Can't get over the recent discovery of liquid water on Mars?
Well then, here are five films to fuel your life-on-Mars fantasy.
"Total Recall" (1990)
On the surface, this Paul Verhoeven film seems to fall under the just-another-sci-fi-space-movie genre, but underneath, "Total Recall" boasts a very pertinent philosophical theme, as do many Verhoeven films.
It draws audiences into the life of a man in the year 2084 who, after having mysterious dreams about Mars, soon finds himself in a memory implant procedure gone wrong - not just wrong - but horribly wrong.
What makes this movie enjoyable is the treatment of the plot - hints are dropped throughout the movie that makes you doubt if what is happening is real or not.
"Mission to Mars" (1996)
Much like the Disneyland ride that shares the same name, "Mission to Mars" is all about exploration, mystery and the unfathomable knowledge held in the universe.
Directed by Brian De Palma, this science-fiction suspense story tackles themes such as the isolation of man and the never-ending journey to find home. "Mission to Mars" is populated with a memorable cast of characters, including Gary Sinise and Don Cheadle, and provides a striking visual of Mars' landscape.
"Doom" (2005)
An adaptation of the video game series that helped establish the first person shooter genre, "Doom" stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Karl Urban in a coalition of Earth's scientific and military ventures.
Director Andrzej Bartkowiak was able to succesfully recreate the tone of violence and horror that caused the games to rise to popularity.
A review claims that "Doom" possesses all the ingredients to make a Mars movie hit, including "space marines, malfunction facilities and of course, lots of secrets."
"John Carter" (2012)
Based on science fantasy novel "A Princess of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs, this sci-fi film chronicles the first interplanetary adventure of John Carter, who mysteriously wakes up on Mars.
John Carter is the live-action debut of director Andrew Stanton, whose previous works include Pixar animated films "Finding Nemo" and "WALL-E."
This film has managed to mesh various genres, including sci-fi, action, adventure, Western and fantasy into one visually stunning and thrilling narrative.
"The Martian" (2015)
Here's a Mars film to watch out for. Sir Ridley Scott, whose works include a portfolio of acclaimed films such as "Gladiator," "Black Hawk Down" and "Hannibal," directs this film based on Andy Weir's 2011 best-selling novel "The Martian." The movie is set to be released on Oct. 2.
Dubbed as Scott's best film to date, "The Martian" has received significant praise, even before its official release.
Photo: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center | Flickr
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