Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary is more than just a sci-fi adventure—it’s a survival story wrapped in humor, heart, and hard science. If you’re craving similar experiences—whether it’s a lone genius facing the odds, first contact stories, or realistic space missions—this list has you covered.
Below, you’ll find 15 books like Project Hail Mary that deliver on science, suspense, and soul.
1. The Martian by Andy Weir
Let’s start with the obvious. If you haven’t read Weir’s breakout hit The Martian, you’re missing out on a novel that defined the “science with sass” style. Mark Watney’s journey of survival on Mars mirrors Ryland Grace’s plight in many ways—isolated, clever, and filled with problem-solving.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Realistic science and engineering.
- Hilarious internal monologue.
- High-stakes survival with plenty of plot twists.
2. Contact by Carl Sagan
This classic explores first contact with extraterrestrial life in a deeply philosophical and emotional way. If Project Hail Mary’s alien buddy “Rocky” touched your heart, this will appeal to your curiosity and sense of wonder.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Intelligent take on first contact.
- Strong female protagonist.
- Explores science, religion, and meaning.
3. Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
A bold, sprawling story of evolution and alien intelligence. The book tackles big ideas—survival, technology, and consciousness—with thrilling narrative scope. Think Project Hail Mary meets Planet of the Apes, in space.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Evolution of an alien species.
- Human remnants in a desperate mission.
- Mind-expanding and deeply emotional.
4. Artemis by Andy Weir
Another Weir classic, this time set on the Moon. While it doesn’t quite match the emotional punch of Project Hail Mary, it still delivers thrilling science-based escapades and a sassy, resourceful protagonist.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Lunar colony politics and crime.
- Smart, scrappy main character.
- Fast-paced, high-stakes plotting.
5. Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
This book (and its sequels) is essential reading for hard science fiction fans. It explores the colonization of Mars with extraordinary detail and realism. The story is denser than Project Hail Mary, but equally thought-provoking.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Deep political and scientific insights.
- Strong world-building.
- A sweeping, cerebral sci-fi epic.
6. Blindsight by Peter Watts
What if first contact wasn’t friendly or even comprehensible? Blindsight is dark, philosophical, and challenging. If you liked the science and mystery of Project Hail Mary, this novel will stretch your brain even further.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Creepy, cerebral aliens.
- Exploration of consciousness and humanity.
- Intense philosophical underpinnings.
7. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
While more grounded on Earth, this novel dives into the viral chaos of first contact through the lens of internet culture. A unique voice with emotional depth and themes of alien contact, fame, and identity.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Engaging, modern writing.
- Alien mystery meets media madness.
- Emotional and surprising character arcs.
8. The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
If you loved the friendship between Ryland and Rocky, this heartwarming space opera will be your jam. It’s all about crew dynamics, found family, and the beauty of the universe.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Diverse, lovable characters.
- Uplifting and character-driven.
- Star Trek vibes with heart.
9. Sphere by Michael Crichton
A deep-sea alien mystery packed with tension, Sphere brings Crichton’s signature blend of science and suspense. If you enjoyed the suspenseful moments in Project Hail Mary, this will keep you on edge.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Isolated scientific team.
- Alien technology and psychological tension.
- Fast-paced thriller with a twist.
10. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Not set in space, but this mind-bending thriller about alternate realities features a protagonist stuck in a wild, high-stakes scientific situation. It’s fast, thought-provoking, and emotionally powerful.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Multiverse mechanics explained clearly.
- High-concept, but super readable.
- A father’s love at the center of it all.
11. A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
Another Chambers gem, this is a quieter, more meditative story. It asks the big questions—what do we need to be happy? What does sentient life owe itself and others?
Why You’ll Love It:
- Cozy science fiction.
- Intelligent robots and humans learning from each other.
- Short, but profound.
12. Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
A time travel novel that spans centuries, blending pandemic fiction with cosmic mystery. It’s reflective and ambitious, like Project Hail Mary but more literary.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Philosophical science fiction.
- Interconnected timelines.
- Gorgeous writing style.
13. Upgrade by Blake Crouch
From the same author as Dark Matter, Upgrade is a genetic-enhancement thriller with a breakneck pace and thought-provoking ideas about humanity’s future.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Bioengineering gone wild.
- Emotional family core.
- Smart, fast, action-packed.
14. The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
A masterwork of hard science fiction from China. It’s challenging, big-picture, and centers around humanity’s first contact with a mysterious alien civilization. The stakes? Civilization itself.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Rich science and history.
- Unique cultural perspective.
- Epic scope with philosophical depth.
15. Spaceman of Bohemia by Jaroslav Kalfař
This novel blends absurdity and melancholy, following a lone astronaut who may or may not be losing his mind. It’s bizarre and poetic, with an alien encounter that’s more about the human condition than science.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Weird, emotional sci-fi.
- Deeply introspective and strange.
- A cosmic journey into the soul.
Honorable Mentions
- The Expanse Series by James S. A. Corey – Epic, thrilling space opera.
- How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu – A quirky, mind-bending narrative.
- To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers – A beautiful short novel on space exploration and ethics.
Final Thoughts
If Project Hail Mary left you reeling with wonder, laughter, and maybe a few tears, these books will carry that torch. Whether you want more alien encounters, scientific survival, or just emotionally intelligent space stories, there’s something on this list that will light up your imagination.
So pick your next cosmic journey—because the universe is big, strange, and beautifully written.
