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Poster for The Challenger Disaster

The Challenger Disaster

Seen it?

2013 | 90 min | Thriller, Drama, History, TV Movie

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and history buffs. If you loved Gravity or The Right Stuff, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 30 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

When the space shuttle Challenger blew up in 1986, it was the most shocking event in the history of American spaceflight. The deaths of seven astronauts, including the first teacher in space Christa McAuliffe, were watched live on television by millions of viewers. But what was more shocking was that the cause of the disaster might never be uncovered. The Challenger is the story of how Richard Feynman, one of America's most famous scientists, helped to discover the cause of a tragedy that stunned America.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.3 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 22K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by James Hawes

  • William HurtRichard Feynman
  • Bruce GreenwoodGeneral Kutyna
  • Joanne WhalleyGweneth Feynman
  • Brian DennehyRogers
  • Eve BestSally Ride
  • Kevin McNallyLawrence Mulloy
  • Henry GoodmanDr. Weiss
  • Langley KirkwoodAvionics Engineer
  • Nick BoraineSRB Engineer
  • Meganne YoungMichelle Feynman