Science on Screen: Researchers Recommend Their Top Movies & TV Shows
What’s your favourite science-themed movie or TV show? Is there a gripping medical drama that keeps you hooked season after season? How about a mind-bending sci-fi movie that had you deep in thought for weeks after the credits had rolled?
Whether exploring the mysteries of the universe, the complexities of the human brain, or the ethical dilemmas that come with scientific advancements, science-themed shows and films have been captivating audiences for decades! We asked a selection of life scientists to tell us about the shows and movies they love the most, and why they’ll watch them again and again!
The Matrix
I always enjoyed the Matrix series of movies. I love them probably because the topic is close to my field of research, which is brain science. I also like the physiological question the movie discussed - what is reality? That prompted me to read a related book called ‘Simulacra and Simulation’ published in 1981 by Jean Baudrillard. It was thought to be one of the inspirations for the movie series as it considers the relationship between reality, symbols, and society, and how culture and media construct shared existence. - Yifeng Cheng
Interstellar
I love the movie Interstellar and I’d be fascinated to meet Kip Thorne (the executive producer and scientific consultant on the film who wrote the tie-in book 'The Science of Interstellar') because I would be excited to learn more about black holes, time travel and how he helped to translate such complicated science into compelling storytelling. - James Flanaghan
Jurassic Park
As someone who likes playing around with DNA, I have always enjoyed the Jurassic Park movies! Mostly I’m just cloning single genes though, not whole dinosaurs… - Dr Ruth Carmichael
Back to the Future
I am an ardent fan of the Back to the Future movie trilogy! I watched these movies as a child with wonder and amazement as maverick scientist Doc Brown invented a time-travelling DeLorean. This movie was one of my earliest memories of how cool a scientist can be – someone who is not only highly intelligent and innovative, but also funny, kind and strives to use his invention for the betterment of his fellow human beings. I was particularly drawn to Doc Brown’s character of perseverance and the rousing time-travel adventures with his young pal, Marty! - Caroline Manicam
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Grey’s Anatomy
This is probably a common answer but I really love the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy! I have been watching it since sixth form and the show is now in its 21st series. I love the drama, the research science the doctors do and the characters. - Caroline S Taylor
Dr Michael Mosley
I loved all the programmes made by the late British journalist and writer Dr Michael Mosley. I have always enjoyed the shows he made, including The Story of Science and The Genius of Invention. He also wrote a lot about diet and exercise, and it was his advice that helped my father in law beat type II diabetes with exercise and food, without the need for insulin. - Caroline S Taylor
The Three-Body Problem
I think the most recent sci-fi show I loved was Three Body Problem based on the novel series by Liu Cixin. I liked how creative it was while still being grounded in the laws of physics we know (for the most part). - Aalok Varma
The 100
My favourite science-themed show would have to be The 100. While it’s a sci-fi series, it brings up interesting questions about survival, technology, and human adaptation in a post-apocalyptic world. I love how it delves into the ethical challenges of science, especially in a future where scientific advancements play a key role in saving or endangering humanity. It’s thought-provoking and packed with action, making science feel truly vital and dramatic. - Samuel Dada
The Big Bang Theory
I always enjoy watching the long-running US sitcom, The Big Bang Theory. In my opinion, the directors have done an amazing job in capturing some quirky attributes of scientists in this show. - Caroline Manicam
The Nature of Things
A show I've always loved is The Nature of Things, which started back in 1960 and has produced 60+ seasons of inspiring documentaries that explore the world of science - Jacky Liang
Bones
I loved the forensic science drama Bones when it was on, especially in the beginning. The show features an anthropologist and FBI agent working together on murder cases. Using science to solve crimes is always interesting to me. - Molly Kent
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More great recommendations from Hello Bio
Looking for more science-themed recommendations to watch, read or listen to? Check out some of these great books, podcasts, poems, songs and TED Talks to entertain life scientists:
- 10 Great Reads as Recommended by Researchers
- Our Top 10 Science Podcasts
- Ten Science Poems You Need to Read
- Our Top 10 TED Talks by Life Scientists
- Ten Science Books You Need to Read
- 20 Science Songs to Listen to in Your Lab
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