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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 Dec 26, 2010
5/5
Inspiring tale for older tweens and up. Go to Full Review Trevor Johnston Time Out Jan 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 Dec 2, 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 Jan 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 Aug 29, 2015
3/4
...compulsively watchable... Go to Full Review John A. Nesbit Old School Reviews Feb 24, 2011
B
uplifting family film with great values Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jude M @RT74733850 Oct 6, 2026 Man I wish they still made movies like this See more Maxsuel S @Maxine191 Sep 27, 2026 O Céu de Outubro foi uma experiência muito especial para mim. A história me emocionou e me inspirou a continuar buscando meus sonhos, mesmo diante das dificuldades e da falta de apoio. A atmosfera e o ritmo também me conquistaram. Mais do que um filme, foi uma verdadeira inspiração para minha vida.🚀 See more Robert P @Superbad Sep 12, 2026 October Sky = a *4,5* star Movie... See more Boris N @RT95257391 Aug 11, 2026 Great Family movie. Inspiring and especially relevant today. demonstrating true American values and small-town life in 60th. See more Mark C @RT46560927 Jul 11, 2026 Jake is a national treasure 🪙 See more Peninnah Z @RT68923912 Jun 10, 2026 October Sky is an inspiring story about a young boy who dreams of building rockets despite the challenges around him. The film encourages viewers to pursue their passions and never give up on their goals. It is educational, motivational, and based on real events. See more Read all reviews
October Sky

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

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October Sky

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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
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