Ridley Scott's All-Star Sci‑Fi Thriller Still the Best, 11 Years On

Ridley Scott's adaptation of Andy Weir's novel, starring Matt Damon and a deep supporting cast, was one of the most encouraging box office triumphs of its time, grossing an impressive $630 million worldwide. Critics, audiences and awards embraced The Martian in 2015, and the film still holds up.

The story centers on astronaut Mark Watney, first presumed dead after a fierce storm wiped out his crew on Mars, who must fight for survival with meager supplies as NASA works tirelessly to bring him home. The ensemble on the home front includes Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara, Jeff Daniels and Donald Glover, and the film even won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes, a notorious category decision that remains a punchline.

Drew Goddard's screenplay preserves Andy Weir's shrewd wit, and Matt Damon's charm provides needed levity as his character engineers improbable solutions — the potato crop grown with human waste is both ingenious and darkly comic.

ridley scott, the martian, matt damon, andy weir, mark watney, nasa, jessica chastain, drew goddard, golden globes, potato