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October Sky

Play trailer Poster for October Sky PG 1999 1h 48m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
90% Tomatometer 72 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
John Hickam is a West Virginia coal miner who loves his job and expects his sons, Jim and Homer, to follow in his footsteps. But Jim gets a football scholarship, and Homer becomes interested in rocket science after seeing Sputnik 1 crossing the sky. John disapproves of his son's new mania, but Homer begins building rockets with the help of friends and a sympathetic teacher. Rocketry, he hopes, will prove his ticket to a better life.

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October Sky

October Sky

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Critics Consensus

Rich in sweet sincerity, intelligence, and good old-fashioned inspirational drama, October Sky is a coming-of-age story with a heart to match its Hollywood craftsmanship.

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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media 12/26/2010
5/5
Inspiring tale for older tweens and up. Go to Full Review Trevor Johnston Time Out 01/26/2006
The TV movie subject matter is infused with genuine feeling for the value of learning as a passport to freedom, and an authentic regard for the honest graft of working men. Go to Full Review Kevin Maher Sight & Sound 12/02/2002
Retreads the soggy ground staked out by Field of Dreams, with sentimental tears and group hugs as the answer to conflicting ideological standpoints. Go to Full Review Zaki Hasan Zaki's Corner 01/29/2019
A-
Put simply, October Sky is a great movie, the kind that restores one's faith in the power of cinema. It deserves to be cherished and treasured. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews 08/29/2015
3/4
...compulsively watchable... Go to Full Review John A. Nesbit Old School Reviews 02/24/2011
B
uplifting family film with great values Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Sharang L @Scribe187 3d A straightforward story told in a gentle, old fashioned way. The lack of drama is made up for by the earnest performances. See more Janav S @TheCoolJ92781 May 25 It's okay and underrated. See more Blake- N @PBSAniDom Apr 16 October Sky is a great film because it tells an inspiring story with heart, honesty, and strong performances. The movie does a wonderful job showing how Homer Hickam follows his dream of building rockets, even when the people around him doubt him. What makes it work so well is that it is not just about science or ambition, but also about family, friendship, and proving yourself through determination. The small-town setting and emotional moments give the film a lot of charm, and it never feels fake or overdone. Jake Gyllenhaal gives a standout performance, and the supporting cast adds a lot to the story too. Overall, October Sky is uplifting, memorable, and easy to care about from start to finish. I would give it an 8/10. See more guglielmo d @guglielmo Jan 21 A really good, underrated film. I never would have thought of it if I hadn't asked the a.i. for some good, in-depth Films. See more Andrew B @ABdestroyer233 Dec 16 Great movie, Jake Gyllenhaal is great actor even at his very young age in this movie! See more ilana f @Lani_knows_better Dec 10 Fantastic film. Heart warming and wrenching at the same time. Great cast, great story, great filmmaking! See more Read all reviews
October Sky

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Joe Johnston

Director

Jake Gyllenhaal

Homer Hickam

Chris Cooper

John Hickam

Laura Dern

Miss Frieda Riley

Chris Owen

Quentin Wilson

William Lee Scott

Roy Lee Cook

Movie Clips

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October Sky

October Sky: Official Clip - This One's Gonna Go for Miles October Sky: Official Clip - This One's Gonna Go for Miles 2:21 October Sky: Official Clip - Test Launches October Sky: Official Clip - Test Launches 2:41 October Sky: Official Clip - Railroad Scare October Sky: Official Clip - Railroad Scare 2:09 October Sky: Official Clip - First Prize October Sky: Official Clip - First Prize 1:40 October Sky: Official Clip - He Isn't My Hero October Sky: Official Clip - He Isn't My Hero 1:54 October Sky: Official Clip - Going to Indianapolis October Sky: Official Clip - Going to Indianapolis 1:26 October Sky: Official Clip - Homer Proves His Innocence October Sky: Official Clip - Homer Proves His Innocence 2:11 October Sky: Official Clip - Success! October Sky: Official Clip - Success! 2:11 October Sky: Official Clip - It's Headed for the Mine! October Sky: Official Clip - It's Headed for the Mine! 1:39 October Sky: Official Clip - Gift from Miss Riley October Sky: Official Clip - Gift from Miss Riley 1:08 View more videos

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October Sky

October Sky (1999) October Sky (1999) October Sky (1999) October Sky (1999) October Sky (1999) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis John Hickam is a West Virginia coal miner who loves his job and expects his sons, Jim and Homer, to follow in his footsteps. But Jim gets a football scholarship, and Homer becomes interested in rocket science after seeing Sputnik 1 crossing the sky. John disapproves of his son's new mania, but Homer begins building rockets with the help of friends and a sympathetic teacher. Rocketry, he hopes, will prove his ticket to a better life.
Director
Joe Johnston
Producer
Larry J. Franco, Charles Gordon
Screenwriter
Homer H. Hickam Jr., Lewis Colick
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Universal Pictures
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 19, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$32.6M
Runtime
1h 48m
Sound Mix
SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround