Is Project Hail Mary Worth Watching? Here's Why You Need to See It
You know that feeling when a film comes along and absolutely everyone is talking about it? That's Project Hail Mary right now. Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or how he got there. His mission? Save the sun from a mysterious organism that's slowly killing it. If that sounds like the kind of premise that would keep you glued to the screen for two and a half hours, trust us, it absolutely does.
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, this adaptation of Andy Weir's bestselling novel has taken the world by storm since its theatrical release on 20th March 2026. It opened to a staggering $140.9 million globally in its first weekend and has since earned over $683 million worldwide, making it the fifth highest-grossing film of 2026. Critics and audiences agree on this one too. It currently holds a 94% critics score and a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site's consensus calling it "a visually dazzling space odyssey carried along effortlessly by the gravitational pull of Ryan Gosling at his most winning." CinemaScore audiences gave it a rare "A" grade. It's now Ryan Gosling's highest-rated film on the platform, sitting above everything else in his filmography.
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, this adaptation of Andy Weir's bestselling novel has taken the world by storm since its theatrical release on 20th March 2026. It opened to a staggering $140.9 million globally in its first weekend and has since earned over $683 million worldwide, making it the fifth highest-grossing film of 2026. Critics and audiences agree on this one too. It currently holds a 94% critics score and a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site's consensus calling it "a visually dazzling space odyssey carried along effortlessly by the gravitational pull of Ryan Gosling at his most winning." CinemaScore audiences gave it a rare "A" grade. It's now Ryan Gosling's highest-rated film on the platform, sitting above everything else in his filmography.
What makes it so special
What people love most about Project Hail Mary is that it manages to be genuinely smart without ever feeling cold or inaccessible. This is a film about science, problem-solving, and the power of human ingenuity, but it wraps all of that in warmth, humour, and one of the most unexpectedly moving friendships you'll see on screen this year. Gosling brings his signature goofball charm to the role, making Ryland Grace someone you root for from the very first scene. Critics have praised the film's ability to balance big ideas with pure entertainment.
Brian Truitt of USA Today gave it a perfect four out of four, writing that it's "one of those old-school popcorn movies with big ideas, the kind of film that Steven Spielberg and George Lucas would have made back in the day." The San Francisco Chronicle called it "a masterpiece of a family popcorn movie" with "outstanding creature design and puppetry work." And the BBC named it one of the best films of 2026, highlighting how Lord and Miller take a complicated, potentially bleak narrative and make it as fast-paced and cheerful as anything in their back catalogue. The practical sets, the puppetry, the score by Daniel Pemberton. Every element works in harmony to create something that feels handcrafted rather than churned out by a studio machine.
Brian Truitt of USA Today gave it a perfect four out of four, writing that it's "one of those old-school popcorn movies with big ideas, the kind of film that Steven Spielberg and George Lucas would have made back in the day." The San Francisco Chronicle called it "a masterpiece of a family popcorn movie" with "outstanding creature design and puppetry work." And the BBC named it one of the best films of 2026, highlighting how Lord and Miller take a complicated, potentially bleak narrative and make it as fast-paced and cheerful as anything in their back catalogue. The practical sets, the puppetry, the score by Daniel Pemberton. Every element works in harmony to create something that feels handcrafted rather than churned out by a studio machine.
Why you should watch it this weekend
Here's the thing. Project Hail Mary landed on Prime Video on 3rd July 2026, which means you can now watch it from your sofa without spending a penny extra on your subscription. No rental fees, no add-ons, just press play. Whether you missed it in cinemas or you're desperate to relive the experience, there has never been a better time. This is the kind of film that rewards a big screen and a good sound system, so turn the lights off, crank the volume up, and let yourself get completely lost in it. It's funny, it's thrilling, it's emotional, and it will leave you thinking about it for days afterwards. If you only watch one film this month, make it this one.
FAQ
Is Project Hail Mary on Prime Video?
Yes. Project Hail Mary arrived on Prime Video on 3rd July 2026 and is available to stream at no extra cost with a Prime membership.
What is Project Hail Mary about? The film follows Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher played by Ryan Gosling, who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory. As his memories return, he discovers he's on a mission to save Earth's sun from a mysterious organism, and an unexpected friendship becomes the key to everything.
Is Project Hail Mary based on a book? Yes. It's based on the 2021 bestselling novel of the same name by Andy Weir. The screenplay was written by Drew Goddard.
How long is Project Hail Mary? The film has a runtime of 156 minutes (2 hours and 36 minutes) and is rated PG-13.
Who directed Project Hail Mary? Phil Lord and Christopher Miller directed the film. They're known for their ability to blend sharp comedy with genuine heart, and they bring that same energy to this story.
What is Project Hail Mary about? The film follows Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher played by Ryan Gosling, who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory. As his memories return, he discovers he's on a mission to save Earth's sun from a mysterious organism, and an unexpected friendship becomes the key to everything.
Is Project Hail Mary based on a book? Yes. It's based on the 2021 bestselling novel of the same name by Andy Weir. The screenplay was written by Drew Goddard.
How long is Project Hail Mary? The film has a runtime of 156 minutes (2 hours and 36 minutes) and is rated PG-13.
Who directed Project Hail Mary? Phil Lord and Christopher Miller directed the film. They're known for their ability to blend sharp comedy with genuine heart, and they bring that same energy to this story.