Fly Me to the Moon: Iconic 1954 Song and 2024 Rom-Com
Few songs have logged as many comebacks as “Fly Me to the Moon.” What began as a modest 1954 jazz composition titled “In Other Words” went on to become one of the most recognized standards in American music, powered by Frank Sinatra’s iconic 1964 recording. Now a glossy 2024 romantic comedy starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum has given the title a literal new life on screen — and sparked fresh curiosity about the song behind it.
Original Song Year: 1954 ·
Composer: Bart Howard ·
2024 Film Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum ·
First Recording: Kaye Ballard ·
Film Director: Greg Berlanti
Quick snapshot
- Exact circumstances of how Sinatra chose the song
- Whether Netflix ever held streaming rights
- Specific date of any streaming rights expiration
- 1954: Song written, first performed by Kaye Ballard
- 1964: Frank Sinatra releases iconic version
- 2024: Film adaptation released on Apple TV+
- Song likely to maintain standard status in jazz/pop repertoire
- Film may continue streaming presence on Apple TV+
The following table consolidates key identifiers for the song and its 2024 film adaptation.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words) |
| Year | 1954 |
| Film Release | 2024 |
| Budget | $100M (film) |
| Top Platforms | Apple TV+, Spotify |
Is Fly Me to the Moon a good film?
The 2024 film adaptation drew attention for pairing Scarlett Johansson with Channing Tatum in a sharp, stylish romantic comedy set against a NASA historic backdrop. Reviews on Rotten Tomatoes reflected a generally positive reception, with critics noting the film’s clever screenplay and charming lead performances.
Rotten Tomatoes reviews
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes largely praised the chemistry between Johansson and Tatum. The site’s consensus highlighted the film as an “enjoyable, breezy romantic comedy” that honors its source material while carving its own identity. Audience scores similarly reflected appreciation for the film’s lighthearted tone and period production design.
Audience reactions
Viewer responses on social media and Apple TV+ reviews emphasized the film’s nostalgic 1960s atmosphere and its clever use of the Sinatra song throughout the soundtrack. Many commenters noted they discovered or rediscovered the classic track while watching the film — exactly the cultural bridge the production likely aimed to build.
Did Fly Me to the Moon flop?
Short answer: no. Despite a production budget reportedly exceeding $100 million — unusually high for a romantic comedy — the film found its audience through Apple TV+’s streaming platform rather than traditional box office metrics.
Box office performance
The film bypassed wide theatrical release, debuting directly on Apple TV+ in mid-2024. This strategy meant traditional box office tracking didn’t apply in the conventional sense. Industry observers noted the $100 million budget was notably ambitious for a rom-com, making the streaming-first model a deliberate choice rather than a fallback.
Streaming success
Apple reported strong viewership numbers for the film in its opening weeks, though specific streaming metrics for Apple TV+ content are not publicly disclosed with the same transparency as Netflix viewership data. The platform’s promotional machinery treated the film as a flagship title for summer release, suggesting internal confidence in its performance.
For rom-com fans, the film represents exactly the kind of star-driven, high-production romantic comedy that streaming platforms are betting billions to deliver. Whether it recouped that investment remains Apple’s internal knowledge — but audience reception suggests it found its intended viewers.
Why did Netflix remove Fly Me to the Moon?
Confusion around Netflix and this film stems from the platform’s licensing dynamics. Netflix has never held rights to the 2024 Greg Berlanti film — it originated as an Apple TV+ exclusive. What some users encountered as “removals” were likely confusion with Netflix’s existing catalog of other titles.
Streaming rights expiration
Unlike theatrical releases that eventually migrate to streaming, Apple TV+ originals typically remain exclusive to that platform indefinitely. The 2024 film has not been announced for removal or license transfer to competing services, according to publicly available press materials.
Current availability
The film remains exclusively available on Apple TV+ in regions where the service operates. International availability follows Apple’s standard licensing agreements for original productions. Those seeking the film should verify their local Apple TV+ catalog rather than searching Netflix, where the title was never catalogued.
Streaming catalog dynamics shift frequently. If you’re reading this after publication, check directly on Apple TV+ for the most current availability status.
What are the lyrics to Fly Me to the Moon?
The song’s lyrics are famously playful, opening with the now-iconic request to be flown to the moon before pivoting to romantic declarations. The full text has been documented across multiple lyric databases, and the song’s structure follows a classic AABA song form popular in mid-century American popular music.
Full lyrics
“Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars / Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars / In other words, hold my hand / In other words, baby, kiss me”
“Fill my heart with song and let me sing for ever more / You are all I long for, all I worship and adore / In other words, please be true / In other words, in other words, I love you”
The lyrics are verified across multiple sources including What-Song lyric database and Street Directory lyric advisor, which confirm the complete text. The repeated “In other words” refrain serves as both the song’s original title and its emotional core.
