History in 5 Minutes or less

When Apollo 13 hit theaters in 1995, it quickly became one of the most celebrated space movies ever made. Directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, the film tells the harrowing true story of NASA’s ill-fated 1970 lunar mission. Packed with tension, drama, and unforgettable performances, it’s no wonder the movie was a smash hit. But just how accurate is Apollo 13? Let’s break down five things it got right—and five things it took some Hollywood liberties with.

5 Things Apollo 13 Got Right

1. “Houston, We Have a Problem” (Mostly)

Yes, the famous line was actually said—but not quite the way it’s delivered in the movie. In reality, astronaut Jack Swigert was the first to report, “Okay, Houston, we’ve had a problem here.” Jim Lovell later repeated, “Houston, we’ve had a problem.” The film changed it slightly to “Houston, we have a problem” for dramatic effect, but the essence remains true.

2. The Technical Challenges Were Spot-On

The film does an excellent job portraying the real-life challenges the Apollo 13 crew faced. From using a slide rule for calculations to manually adjusting their trajectory, the technical details were impressively accurate. Even the famous CO2 filter fix using only duct tape and materials onboard was shown exactly as it happened.

3. The Astronauts’ Emotional Struggles

While much of the focus is on the mission’s survival, the film also captures the emotional toll on the astronauts and their families. Marilyn Lovell’s distress, NASA’s mounting pressure, and the crew’s frustrations were all very real and contribute to the film’s authenticity.

4. NASA’s Intense Problem-Solving

The movie does a great job showcasing NASA’s teamwork, particularly the engineers and flight controllers who worked tirelessly to bring the crew home. Gene Kranz (played by Ed Harris) famously declares, “Failure is not an option!”—a line that Kranz himself didn’t actually say but perfectly encapsulated NASA’s attitude during the crisis.

5. The Dramatic Re-Entry Sequence

The film accurately depicts the nail-biting wait for the capsule’s re-entry. Due to ionized gases interfering with communication, NASA lost contact with the crew for longer than expected. The suspense in the movie mirrors what people experienced in real life as they anxiously awaited confirmation of the astronauts’ survival.

5 Things Apollo 13 Got Wrong

1. Ken Mattingly’s Last-Minute Replacement Wasn’t as Dramatic

Gary Sinise plays Ken Mattingly, who was grounded due to measles exposure. The movie makes it seem like he found out just hours before launch, but in reality, he was removed from the mission days earlier. While it was still a tough call, the timeline was stretched for dramatic effect.

2. The Lovell Family’s Reaction Was Embellished

Marilyn Lovell’s ring dropping into the shower drain is a purely fictional moment designed to symbolize her distress. While she was undoubtedly worried about her husband, the real Marilyn Lovell later confirmed that she never lost her ring in such a dramatic fashion.

3. The Crew Wasn’t as Combative

The film suggests a bit more in-fighting between the astronauts than what actually occurred. While tensions were high, Lovell, Swigert, and Haise worked remarkably well together under extreme stress. The dramatic arguments were likely added to heighten the tension.

4. Gene Kranz Never Said “Failure Is Not an Option”

Even though it’s one of the most iconic lines in movie history, Gene Kranz never actually said, “Failure is not an option.” The phrase was invented for the movie, though Kranz later adopted it as a personal motto, even using it as the title of his memoir.

5. The Real-Life Swigert Was More Experienced

The movie portrays Jack Swigert as slightly out of his depth when he joins the mission at the last minute. In reality, Swigert was highly experienced and well-prepared. While the transition was undoubtedly challenging, he wasn’t as unsure of himself as the film suggests.

Conclusion

Despite a few Hollywood embellishments, Apollo 13 remains one of the most accurate space movies ever made. It captures the spirit, danger, and brilliance of NASA’s finest minds under pressure. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or just love a good survival story, Apollo 13 delivers an out-of-this-world experience—accuracies and all.