Originally intended as a television pilot, the film was released theatrically on March 30, 1979 . Starring Gil Gerard as Captain William "Buck" Rogers and Erin Gray as Colonel Wilma Deering, the movie follows a 20th-century astronaut frozen in space for 504 years who awakens in a futuristic world. Its box office success—grossing over $21 million —led NBC to commission the iconic weekly series that defined sci-fi television for many in the early 1980s. Is Buck Rogers Public Domain?

While the original 1928 novella Armageddon 2419 A.D. and early 1929 comic strips have entered the public domain, the 1979 film produced by Universal Pictures remains under strict copyright protection.

The characters in "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" are well-developed and complex, with each one bringing their own unique personality to the story. Buck is a fish-out-of-water in the 25th century, struggling to adapt to the new world and its technologies. Wilma is a tough and capable leader, while Twiki provides comedic relief as a fast-talking robot.

High-definition restorations, including a Kino Lorber Blu-ray released in 2020, offer the best viewing experience.