20 Gripping Movies About Aliens You Can't Miss

In this list, we have compiled the best movies about aliens. The world seems to be divided into two groups: those who believe in extraterrestrial life and those who don’t. Regardless of where you stand, if you’re a fan of science fiction, alien movies are irresistible. These movies often depict global efforts to combat alien invasions, interact with extraterrestrial beings, or explore unknown cosmic territories, captivating every science fiction enthusiast.

We’ve gathered a selection of the top alien-themed movies that showcase diverse takes on extraterrestrial encounters. Whether it’s the thrill of a high-stakes battle, the intrigue of first contact, or the exploration of otherworldly civilizations, these movies offer something for every science fiction lover. Here are the must-see alien movies you won’t want to miss.

1.Independence Day

This alien movie portrays humanity’s battle against extraterrestrial invaders. On July 2, a global weather event disrupts all communication systems, followed by an announcement from the armed forces about giant objects approaching Earth. Initially mistaken for meteors, these objects are revealed to be massive spaceships commanded by enigmatic aliens. As all efforts to communicate with the spaceships fail, former scientist and cable technician David Levinson uncovers the aliens’ plan to launch a critical attack on key global locations.

On July 3, the aliens execute major assaults on New York, Los Angeles, and Washington. The survivors flee to a secretive location known as Area 51, rumored to house an alien spaceship previously captured by the military. As the survivors converge at this hidden site, they prepare for a decisive battle against the extraterrestrial threat. July 4 becomes the pivotal day for humanity’s struggle for freedom.

Information about Independence Day

Title: Independence Day
Director: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, Randy Quaid
Release Year: 1996
Duration: 145 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+
IMDB Rating: 7.0/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Similar Movies: War of the Worlds (2005), Battle Los Angeles (2011), The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Independence Day on IMDb

2.Independence Day: Resurgence

This alien movie is the sequel to Independence Day. Twenty years after the initial invasion, humanity has advanced its defense systems using space technology. Nations have united to form a global coalition and even established a base on the moon. However, just before their defeat, the aliens managed to send out a distress signal into space.

Now, Earth faces an even larger and more formidable attack than before. As the threat escalates, it becomes clear that the survival of humanity hinges on the bravery and heroism of a few key individuals.

Information about Independence Day: Resurgence

Title: Independence Day: Resurgence
Director: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Maika Monroe, Jessie Usher
Release Year: 2016
Duration: 120 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
IMDB Rating: 5.2/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Similar Movies: Independence Day (1996), Battle Los Angeles (2011), The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Independence Day: Resurgence on IMDb

3.Signs

In this alien movie, Graham Hess, a former priest who has lost his faith due to past traumas, has transitioned to a peaceful life as a farmer. Living with his brother and his beloved children, Graham’s life is disrupted when he discovers a mysterious message carved into his crops—a complex pattern of circles and lines.

As he investigates further, Graham learns that these strange symbols are appearing not just in his fields but globally. What starts as a puzzling mystery soon reveals a far more alarming truth: extraterrestrial beings are now at their doorstep. This revelation will profoundly alter the lives of Graham, his brother, and his children, thrusting them into an extraordinary and perilous situation.

Information about Signs

Title: Signs
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin, Abigail Breslin, Cherry Jones
Release Year: 2002
Duration: 106 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Similar Movies: The Sixth Sense (1999), The Village (2004), War of the Worlds (2005)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Signs on IMDb

4.War of the Worlds

In this alien movie, Ray Ferrier faces an extraordinary challenge as he contends with an alien invasion. Recently separated from his wife, Ray spends a weekend with his son and daughter, only for their plans to be disrupted by a violent storm that darkens the sky and brings about inexplicable weather phenomena.

The situation escalates when Ray witnesses a massive, three-legged war machine emerging from the ground at a nearby intersection. This terrifying event marks the beginning of a full-scale alien attack on Earth. As the war machines start to devastate the area, Ray must act quickly to protect his children. They embark on a perilous journey to escape the relentless alien onslaught, facing both harsh natural conditions and the constant threat of attack. Despite their efforts, safety seems elusive, as every refuge they find is also under siege. Ray’s sole focus becomes ensuring the survival of his two children amid the chaos.

