This post is part of Geek Takeover Week 2021.
The truth is out there… there really isn’t a lot of great science or sci-fi adjacent content on most inflight entertainment systems. Fortunately, the Internet gives us access to all there is to see out there including some of these excellent science and sci-fi crossover documentaries you can download before your next flight.
1. The Phenomenon
There are plenty of UFO documentaries and programs out there but most come light on facts and heavy on cheesy animations. The Phenomenon though only focuses on events where there is tangible evidence and is very compelling. It’s hard to dismiss the interviews with former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Christopher Mellon. The Phenomenon will have you looking out your airplane window just a little more closely.
2. Woman in Motion
We all know Nichelle Nichols as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura on the bridge of the Enterprise but you might not know what an impact the actor had on our real-life space program. Both inspirational and educational Woman in Motion embodies the best of the possible future Star Trek envisioned.
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3. Never Surrender
Playwright and screenwriter David Mamet has said there are only 4 perfect films and Galaxy Quest is one of them. The Galaxy Quest documentary Never Surrender though is almost as good. Never Surrender looks behind the scenes of filming and looks back on the impact of Galaxy Quest 20 years after its release.
4. What We Left Behind
Armin Shimerman who played Quark on Deep Space Nine knew audiences would come to appreciate the show but right about now. DS9 wasn’t the most beloved Trek when it was on the air but streaming has certainly brought many to realize how good it really is. What We Left Behind is a serious, funny, and honest look back with engaging cast interviews.
A few other honorable mentions to add for Trekkies are Chaos on the Bridge and The Captains but besides those, there is a lot to explore behind the sets of our favorite fandoms.
