Tired of spending more time combing through Netflix in search of a movie than on watching the movie itself? LOOK NO FURTHER. We’ve compiled a list of five of the coolest engineering-related movies… which also happen to be generally awesome movies! Pop some corn, get comfy and start watching!
#5
Apollo 13
Did you like watching Sandra Bullock save the day in Gravity? If so, we’ve got one better! Apollo 13 is a classic space thriller based on the true story, starring Tom Hanks and Kevin Bacon and Bill Paxton as a team of astronauts who embark on America’s third moon-landing mission. Things… don’t go as smoothly as planned. Which ends up being a great thing for viewers, because it’s awesome to see some of NASA’s brightest minds working to make sure the men get home safely!
#4
Iron Man
Get your Netflix fired up because Iron Man (and Iron Man 2…. and Iron Man 3!) feature one of the coolest engineers ever – Tony Stark – who builds himself a powered suit of armour makes him virtually impenetrable. Watch him do what engineers do best – make the world a better place – by fighting terrorism using his amazing invention. Plus, Stark is played by Robert Downey Jr. #score.
#3
Flash of Genius
Based on a real story, underdog-engineering professor Robert takes on Ford Motor Company after they build an intermittent windshield wiper based on his patented ideas (rude!). This movie is a perfect example of how the little things we take for granted in life – like windshield wipers – are often based on the stroke of genius of an engineer like Robert. Also features Lauren Graham of Gilmore Girls “coolest-mom-ever” fame!
#2
Egypt : Engineering An Empire
Prepare to have your mind blown. If you want to watch a movie that’ll both entertain you while teaching you a million cool facts that you can brag to your friends about, THIS IS IT. Egypt: Engineering an Empire is a documentary about how the ancient Egyptians managed to build some of the most mind-blowing moments, systems and buildings ever. It’ll have you spellbound, seriously.
#1
Wall-E
Last, but CERTAINLY not least, WALL•E is a computer-animated, science fiction rom-com. It takes place in 2085, where a (strangely adorable) robot named WALL-E, has been designed to clean up an abandoned Earth, which is covered in waste due to mass consumerism. After falling in love with another robot named EVE, he follows her on her programmed task into outer space, catapulting them both into an adventure that changes the destiny of humankind. It’ll make you laugh. It’ll make you cry. It’ll make you seriously consider becoming an environmental engineer.