Information about War of the Worlds

Title: War of the Worlds
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Tim Robbins, Miranda Otto, Justin Chatwin
Release Year: 2005
Duration: 116 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Similar Movies: Independence Day (1996), Signs (2002), The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: War of the Worlds on IMDb

5.Alien Series

The Alien series, a cornerstone in science fiction and horror cinema, comprises nine movies that began with the original Alien, released in 1979 and directed by Ridley Scott. This iconic movie, set in the depths of space, established a suspenseful narrative that centers on humanity’s battle against extraterrestrial beings.

The success of the Alien franchise not only paved the way for subsequent movies but also ensured that the core theme of humanity’s struggle with aliens remained central, despite changes in directors and variations in the storylines. Each installment builds upon this foundation, exploring the chilling and relentless conflict between humans and the alien creatures.

Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Fassbender, Carrie Henn, Katherine Waterston, Noomi Rapace
Directors: James Cameron, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Paul WS Anderson, Colin Strause, Greg Strause, Ridley Scott,

6.Captive State

In the movie, set 10 years after an alien invasion, Chicago, USA is depicted as a battleground where humanity struggles to regain control. With the world divided between rebels and alien collaborators, the residents face a critical choice: to continue living under alien rule or to support the growing resistance.

The movie explores the conflicting perspectives of both the rebels and the alien collaborators, highlighting the complex moral and societal dilemmas of this new world order. It also addresses the broader implications for humanity’s future, where issues such as poverty and crime have been eradicated, but new challenges and ethical questions arise in the fight for freedom and survival.

Information about Captive State

Title: Captive State
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Cast: John Goodman, Ashton Sanders, Jonathan Majors, Vera Farmiga, Machine Gun Kelly
Release Year: 2019
Duration: 109 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
IMDB Rating: 6.0/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Similar Movies: Arrival (2016), District 9 (2009), The Fifth Wave (2016)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Captive State on IMDb

7.Contact

The movie, part of the alien movies genre, follows Dr. Eleanor Arroway’s quest to find extraterrestrial life. Dr. Arroway, a dedicated scientist, has been passionate about searching for extraterrestrial beings since childhood, a curiosity fueled by her father. Working with the SETI program, she tirelessly scans the universe for signs of life. Her perseverance is rewarded when she detects a mysterious message from space, marking a significant breakthrough in her lifelong mission.

Information about Contact

Title: Contact
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Cast: Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, James Woods
Release Year: 1997
Duration: 150 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Similar Movies: Interstellar (2014), The Martian (2015), Arrival (2016)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Contact on IMDb

8.E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

The movie, a classic among alien movies, explores the heartwarming friendship between a young boy and an extraterrestrial being. After a benevolent alien becomes stranded on Earth, he is discovered by a young boy named Elliott. The two quickly form a deep bond, and Elliott introduces the alien to his brother and little sister, Gertie. Determined to keep the alien’s existence a secret, the children bring him into their suburban home.

As the alien, known as E.T., begins to fall ill, the situation becomes increasingly challenging. The intervention of the government adds to the difficulties Elliott and his new friend face, threatening their efforts to protect and care for E.T. The movie masterfully combines elements of friendship, secrecy, and government interference, making it a standout in the genre.

Information about E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Title: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace, Robert MacNaughton
Release Year: 1982
Duration: 115 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Similar Movies: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), The Goonies (1985), Flight of the Navigator (1986)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial on IMDb

9.Men In Black Series

The movie showcases a team of Men in Black (MiB) engaged in a high-stakes battle against aliens. The Men in Black, an elite and secretive organization dedicated to monitoring and controlling extraterrestrial activities on Earth, have expanded their operations globally. The series, spanning four movies, has garnered a large and dedicated fan base.

In the Men in Black universe, we follow the adventures of Agent J and Agent K, who are tasked with protecting Earth from intergalactic threats. The story begins with Agent K recruiting James D. Edwards, a member of the NYPD, into the MiB. Together, they confront a deadly plot orchestrated by an intergalactic terrorist intent on stealing a powerful source of energy.

To prevent catastrophic consequences and ensure the safety of Earth, the Men in Black must locate and stop the terrorist before the worlds collide. Despite changes in characters over the series, the mission remains the same: to defend humanity from alien threats.

Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Tessa Thompson, Chris Hemsworth
Directors: Barry Sonnenfeld, F. Gary Gray

10.Mars Attacks!

