
October Sky
1999 · Movie · PG · 107 min · ★ 7.7 · 81% critics
Inspired by the first Sputnik launch, a coal miner’s son becomes determined to build rockets despite his father’s wishes. In a small mining town, he teams up with friends and guided by supportive teachers, turning a fascination into a real pursuit that challenges the expectations around him.
Based on Rocket Boys
Also known as Rocket Boys
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Details
- Years
- 1999
- Release date
- 1999-02-19
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 107 min
- Critic score
- 81/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.7/10 (1,431 votes)
- Box office
- $34,698,753
- Budget
- $25,000,000
About
Choose this uplifting true-story drama if you love hope, perseverance, and family tension in a small-town setting; Not for you if you want a darker, non-family movie or prefer purely sports-focused inspiration like Rudy.
Pros: inspirational true story; strong performances; heartfelt family moments | Cons: cheesy at times; familiar formula; may be emotional
Themes
- small town
- based on novel or book
- parent child relationship
- satellite
- biography
- based on true story
- rocket
- west virginia
- mining accident
- teacher
- coal mine
- 1950s
- +2 more
Awards & recognition
- Broadcast Film Critics Association Award — Best Family Film · 1999
- Writers Guild of America Award
- Writers Guild of America Award — Best Adapted Screenplay · 2000 · nominated
- Broadcast Film Critics Association Award — Best Family Film · 1999 · nominated
- Teen Choice Award — Choice Movie - Drama · 1999 · nominated
Cast & crew

Jake Gyllenhaal
as Homer Hickam

Chris Cooper
as John Hickam

Chris Owen
as Quentin Wilson

Laura Dern
as Miss Riley

William Lee Scott
as Roy Lee

Chad Lindberg
as O'Dell

Natalie Canerday
as Elsie Hickam

Elya Baskin
as Ike Bykovsky

Chris Ellis
as Principal Turner

Scott Thomas
as Jim Hickam
Directed by Joe Johnston