This study investigates the potential of cinema in shaping public perceptions of astronomical phenomena by analyzing The Black Hole (1979) and Interstellar (2014), with an aim to explore the films’ impact on popular scientific understanding and public engagement with black holes. Although black holes began capturing theatergoers’ attention in the 1970s, evoking both fascination and fear, particularly with the release of Disney's The Black Hole (1979), such responses resulted the limited knowledge available. Few studies compare the ways in which scientific accuracy in film influences public perceptions of astronomical phenomena. To address the impact of film on popular knowledge, this research integrates a comparative content analysis, drawing on the perspectives of physicist Kip Thorne, film scholar David Kirby, philosopher David Johnson, and historian Bina Nir. A synthesis of the films’ visual effects, scientific dialogue, narrative accuracy, and statistical data on audience preferences for realism versus entertainment suggests that films are not only vital tools for confirming the existence of scientific phenomena but also for communicating complex scientific ideas to a broad audience. Disney’s The Black Hole illustrates how even inaccurate scientific depictions can provoke interest and debate, suggesting that representations, regardless of fidelity, contribute to scientific dialogue and curiosity. Conversely, Interstellar, which involved collaboration with scientists to achieve higher accuracy in its interpretation, demonstrates the potential of films to profoundly influence public understanding and attitudes toward science. Future research could expand this study by exploring fictional depictions of other astronomical phenomena beyond black holes, such as the portrayal of wormholes in Carl Sagan's Contact and Dan Simmons’ novel series Hyperion Cantos.