In the movie, Martian spaceships surround major cities around the globe, with one landing in the Nevada desert. Humanity anxiously awaits to determine whether these extraterrestrial visitors truly come in peace, as they have claimed. US President James Dale is reassured by science professor Donald Kessler that the Martians’ mission is intended to be friendly. However, when the US Congress is obliterated by the Martians’ advanced weaponry, the military considers a full-scale nuclear retaliation.

Information about Mars Attacks!

Title: Mars Attacks!
Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Danny DeVito, Pierce Brosnan
Release Year: 1996
Duration: 106 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDB Rating: 6.3/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Similar Movies: Beetlejuice (1988), War of the Worlds (2005), Galaxy Quest (1999)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Mars Attacks! on IMDb

11.The Invasion

In this movie about aliens, we follow Carol’s struggle after a massive explosion lights up the sky from Dallas to Washington, causing the space shuttle Patriot to disintegrate. The debris from this explosion rains down across the USA, leading to unforeseen consequences. Despite rapid efforts by authorities to manage the situation, rumors spread about a mysterious substance found among the shuttle’s wreckage. This substance, which withstands both the extreme cold of space and the intense heat of re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, transforms those who come into contact with it.

Information about The Invasion

Title: The Invasion
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Jeremy Northam, Jackson Bond, Jeffrey Wright
Release Year: 2007
Duration: 99 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDB Rating: 5.9/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Similar Movies: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), The Faculty (1998), The Thing (1982)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: The Invasion on IMDb

12.Arrival

Among the movies about aliens, this production follows Dr. Louise Banks, a linguist working with the military. When extraterrestrial beings land in various locations worldwide, Dr. Banks, a linguistics professor, leads a research team tasked with establishing communication with the visitors. With global tensions escalating towards a potential worldwide conflict, Banks and her team must race against time to decipher the aliens’ intentions—whether they are peaceful or hostile. The challenge is compounded by the military’s aggressive stance towards the extraterrestrials.

Information about Arrival

Title: Arrival
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Tzi Ma
Release Year: 2016
Duration: 116 minutes
Country: United States, Canada
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Similar Movies: Interstellar (2014), Contact (1997), Annihilation (2018)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Arrival on IMDb

13.A Quiet Place Series (2018-2024)

The movie series, which comprises three movies, explores a post-apocalyptic world invaded by extraterrestrial creatures. Despite their lack of sight, these aliens possess an extraordinary sense of hearing. The series delves into a world that has been plunged into silence as humanity struggles to survive and adapt in the face of this new threat.

Cast: John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn
Directors: Michael Sarnoski, John Krasinski,

14.Avatar Series (2009-2022)

Unlike many alien movies, Avatar presents a unique perspective where aliens are not the antagonists. Set on the world of Pandora, the highly advanced Na’vi are tasked with defending their sacred lands against a human invasion seeking to exploit their natural resources. Despite their initial victory, the humans, known as the “Air People,” plan to launch another attack. In response, the Na’vi seek alliances with other clans to bolster their defenses and protect their world.

Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang
Director: James Cameron

15.Dark City

In the movie, John Murdoch wakes up alone in a bizarre hotel, only to discover he is a suspect in a series of brutal murders. The challenge is that he can’t remember if he committed the crimes. Initially, Murdoch believes he has lost his mind, but as he investigates further, he uncovers a chilling demonic underworld ruled by a malevolent group known as “The Strangers.” His quest to unravel the mystery reveals a dark and sinister reality, leading him to confront the eerie forces behind the murders.

Information about Dark City

Title: Dark City
Director: Alex Proyas
Cast: Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt, Ian Richardson
Release Year: 1998
Duration: 100 minutes
Country: United States, Australia
Genre: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Similar Movies: The Matrix (1999), The Sixth Sense (1999), Blade Runner (1982)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Dark City on IMDb

16.Edge of Tomorrow

In this alien invasion movie, humanity faces an existential threat as an alien alliance takes over the world, decimating major cities and leaving millions on the brink of extinction. Unable to withstand the aliens’ military might and telepathic abilities, the world’s nations are left with only one option: to unite their forces for a final stand.

Officer Bill Cage, an inexperienced commander, is thrust into a seemingly suicidal mission. Despite his lack of combat experience, he is expected to lead the charge against the extraterrestrial invaders. As anticipated, Cage is killed within minutes. However, this death marks not the end, but the beginning of a unique cycle. Cage finds himself trapped in a time loop where he repeatedly dies and revives, gaining new skills and strength with each cycle. This continual reset allows him to become increasingly adept at fighting the aliens, offering a glimmer of hope for humanity’s survival.

