October Sky

Released Feb 19, 1999

1h 48m

Drama

List

91%

Tomatometer

74 Reviews

88%

Audience Score

50,000+ Ratings

John Hickam (Chris Cooper) is a West Virginia coal miner who loves his job and expects his sons, Jim (Scott Miles) and Homer (Jake Gyllenhaal), 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 (Laura Dern). Rocketry, he hopes, will prove his ticket to a better life.

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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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Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: B

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Inspiring tale for older tweens and up.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 26, 2010

Full Review

Trevor Johnston

Time Out

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.

Jan 26, 2006

Full Review

Zaki Hasan

Zaki's Corner

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.

Rated: A-

Jan 29, 2019

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...compulsively watchable...

Rated: 3/4

Aug 29, 2015

Full Review

John A. Nesbit

Old School Reviews

uplifting family film with great values

Rated: B

Feb 24, 2011

Full Review

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Polariss S

This is a movie I wish everyone would watch one of my absolute favorites!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/14/24

Full Review

Gertrude F

There's a song in Norma Rae called "It Goes Like It Goes" in which there's a particular line that goes "bless the child of a working man, she knows too soon who she is, and bless the hands of a working man, he knows his soul is his." I had those lines in my head, repeating, over and over as I watched October Sky, and though the reason might seem obvious, I can't yet put it to words. Watching this film is like witnessing a miracle... you feel all the emotions.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/30/24

Full Review

Michael N

Absolutely phenomenal movie. From the Cinematography to the script, it is nothing short of fantastic story telling.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/12/24

Full Review

Dhanu K

October Sky is a beautiful family drama that every kid and parent needs to watch. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a fantastic performance as Homer, but Chris Cooper who plays Homer's conflicted father, is the one who steals the show.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/27/24

Full Review

Jeff

This movie is wonderful and so inspiring. Jake Gyenhal's first film too!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/18/24

Full Review

pascal w

Classic coming of age Hollywood fare, good movie to inspire teenagers to follow their dreams, and emotionally moving especially knowing it's from a true story...despite the fact that a lot of the movie feels rather cliché and predictable. (e.g the tough but in the end loving father, the nasty nerd-allergic teenagers, the tear jerking success achieved by trying again and again despite seemingly impossible odds, the evil unions etc...)

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/31/23

Full Review

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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

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October Sky: Official Clip - This One's Gonna Go for Miles