“Project Hail Mary” debuted in theaters on March 20, 2026, and has already achieved a 96% “fresh” critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, based on 102 reviews as of Wednesday, March 11, 2026, according to reports.
The science fiction adventure, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and starring Ryan Gosling, tells the story of a high school science teacher who awakens on a spaceship with amnesia and must save Earth from a solar crisis. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Andy Weir, author of “The Martian.”
Critics have lauded the film as a compelling and emotionally resonant blockbuster. Kristy Puchko of Mashable described the film as a “mirthful mash-up” akin to “The Martian” meets “Half Nelson” meets “E.T.” Tasha Robinson of Polygon stated the movie version of “Project Hail Mary” is “funny, strange, heartening, and completely satisfying.” John Nugent of Empire Magazine called it “stupidly entertaining stuff about seriously clever speculative concepts.”
The film’s success on Rotten Tomatoes places it among the highest-rated blockbusters of the year thus far. Jason Miller of Nerdspin called the film “stunning, heartbreaking, and one of the most incredible films you will see this year.” Adam Schoales of That Shelf described it as “an out-of-this-world adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat, laughing until your sides hurt, and fighting back tears during its many emotional moments.”
While some reviews were more measured – Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com described it as “TV-dinner sci-fi” with a “slight warmth” – the overwhelming consensus is positive. Owen Gleiberman of Variety offered a dissenting opinion, stating, “Forgive me if I say that it’s not a very good movie.”
The film features a non-human character named Rocky, who critics have singled out for praise. The adaptation, penned by Drew Goddard, who as well adapted “The Martian” for the screen, appears to have successfully captured the spirit of the source material, alleviating concerns about fidelity to the novel.
As of Tuesday afternoon, March 10, 2026, the film had garnered 93 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, maintaining its 96% score, according to Forbes.