Information about Edge of Tomorrow

Title: Edge of Tomorrow
Director: Doug Liman
Cast: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson, Jonas Armstrong
Release Year: 2014
Duration: 113 minutes
Country: United States, Japan
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Similar Movies: Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow (2014), Source Code (2011), Oblivion (2013)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Edge of Tomorrow on IMDb

17.The Fifth Element

In this alien movie, set in the 23rd century, the story revolves around the struggle for survival against an ancient evil. Korben Dallas, a former soldier turned taxi driver, lives a mundane life until he encounters Leeloo, a pivotal character who holds the key to saving humanity.

An evil force, which resurfaces every 5,000 years with the intent to annihilate all life, is threatening the world once again. To prevent this catastrophe, Korben Dallas must team up with Leeloo. Together, they face the daunting challenge of stopping this malevolent entity and ensuring the survival of civilization.

Information about Edge of Tomorrow

Title: Edge of Tomorrow
Director: Doug Liman
Cast: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson, Jonas Armstrong
Release Year: 2014
Duration: 113 minutes
Country: United States, Japan
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Similar Movies: Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow (2014), Source Code (2011), Oblivion (2013)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Edge of Tomorrow on IMDb

18.The Thing

In this alien movie, Norwegian scientists make a shocking discovery beneath the ice at the North Pole in 1982. Following their find, a series of mysterious deaths occur. When the Norwegian team perishes under mysterious circumstances, American scientists are dispatched to investigate.

Upon conducting autopsies on the bodies found at the site, the American team encounters inexplicable results. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they find themselves engulfed in tension-filled moments, facing terrifying and unexplained phenomena. The movie explores the harrowing consequences of their discovery, leading to a suspenseful and gripping narrative.

Information about The Thing

Title: The Thing
Director: John Carpenter
Cast: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David, Richard Masur, Donald Moffat
Release Year: 1982
Duration: 109 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Similar Movies: Alien (1979), The Fly (1986), Event Horizon (1997)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: The Thing on IMDb

19.Starman

The movie, which is among the best alien movies, follows the story of an extraterrestrial being who responds to a NASA message intended for aliens. After the alien’s spaceship crashes, he fears capture and adopts a human identity to evade detection. Disguised as Jenny’s deceased husband, the alien—known as Starman—proves to be kind-hearted and well-meaning.

Initially, gaining Jenny’s trust is challenging, but over time, he succeeds. Together, Starman and Jenny embark on a journey to Arizona to meet a spacecraft from his home planet at a predetermined location. However, their journey is impeded by authorities determined to capture the alien for experimentation. This sets off a relentless chase as they strive to evade capture and complete their mission.

The movie explores themes of trust, identity, and the perils of extraterrestrial contact, making it a compelling entry in the genre of alien movies.

Information about Starman

Title: Starman
Director: John Carpenter
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Karen Allen, Charles Martin Smith, Richard Jaeckel, Bob Balaban
Release Year: 1984
Duration: 115 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDB Rating: 7.0/10
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Similar Movies: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), The Abyss (1989)
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Starman on IMDb

20.Predator series (1987-2022)

In the heart of the Central American jungles, Major Alan Dutch Schaefer leads an elite special forces team on a critical rescue mission. Accompanied by his seasoned comrades, including Mac Eliot and the wisecracking Blain Cooper, Dutch and his team are well-versed in danger. However, they face an unprecedented threat: a predatory alien hunter equipped with advanced alien technology and a ruthless precision.

Known as the Predator, this extraterrestrial adversary transforms Dutch’s mission into a desperate fight for survival. The movie unfolds as a gripping sci-fi thriller where a relentless cat-and-mouse chase ensues. The movie’s success and enduring popularity led to several sequels, solidifying its place in the alien movie genre.

Key phrases: Central American jungles, special forces team, predatory alien, Predator, fight for survival, sci-fi thriller, alien movie, sequels.

Directors: John McTiernan, Stephen Hopkins, Nimród Antal, Shane Black, Dan Trachtenberg
Cast: Amber Midthunder, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny Glover, Adrien Brody, Boyd Holbrook

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