pick up some top tips on the roster here.
-
25 best opening lines in books
After all, it's crucial to start with a bang.
-
Thunderbolts cast: All the stars in The New Avengers*
The latest MCU flick is now available to stream – and as usual it's a star-studded affair.
-
Gladiator 2 soundtrack: Which songs are in the score and more?
The sequel's soundtrack has a lot to live up to after the first film's iconic score.
-
Benedict Wong says there's scope for MCU return: "Maybe Strange is the sidekick now"
"At some point in the future, yeah, I think he might come back."
-
Dear England cast: Joseph Fiennes and Jodie Whittaker star
The series is adapted by James Graham, from his play of the same name about Gareth Southgate.
-
Get 12 months Netflix Premium subscription for free with this PlayStation deal
Are you ready to save almost £216 with the purchase of a PS5 console or PSVR2 headset? Then we have the perfect deal for you.
-
James Bond's future hinges on the Broccolis' successors – not just the franchise owners
As Amazon takes control of Bond's future, the real question isn't who owns the franchise – but who will be its creative mastermind.
-
Doctor Who shares brand new look at David Tennant as Fourteenth Doctor
David Tennant is back in action as the Doctor!
-
Who is Nick Mohammed? Meet the Taskmaster season 17 contestant
The Ted Lasso star has a strong claim for the greatest outfit in the show's history.
See more about The Martian
Ad
Ad
Ad