The 30 Best Romantic Space Operas in Film and Television

#11: Farscape (1999-2003)

Until recently, I didn’t want to check out Farscape because I thought it looked kind of cheesy. I’m glad I finally decided to give this cult classic a chance because the real highlight of the show is the chemistry between John and Aeryn. They truly have an epic love story to swoon over. The story itself follows Astronaut John Crighton who goes out on a mission only to get shot across the universe to where he can’t get back home. He soon gets caught up in an alien starship crew.

#12: The Fifth Element (1997)

In the 23^rd century, mankind’s only hope is a cab driver who gets pushed into saving the world (when he crosses paths with the beautiful Leeloo) from the Evil and Mr. Zorg. Campy and romantic, the chemistry sizzles between Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich. If you’re looking for an over the top romantic space opera with strong comedic elements, The Fifth Element is a great choice!

#13: Firefly/Serenity (2002-2003; 2005)

Set in the future, Joss Whedon’s Firefly is about a group of renegade smugglers trying to survive in the world run by the interplanetary government called “The Alliance.” The spaceship Serenity is led by Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion), and run with the help of a whole crew of interesting characters. Within the ship’s walls, an unspoken attraction stirs between the Captain and the beautiful courtesan Inara. But this being Joss Whedon (so don’t expect happy endings), there are several other couples as well. From Zoe and her husband Wash (their interactions are gold) to Kaylee and Simon.

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Unfortunately, the show got cancelled before it could even begin. Thankfully, the movie Serenity was able to give a semblance of an ending. Here’s to hoping for more Firefly one day. Until then, I guess we have “Con Man.”

#14: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

I went into Guardians knowing very little about the franchise, but left pleasantly surprised. I just had a really good time, and sometimes that’s all you ask for when going to the movies! Hopefully (this being one of the biggest grossing films of 2014), space operas can make a comeback on the big screen. The story itself follows Peter Quill and a crew of intergalactic criminals that work together to save the universe. An attraction soon blossoms between Peter and Gamora, the two sharing several entertaining scenes.

#15: Interstellar (2014)

Matthew McConaughey is humanity’s last chance in this serious space opera from the minds of Inception about a group of explorers who travel through space to find a new planet to live. While the main story is really a beautiful tale about a father and daughter’s love for one another, the subtle build up and tension between Cooper (McConaughey) and Brand (Anne Hathaway) is remarkably done. I loved the quietness to these two people separated from their loved ones back on earth.

#16: John Carter (2012)

Much better than the previews would suggest, John Carter is a space opera (technically more planetary romance) based on the classic novel, A Princess of Mars, by Edgar Rice Burroughs. More than just science fiction, John Carter also throws in some period drama, always an extra plus in my book. John Carter, a Civil War vet, has no desire to serve anyone’s agendas anymore and just wants to find some gold. Instead of gold, he accidentally gets transported to another planet, meeting a princess in need of help along the way. It’s really just a whole lot of fun!

#17: Jupiter Ascending (2015)

The critics shredded the latest space opera but I seriously call foul. Sure, Jupiter Ascending is far from perfect, but what it is, is pure entertainment. The film is fun, the performances are campy and brilliant at the same time (particularly Eddie Redmayne), and it’s immensely romantic. For those not looking for a romantic comedy space opera steeped in fairy tale and paranormal romance, stay far away. However, if you love a good love story with several great scenes to rewind, you are in for quite the visual treat.

#18: Lexx (1997-2002)

In my research for this article and for a music video I’m editing, I came across “Lexx.” At first, I thought it was going to be too weird and cheesy. While I’ve only been able to see a little so far, I’m actually impressed with the extensive world building and poetic writing about romanticism in space. Yes, it’s still weird (and very much adult), but it’s really not cheesy. Apart from romanticism, Lexx is about a group of fugitives who gain control of a starship. There is of course an unrequited love story between Xev/Zev (2 actresses play the same character in a way that makes sense) and Kai.

#19: Outcasts (2010)

Starring Hermione Norris (adore her), Liam Cunningham, and Eric Mabius (Ugly Betty), I knew I was going to enjoy this short lived Sci-fi series when I discovered it on Neflix. Outcasts is a “space opera” (another liney one) that mostly takes place on one planet. Because Earth has become uninhabitable, a group of colonizers are sent to the planet Carpathia to test the conditions. Mysteries, love, and secrets begin to unfold. This is a great show I wished didn’t get the cut before we got an ending…

#20: Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007)

The first of the Stargate TV shows, Stargate SG-1 tells the story of a military group that explores various Stargates throughout the galaxy. While the plot is certainly worth checking out, for me, the show is all about Amanda Tapping (I discovered through Sanctuary), but also her chemistry with Colonel Jack O’Neill.