Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris

NASA recruits seven test pilots, training them to become astronauts for the Mercury Space Program in an attempt to surpass the Russian space program.

Flixster Users

87% liked it

15,655 ratings

Critics

97% liked it

31 critics

PG, 3 hrs. 13 min.

Directed by: Philip Kaufman

Release Date: October 21, 1983

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DVD Release Date: August 27, 1997

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Stats: 874 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (874)


  • July 20, 2009
    there was a demon that lived in the air...fairly accurate historical epic of the space race that's also alot of fun. a great adventure film
  • September 22, 2008
    In a way, one of the most patriotic movies ever.
  • September 3, 2008
    Star-studded gem from Director Kaufman. A compelling story with great acting makes this a must see. Highly recommended.
  • September 2, 2008
    It does run a bit long (my fiancee was bored and wanted to go to sleep), but personally I found it quite engrossing. I highly recommend it to any history buff who has particular interest in the origins of the US space program. Great cast, great music!
  • June 19, 2008
    A comprehensive and historically accurate docu-drama about the cutting-edge of US aviation during the Cold War era. From breaking the sound barrier to the first space missions the story follows the lives of the test pilots and the Mercury Seven. Plenty of recognizable faces and s...( read more)ome amazing scenes but at over three hours long it's in desperate need of some editing. So you may find the story a bit slow, unless like me you are fascinated by this era in history - it's Air & Space magazine in the form of a movie!
  • November 2, 2009
    Nuevamente nos encontramos frente a un clasico. Musica. Fotografia. Historia. Actuaciones. 4 oscares. 11 nominaciones.
  • October 30, 2009
    The Right Stuff is a splendid film that gives an entertaining and generally informative view of the birth of NASA: the Mercury Program and the first American astronauts who spearheaded it. The cast combination is a superb one; everyone portrays their historical role well. I was p...( read more)articularly impressed with Scott Glenn and Sam Shepard. The special effects and attention to detail were surprisingly good for an early 80's flick; quite believable. As a history buff, I would have liked to have seen greater attention payed to the technical aspects of the Mercury Program. Emphasis was placed instead on character interaction & development. Along these lines, I felt that the ending was slightly underdone and anticlimactic. Despite this, The Right Stuff truly does break barriers.
  • September 18, 2009
    One of the most inspiring and well-done films out there. If you think Apollo 13 is great, you should check this superior film. Amazing in every aspect.

    73/100
  • August 25, 2009
    This is an all time classic movie about Americas space program. Ther has not been a movie in a while that has come along that shows the true spirit
    of what America went through during these times. I have always loved this movie and recommend it to everyone. Awesome!
  • August 25, 2009
    WOW! Not too accurate but loads of fun. Read the book for more interesting info.

Critic Reviews


July 8, 2003
Nick Schager, Slant Magazine

In this dynamic three-hour history lesson, the larger-than-life pursuits of timeless glory and technological advancement are inextricably allied with the day-to-day quests for familial stability and p... full review

View more The Right Stuff reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

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The Right Stuff Trivia


  • This Academy Award winning film about the origins of the American Space Program and America's first seven astronauts features a stellar cast and is an American classic. Name this film.  Answer »
  • Place the quote to the film: "OK boys, let's light this candle!"  Answer »
  • In what movie Ed Harris plays Glenn, Scott Glenn plays Shepard, and Sam Shepard plays Yeager?  Answer »
  • Yeager: Hey Ridley. Got any Beemans? Ridley: I believe I got me a stick. Yeager: Well loan me some. I'll pay you back later. Ridley: Fair enough! What early 1980's movie did the above dialogue come from?  Answer »

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