The Right Stuff
Directed by Philip KaufmanThe U.S. space program's development from the breaking of the sound barrier to selection of the Mercury 7 astronauts, from a group of test pilots with a more seat-of-the-pants approach than the program's more cautious engineers preferred.
Where to Watch The Right Stuff
The Right Stuff Ratings & Reviews
- flavo43December 1, 2025The Right Stuff is an epic, soaring tribute to the daring pioneers who propelled America into the Space Age. Adapted from Tom Wolfe’s iconic book, the film masterfully blends history, drama, and heroism as it chronicles both the high-speed world of early test pilots and the rise of the Mercury Seven astronauts. Its scope is grand, capturing not only the technical challenges of breaking barriers—sound, gravity, fear—but also the personal rivalries, camaraderie, and sacrifices that shaped these men into national heroes. The film excels at showing the contrast between the rough-edged, fearless test pilots like Chuck Yeager and the polished astronaut corps groomed for public scrutiny. The training sequences, the political pressures, and the sheer danger involved are portrayed with realism and awe. For anyone interested in the origins of human spaceflight, The Right Stuff is essential viewing—a sweeping, inspiring story about courage, ambition, and the relentless drive to reach beyond the known.
- lightvalveAugust 15, 2025This film is a masterpiece. Many have tried, but no one has succeeded in capturing the spirit of the space race the way that Philip Kaufman and The Right Stuff have.
- Noah Austin BrooksJune 27, 2025The sound barrier is broken for the first time, followed by the beginning of The Space Race and the trials and tribulations of the first Americans to enter space.
- Gregory Todd AbramsApril 5, 2025Favorite movie of all time
- darthtoonSeptember 3, 2025Great movie about the early days of the Space Race.
- The Gutter MonkeyFebruary 9, 2025A classic American movie about an iconic era in American history.
The Right Stuff Trivia
The Right Stuff was released on October 21, 1983.
The Right Stuff was directed by Philip Kaufman.
The Right Stuff has a runtime of 3 hr 13 min.
The Right Stuff was produced by Irwin Winkler, Robert Chartoff.
The key characters in The Right Stuff are Chuck Yeager (Sam Shepard), Alan Shepard (Scott Glenn), John Glenn (Ed Harris).
The Right Stuff is rated PG.
The Right Stuff is a Drama, History, Biography film.
The Right Stuff has an audience rating of 9 out of 10.