Is Apollo 13 Based on a True Story? Plot, Where to Watch, Trailer and More
by Vignesh L | Updated Jul 17, 2023
Apollo 13
Apollo 13, released in 1995, is an American space docudrama film helmed by Ron Howard and featuring an ensemble cast including Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Ed Harris, and Gary Sinise. The screenplay, penned by William Broyles Jr. and Al Reinert, brings to life the gripping events surrounding the ill-fated Apollo 13 lunar mission of 1970.
Adapted from the book "Lost Moon: The Perilous Voyage of Apollo 13" (1994) by astronaut Jim Lovell and Jeffrey Kluger, the film recounts the extraordinary journey of astronauts Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise as they embark on America's fifth crewed mission to the Moon—intended to be the third successful landing. During their voyage, a devastating explosion on their spacecraft severely diminishes the oxygen supply and electrical power, presenting a grave crisis.
Consequently, the mission to land on the Moon must be aborted, and NASA's resourceful flight controllers face the daunting task of improvising scientific and mechanical solutions to ensure the safe return of the three astronauts to Earth. The film skillfully narrates the story of their courage, resilience, and the collaborative efforts that ultimately bring them back home.
Is Apollo 13 Based On A True Story?
Yes, Apollo 13 is based on a true story. The film portrays the actual events of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission that took place in 1970. It chronicles the perilous journey of astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise as they encounter a catastrophic explosion onboard their spacecraft while en route to the Moon.
The film accurately depicts the efforts of NASA's flight controllers and the astronauts themselves as they work tirelessly to overcome life-threatening challenges and bring the astronauts safely back to Earth. The story of Apollo 13 is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the extraordinary achievements of NASA's Apollo program.
Apollo 13 Movie Plot
The movie Apollo 13 tells the gripping true story of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, which was intended to be America's third successful landing on the Moon. The film follows the journey of astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise as they embark on this historic space mission.
During their voyage, an unexpected explosion occurs onboard the spacecraft, causing significant damage and jeopardizing the lives of the astronauts. The explosion not only deprives their spacecraft of vital oxygen but also compromises its electrical power, posing a grave threat to their survival.
With their Moon landing mission abruptly aborted, the astronauts and NASA's flight controllers are faced with the daunting challenge of improvising solutions to bring the crew back safely to Earth. Throughout the movie, we witness the tireless efforts of the astronauts and the ground team as they work together to overcome numerous obstacles and setbacks.
Using their resourcefulness and expertise, the team at NASA's Mission Control Center devises ingenious methods to conserve limited resources, maintain vital life support systems, and navigate the spacecraft's trajectory back to Earth. Meanwhile, the astronauts, confined to their damaged spacecraft, must endure extreme conditions and rely on their training and camaraderie to stay resilient in the face of imminent danger.
As the world watches with bated breath, the race against time intensifies. The film keeps us on the edge of our seats as the crew and the ground team work together to overcome each obstacle and make critical decisions. Will they successfully navigate their way back through the treacherous depths of space and return home safely?
Apollo 13 not only showcases the technical and scientific challenges of the mission but also delves into the personal lives and emotions of the astronauts and their families. The movie highlights the indomitable human spirit, unwavering determination, and the extraordinary efforts of all those involved in bringing the astronauts home.
In the end, against all odds, the crew of Apollo 13 manages to make a safe reentry into Earth's atmosphere. The movie serves as a testament to the bravery, resilience, and triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity, making it a compelling and unforgettable story of exploration and survival.
Apollo 13 Movie Trailer
Apollo 13 Cast
Tom Hanks
Commander Jim Lovell
Kevin Bacon
Backup / Prime Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert
Bill Paxton
Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise
Gary Sinise
Prime / Grounded Command Module Pilot Ken Mattingly
Mark Wheeler
Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong
Larry Williams
Apollo 11 Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin
David Andrews
Apollo 12 Commander Pete Conrad
Ben Marley
Apollo 13 Backup Commander John Young
Brett Cullen
Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) 1 (a composite astronaut)
Cast
Character
Apollo 13 Movie Where to Watch?
Currently, the movie Apollo 13 is available for streaming on Jio Cinema, offering viewers the opportunity to enjoy this captivating film. Additionally, for those who prefer to own a copy, Apollo 13 can be purchased on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube, allowing you to download and keep the movie in your digital collection.
Alternatively, if you prefer a rental option, Apollo 13 is available for rent on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube, giving you the flexibility to enjoy the film for a limited period of time. With these various streaming and purchasing options, fans of Apollo 13 can easily access and experience this remarkable cinematic journey.
Is Apollo 13 Based on a True Story - FAQs
Yes, "Apollo 13" is based on the true story of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission in 1970.
The main actors in "Apollo 13" include Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Ed Harris, and Gary Sinise.
"Apollo 13" is available for streaming on Jio Cinema. It can also be purchased on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube, or rented on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
"Apollo 13" depicts the perilous journey of astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise as they encounter an explosion aboard their spacecraft during the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission. The film showcases their efforts, as well as those of NASA's flight controllers, to overcome life-threatening challenges and ensure their safe return to Earth.