Here Are 14 Movies That Will Make You Think Twice About Aliens
When it comes to Hollywood blockbusters, many movies tend to follow a cliche. Alien films are no exception, and yet, there are a select few that try to do something different.
The following 14 movies will make you think twice about aliens. They introduce concepts that take you beyond the stereotypes. So grab your popcorn and let your mind be opened.
1. The Host (2013)
Image Credit: Open Road Films.
Based on the book by Stephanie Meyer, The Host plays with an interesting alien concept. The world has been invaded by a body-possessing species, who then stay in their human “hosts” and continue living on Earth. The movie follows protagonist Melanie as she navigates the aftermath while trying to protect the ones she loves.
2. Mimic (1997)
Image Credit: Miramax Films.
The premise for Mimic sees a bunch of scientists trying to get rid of a cockroach-spreading disease. They genetically engineer the Judas bug to combat the cockroaches. All goes well until said bug advances beyond their control.
3. Contact (1997)
Image Credit: Warner Bros.
The science fiction movie based on the Carl Sagan novel follows a scientist’s journey in her search for proof of the existence of extraterrestrial life. When she successfully contacts an alien life form, she has to find a way to prove that she did in order to continue her work. The movie features real-life sites related to astronomy, including the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, Cape Canaveral, Florida, and the Very Large Array in New Mexico.
4. Independence Day (1996)
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.
This Will Smith-led vehicle resurrected Hollywood science-fiction/disaster blockbuster movies with incredible visual effects. It tells the story of a group of Americans teaming up with allies worldwide to fight against a powerful, hostile, invading alien force attacking major cities. A fan favorite, Independence Day was the highest-grossing movie of 1996.
5. Fire in the Sky (1993)
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.
The fictionalized account of a real-life claim of alien abduction is the premise of Fire in the Sky. In 1975, Travis Walton and his coworkers were heading home when they encountered an unidentified flying object (UFO). The beings in the object reportedly abducted Walton, performing experiments on him before releasing him days later. Walton also wrote a book called The Walton Experience, which served as the basis for the film.
6. Signs (2002)
Image Credit: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.
M. Night Shyamalan’s sci-fi horror explores the nature of faith. When a race of water-averse aliens lands on Earth with seemingly ill intentions, a former priest who lost his faith after the untimely death of his wife finds it again as he fights to save his family from the invading creatures. This psychological thriller has more than its share of jump scares.
7. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures.
Stephen Spielberg’s critically acclaimed sci-fi drama is considered the king of alien species films. When a long-lost airplane and ship suddenly reappear intact years after they went missing, UFO sightings begin, and supernatural events occur. It soon becomes clear that curious aliens from another dimension are attempting to make contact with Earth.
8. Flight of the Navigator (1986)
Image Credit: Buena Vista Distribution.
Friendly aliens combined with time travel make for an adventurous sci-fi movie experience. Twelve-year-old David suffers an accidental fall, and when he wakes up a few minutes later, he finds eight years have passed, but he hasn’t aged at all because of an alien encounter. The movie has become a cult classic with a reboot in development.
9. Batteries Not Included (1987)
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.
The sci-fi genre turns comedic with this classic film from the ’80s. When a property developer threatens to tear down an older building with residents who are more like family than just neighbors, the elderly owners of the property receive help from an unlikely source: miniature living spaceships. It’s hard not to fall in love with the extraterrestrial Fix-Its.
10. War of the Worlds (2005)
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.
Steven Spielberg made yet another foray into science fiction with his adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel, written in 1898. After hostile aliens invade Earth intending to destroy humanity, a single dad fights against them to save his children. The movie effectively captures Wells’ writing using modern technologies.
11. Mars Attacks! (1996)
Image Credit: Warner Bros.
This comedic sci-fi movie, with an A-list cast including Jack Nicholson and Glenn Close, was a box office failure, especially compared to Independence Day, released several months earlier. The film, based on a series of Topps trading cards, tells the story of a global alien invasion and the Americans who try to end it. Amazingly, it’s a Burl Ives song that proves to be vital in defeating the aliens.
12. Annihilation (2018)
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.
When a group of scientists explores an alien environment called “The Shimmer,” they encounter frights they could have never anticipated in this cerebral thriller. This movie brings to life Alex Garland’s 2014 novel. While it didn’t achieve wide box office success, it has become a cult classic among fans of psychological sci-fi horror films.
13. Nope (2022)
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.
Jordan Peele’s sci-fi horror movie with elements of old Western films brings a fresh twist to previous adversarial alien movies. A brother and sister who operate a horse ranch uncover evidence of the existence of UFOs. Their attempts to obtain solid evidence prove dangerous to the pair and anyone who tries to help them.
14. The Vast of Night (2019)
Image Credit: Amazon Studios.
Loosely based on real-life unexplained occurrences, a radio DJ and a switchboard operator hear a strange audio signal that may be alien. The sound also coincides with reports of UFO sightings. The pair then go on a quest to discover if aliens are real. This critically acclaimed suspense film will draw you into their search.
10 True UFO Sightings From Around the World That Still Haunt Witnesses
Image Credit: fergregory/Depositphotos.com.
The fascination around UFO sightings is universal. While some events can be explained away as “man-made” objects, such as secret military weaponry, some UFO sightings pose mysteries that are hard to demystify. Here are ten real-life UFO events from around the world that continue to haunt witnesses today.
10 True UFO Sightings From Around the World That Still Haunt Witnesses
10 Great Disaster Films if You Like Watching Apocalypse on the Screen
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.
If you’re craving some thrilling cinematic escapades that explore the cataclysmic scenarios of doomsday, you’ve come to the right place. Others may not understand your sadistic thought experiments, but I get it.
When you’re bored, why not traumatize yourself with horrific scenarios? These ten disaster films will satisfy your appetite for apocalyptic doom without you, you know, actually having to die. From meteoric threats to alien invasions and global catastrophes, these movies will make you grateful that your life isn’t this exciting.
10 Great Disaster Films if You Like Watching Apocalypse on the Screen
Monsters on Screen: Here’s the Internet’s 12 Favorite Cryptid Movies
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.
It’s time to step into the realm of cryptids as we explore the internet’s favorite mysterious creatures on-screen. These movies showcase hidden creatures, urban legends, and more. So grab your popcorn and get ready for spine-tingling encounters. Prepare for a freaky ride through these monstrous tales.
Monsters on Screen: Here’s the Internet’s 12 Favorite Cryptid Movies
10 Movies Based on Urban Legends That Will Make You Question Reality
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.
Urban legends have long captivated our imaginations, weaving tales of terror and suspense that leave us questioning the thin veil between fact and fiction. These legends have been fertile ground for filmmakers, inspiring some of the most spine-chilling and memorable movies. From supernatural beings lurking in the shadows to cursed objects that bring about doom, these ten films have successfully brought urban legends to life on the big screen.
10 Movies Based on Urban Legends That Will Make You Question Reality
Lost in Time: Explore America’s 12 Most Spooky Ghost Towns
Image Credit: kobbydagan/Depositphotos.com.
After the boom and bustle of a once-promising town is depleted, the people flee, the businesses go bankrupt, and the once flourishing city turns into a ghost town. Infrastructure deteriorates, tumbleweed blows through the street, and ghost town enthusiasts flock to snap haunting photos of the failed city. Here are 12 ghost towns in the U.S. where the chances of spotting an actual ghost run high.
Lost in Time: Explore America’s 12 Most Spooky Ghost Towns
Where indicated, some images courtesy of Depositphotos.com.
