A “masterpiece” drama based on a true story is hailed by fans as of the “most underrated” movies ever. October Sky (1999) is set in Coalwood, West Virginia, and follows coal miner’s son Homer H. Hickam Jr. (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) who was inspired to take up rocketry by the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik 1 in the late 1950s.

His father John Hickham (Chris Cooper), a proud miner, resists his ambitions, wishing his son to join him in the pits. However, Homer’s teacher Miss Freida J. Riley (Laura Dern) believes in Homer, and encourages to him to follow his dream. The film was based on Rocket Boy, the first book in the real life Homer H. Hickam Jr.’s memoir series. And while the film takes some creative liberties, it celebrates his true-to-life journey from the mining community to NASA.

Fans took to Rotten Tomatoes to shower the film with praise. One called it a “masterpiece” adding: “Beautiful and heartwarming, Joe Johnston’s instant classic is worth the watch.”

Another added: “An all time great historical drama. The time period and setting are fascinating, the story is engaging and the actors are solid.

“This is one of those essential movies to watch when growing up. It shows that if you want to do something you may have to push hard but you can achieve your dreams.”

A third called it “one of the most underrated movies ever made,” calling it a “pure wonder!”.

A fourth added: “Such a beautifully made film! I highly recommend you take the time to see this heartfelt movie.

“It’s something you’ll end up watching once every few years when you need a feel good, fall season movie. I hope it leaves as good of a feeling in your heart as it does mine.

The film is Certified Fresh on the review aggregator site, where it has a superb 90% Tomatometer score (which reflects the percentage of approved critics who have given it a good review).

October Sky is streaming now on Netflix.