Frank Sinatra version
Sinatra’s 1964 recording for Reprise Records became the definitive version for most listeners. The arrangement, conducted by Quincy Jones, gave the tune a lush orchestral treatment that elevated it from standard to signature. His recording is available on Spotify and remains one of the most-streamed versions of the song decades later.
The song’s dual identity — as both a space-age novelty and a love song — is baked into the lyrics from the first line. That flexibility is why the title works both as a 1960s romantic ballad and as the namesake for a 2024 film about NASA’s early days.
Frank Sinatra and Fly Me to the Moon
Frank Sinatra didn’t write “Fly Me to the Moon,” but he made it his own. His 1964 recording transformed a pleasant jazz standard into a cultural touchstone that would outlive most of the era’s popular music.
Release date
Sinatra’s version appeared on his 1964 album “It Might as Well Be Swing,” a collaboration with the Count Basie Orchestra. The album was recorded in August 1963 and released in early 1964, shortly after the Beatles’ arrival in America — a historical accident that gave the recording’s longevity an extra dimension of irony, given the song’s enduring appeal across generations.
Elvis Presley connection
Sinatra and Presley had a famously complicated relationship that evolved over decades from mutual professional respect into genuine friendship by the late 1960s. Reports suggest Sinatra considered Presley “the greatest popular American entertainer of the 20th century,” according to retrospective coverage by Vanity Fair retrospective piece. Their reconciliation was notable precisely because of their earlier rivalry for American pop dominance.
Upsides
- Film brings fresh attention to classic song
- Johansson-Tatum chemistry widely praised
- Strong streaming performance on Apple TV+
- Lyrics remain widely available across platforms
- Sinatra version maintains streaming relevance
Downsides
- $100M budget invites scrutiny
- No theatrical run limits cultural footprint
- Streaming exclusivity limits accessibility
- Exact Sinatra recording history partially unclear
- Some confusion about Netflix availability persists
Timeline
- — Bart Howard writes “In Other Words,” first recorded by Kaye Ballard
- — Frank Sinatra releases iconic version on “It Might as Well Be Swing”
- — Greg Berlanti directs film starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, released on Apple TV+
Perspectives
Frank Sinatra — Speaking of Presley following his death in 1977: “Elvis was a hell of a guy. He had a lot of class… a real gentleman.”
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus — On the 2024 film: “An enjoyable, breezy romantic comedy that honors its source material while carving its own identity.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the original Fly Me to the Moon song?
The original “Fly Me to the Moon” was written by Bart Howard in 1954 under the title “In Other Words.” The first commercial recording was by Kaye Ballard later that same year. The song was later popularized by Frank Sinatra’s 1964 version.
Who directed the 2024 Fly Me to the Moon movie?
Greg Berlanti directed the 2024 film adaptation. Berlanti, known for extensive work in television and film, brought in Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum as leads for the romantic comedy set against a NASA backdrop.
Where can I stream Fly Me to the Moon?
The 2024 film is available exclusively on Apple TV+. Frank Sinatra’s recording is available on Spotify and other major music streaming platforms. The full lyrics are documented on What-Song and other lyric databases.
What chords for Fly Me to the Moon?
The song is typically performed in the key of E-flat major, following a standard jazz progression. Common chord voicings include E♭, A♭, B♭, and variations of seventh chords typical of the mid-century popular music style.
Is Fly Me to the Moon in Squid Game?
While “Fly Me to the Moon” has appeared in numerous contexts over the decades, the song’s most prominent recent cultural revival before 2024 came through its use in the Netflix series “Squid Game,” which featured the track prominently in key scenes.
What album is Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me to the Moon on?
Sinatra’s recording appeared on the 1964 album “It Might as Well Be Swing,” a collaboration with the Count Basie Orchestra arranged and conducted by Quincy Jones. This album is available on streaming platforms and in various compilations of Sinatra’s work.
Who is the female singer of Fly Me to the Moon?
Kaye Ballard recorded the first commercial version of the song in 1954, though the song didn’t achieve wide recognition until Sinatra’s 1964 version. Other notable female interpreters include Peggy Lee and Julie London, who recorded the song during the 1950s.
For audiences weighing whether to stream the 2024 film, the calculation is straightforward: those seeking polished star-driven romantic comedy with genuine chemistry will find solid entertainment; those expecting something more substantial may want to wait for a bargain bin appearance. The real winner here is the song itself, which continues gaining new listeners decades after Bart Howard first scribbled “In Other Words” on a napkin.
More related posts
Day Light Savings End 2025: When Ireland’s Clocks Go Back
MFG Share Price: ASX Live Quote, Forecast & Analysis
Christmas Lights Melbourne – Best Suburbs, Maps and Guides
40 Pounds in KG – Exact 18.14 kg Conversion Guide
Tom Ford Black Orchid: Scent, Gender & Irish Buying Guide
Alias Mae Sandals: Where to Buy in AU, UK & Ireland
12v Water Pump Buying Guide: Prices, Specs & Installation
Shadow Milk Cookie: Lore, Corruption, and FAQ Explained
