Classic Trailer Rewatch: Danny Boyle’s ‘Sunshine’ Brilliant Sci-Fi Film

by Alex Billington
November 23, 2025
Source: YouTube

“If it dies, we die.” Sarchlight Pictures originally released this sci-fi classic Sunshine back in 2007, but no one went to see it back then when it opened in theaters. Now 18 years later it’s considered one of the best modern sci-fi movies, even with the controversial horror ending. Made by director Danny Boyle & writer Alex Garland as another one of their collabs after the original 28 Days Later (made 5 years before this) the film follows a crew trying to take a special payload to the Sun to help reignite since it’s “dying”. It’s one of my favorite films mostly for the intense realism & attention to detail. And its bleak but fascinating look at how being out in deep space makes people go mad. Sunshine is a sci-fi psychological thriller starring a great cast featuring Cillian Murphy as Capa, with Rose Byrne, Cliff Curtis, Chris Evans, Troy Garity, Michelle Yeoh, Benedict Wong, and Hiroyuki Sanada. The film takes place in 2057, where a group of astronauts aboard the Icarus II are sent on a dangerous mission towards the Sun. Posting these old trailers is also another excuse to say again how brilliant this film truly is and how it always deserves a rewatch if it has been a while since you’ve last seen it. Both of these trailers also use the epic Requiem for a Dream song.

Here’s two original trailers (+ the original poster) for Danny Boyle’s sci-fi movie Sunshine, from YouTube:

You can always watch more unforgettable trailers from the past in our “Classic Trailer Rewatch” archives.

In the year 2057, a crew of eight courageous men and women have embarked upon a lengthy journey to the Sun to reignite the dying star and save mankind from extinction. But when a terrible accident throws their mission into jeopardy, the crew find themselves fighting not only for their lives and their sanity, but for the future of us all. Sunshine is directed by acclaimed British filmmaker Danny Boyle, directing his 7th feature film at the time right after Millions (2004) and just before making Slumdog Millionaire (2008) next. The screenplay is written by Alex Garland. Produced by Andrew Macdonald; co-produced by Bernard Bellew. This initially premiered at the 2007 Fantasy Filmfest in Germany before opening in theaters in the US starting on July 20th, 2007. It only earned $3.6M at the US box office that year but has since become a beloved favorite of many sci-fi fans. Searchlight Pictures has the movie available to watch on VOD anytime.

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