Is Men in Orbit Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Men in Orbit is likely a skip if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 45 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Men in Orbit Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1979, Men in Orbit emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A “sci-fi povera” film shot on Super 8, Men in Orbit features musician Lurie and Eric Mitchell as chain-smoking astronauts in a decrepit New York living room that has been transformed into a spacecraft. Unlike standard genre fare, Men in Orbit attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and Men in Orbit features a noteworthy lineup led by John Lurie . Supported by the likes of Eric Mitchell and Becky Johnston , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Men in Orbit (1979) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Men in Orbit Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Men in Orbit is a Science Fiction, Drama film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Men in Orbit Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Men in Orbit attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to science fiction resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Men in Orbit reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Men in Orbit?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Science Fiction films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Men in Orbit
- John Lurie – Astronaut
- Eric Mitchell – Astronaut
- Becky Johnston – Voice
- Arto Lindsay – Voice
- Michael McClard – Mission Control
Top Highlights
John LurieAstronaut
Eric MitchellAstronaut
Becky JohnstonVoice
Arto LindsayVoice
Michael McClardMission Control
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Men in Orbit has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Men in Orbit stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1979 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Men in Orbit movie hit or flop?
Men in Orbit has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Men in Orbit worth watching?
Men in Orbit is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Science Fiction, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Men in Orbit online?
Men in Orbit may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Men in Orbit Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Men in Orbit
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
