5 Physics Movies & Documentaries To Watch When You’re Bored

Are you fascinated by physics, and want to get a better grasp of the subject? Then watching physics-related movies and documentaries can help you get started! With plenty to choose from, you will be able to pick and choose from different subjects, topics, and categories that you are interested in.

If you aren’t sure what to watch first, we’re here to help you out. Here’s our list of fun physics movies and documentaries that you can watch when you are feeling bored to supplement your physics tuition classes!

1. Genius

National Geographic’s Genius is a scripted biopic series, in which the first season revolves around the life of Albert Einstein, the author of the theory of relativity. The actor Geoffrey Rush portrays the renowned physicist. The biopic offers a unique glimpse into what life would’ve been like for the seasoned physicist.

In the second season, the series revolves around another influential figure, painter Pablo Picasso, played by Antonio Banderas. In the upcoming third season which is set to air this year, it will revolve around singer Aretha Franklin, played by Cynthia Erivo.

2. Origins: The Journey of Mankind

Origins: The Journey of Mankind is another documentary series from National Geographic. This documentary series revolves around humanity’s advancement throughout the years. In particular, it highlights advances that changed the world and the events that led to the world as we know it today.

You will be able to learn more about everything, such as how the discovery of fire changed the world, and how innovations in transportation shapes how our world works.

3. Incredible Human Machine

A two-hour documentary, Incredible Human Machine is the perfect example that showcases how physics applies to our day-to-day life.

The film breaks down what makes our body work and why it works the way it does. The documentary also shows us the applications of physics in exciting ways. For instance, you can catch a glimpse of Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler's vocal cords, which for many, could be good enough a reason to watch!

4. Apollo 13

While this 1995 film might be a little old for some physics students, it remains a classic and powerful tale of what happened to the astronauts that died on that fated flight.

Apollo 13 is a great film that shows how many things can go drastically wrong despite constant preparation, and why it is vital to find alternative solutions. Students, in particular, can use scenes as the launching of the rocket and re-entry as ways to model their physics concepts.

5. Particle Fever

The 2013 American documentary film follows the tale of six scientists as they attempt to recreate the conditions that led to the creation of the universe. They begin from the Big Bang, where the scientists attempt to recreate it using Europe’s Large Hadron Collider.

What makes the documentary fun and enjoyable is its ability to simplify complicated concepts. It offers insights on essential discoveries that many scientists believe will help them to understand how the universe came to be. Although it is a film that very much involves science, especially physics, the main highlight is humanity's quest to discover and better understand the world that we inhabit.

Conclusion

It is important to note that the movies and documentaries listed above won’t all be directly related to the topic that is being discussed during your JC physics tuition classes. However, they can help you to learn more about the basic fields of science without breaking your brain, and entertain you at the same time.

If you’re bored or simply looking for some form of inspiration, then the 5 physics movies and documentaries listed above are a must-watch!