What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedApollo 13
Ron Howard · Film · 1995
If you loved Apollo 13, start with From the Earth to the Moon (Tom Hanks, 1998) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 1 series and 1 podcast, each matched to Apollo 13 across media.
If Apollo 13 hooked you, it is because you appreciate the gripping tension found when human ingenuity confronts impossible, life-threatening technical failures.
Books on the same thread
From the Earth to the Moon
Jules Verne · Book · 1967
Explores: Space Travel, Technological Advancement, Human Ambition.
Much like the mission in Apollo 13, this classic captures the same spirit of daring scientific ambition and the high-stakes risks inherent in early attempts at lunar travel.
The Martian
Andy Weir · Book · 2015
Shares a thread with Apollo 13: Perseverance.
If the problem-solving intensity of Apollo 13 kept you on the edge of your seat, you will admire how this protagonist relies on pure science to survive extreme isolation.
Tunnel in the Sky
Robert A. Heinlein · Book · 2005
Explores: Survivalism, Resourcefulness, Self-reliance.
Fans of the survival-driven narrative in Apollo 13 will recognize the same urgent need for resourcefulness and quick adaptation when a group faces a sudden, unexpected planetary catastrophe.
The Boys in the Boat
Daniel James Brown · Book
Shares 2 threads with Apollo 13: Perseverance, Teamwork.
While set on water rather than in space, this story mirrors the relentless teamwork and perseverance that defined the ground crew and astronaut dynamic throughout the Apollo 13 crisis.
Series on the same thread
From the Earth to the Moon
Tom Hanks · Series · 1998
Shares 2 threads with Apollo 13: Teamwork, Historical Drama.
This deep dive into the space program provides the perfect historical context for those who were captivated by the technical challenges and bureaucratic hurdles depicted in Apollo 13.
Podcasts on the same thread
13 Minutes to the Moon
Andrea Debortoli · Podcast · 2023
For those fascinated by the near-disasters of Apollo 13, this podcast offers a detailed look at the critical, split-second decisions that kept the space program from turning into tragedy.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Apollo 13 based on a true story?
Yes, Apollo 13 is the true story of the 1970 lunar mission. It depicts the technical failures that threatened the lives of Jim Lovell and his crew, turning their journey into a struggle for survival as they worked with ground control to return safely to Earth.
What is the primary conflict in Apollo 13?
The primary conflict in Apollo 13 involves the crew dealing with catastrophic technical troubles while more than 200,000 miles from Earth. The astronauts and the ground crew must collaborate under intense pressure to avert tragedy and ensure the safe return of the mission following the failed lunar landing.
Who directed the film Apollo 13?
Apollo 13 was directed by Ron Howard and released in 1995. The film focuses on the real-life events of the 1970 mission, documenting the heroism of the crew and the ground team as they navigate the life-threatening technical issues that occurred during their journey through space.
How far from Earth does the Apollo 13 mission take place?
The events of Apollo 13 occur while the crew is drifting more than 200,000 miles from Earth. This extreme distance complicates the technical challenges faced by the astronauts and the ground crew as they work together to find solutions for the mission's life-threatening malfunctions.