Best alien movies | PINKVILLA

Discover the 20 best alien movies of all time, where extraterrestrial encounters take center stage! From heart-pounding sci-fi classics to mind-bending thrillers, these films will transport you to unimaginable worlds. Brace yourself for pulse-racing action, jaw-dropping visuals, and gripping plots that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Uncover the mysteries of the cosmos as iconic characters battle alien invasions, forging alliances and confronting fearsome creatures from beyond the stars. Whether you’re a sci-fi aficionado or seeking an out-of-this-world experience, these top picks will fulfill your craving for the ultimate alien movie magic. Get ready for an intergalactic adventure like no other!

1. War Of The Worlds (2005)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Action
• Star Cast: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin, Tim Robbins
• Director: Steven Spielberg
• Writer: Steven Spielberg
• Run time: 1h 57m
• Year of release: 2005
• OTT Platform: Netflix
• IMDb rating: 6.5/10

Steven Spielberg‘s adaptation of H.G. Wells’ 1898 novel, “The War of the Worlds,” may not top his filmography, but it still earned over $600 million globally and developed a devoted fan base due to its unique blockbuster style.

Over the years, we’ve witnessed numerous visual retellings of the famous book, with the 1953 version often considered the finest by film enthusiasts. However, there’s an undeniable allure to Spielberg’s take, perhaps stemming from its unyielding darkness, even with its flawed original ending.

Experience one of the best alien movies of all time with Spielberg’s gripping and relentless portrayal of The War of the Worlds. It may have its detractors, but its massive global success and devoted fanbase speak volumes about its enduring appeal.
 

2. Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Action
• Star Cast: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Noah Taylor
• Director: Doug Liman
• Writer: Doug Liman
• Run time: 1h 53m
• Year of release: 2014
• OTT Platform: Netflix
• IMDb rating: 7.9/10

One of the best alien movies of all time is Edge of Tomorrow, starring Tom Cruise. This 2014 film was a huge surprise with its thrilling action and clever mix of alien invasion and time-travel themes.

The story is set in the near future when Europe is under attack by unstoppable aliens. Major William Cage, played by Tom Cruise, starts as a public relations officer but is unexpectedly thrown into a mission against the alien invaders. He finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same events repeatedly. This time loop might just hold the key to defeating the aliens. The movie is a gripping rollercoaster of excitement and darkness, with some surprisingly funny moments.

3. Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1956)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Horror
• Star Cast: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, Larry Gates, King Donovan
• Director: Don Siegel
• Writer: Jack Finney
• Run time: 1h 20m
• Year of release: 1956
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 7.7/10

If you love sci-fi, you must know these two famous adaptations of the same book. The 1978 movie by Philip Kaufman is well-known, but don’t miss the 1956 version, made just two years after Jack Finney’s novel was published.

Don Siegel’s film is a fantastic political allegory of the 1950s and a great reflection of American society back then. It remains one of the best alien movies of all time, with a focus on the mindset of that era in the States.

4. Attack The Block (2011)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Action
• Star Cast: John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker, Nick Frost, Alex Esmail
• Director: Joe Cornish
• Writer: Joe Cornish
• Run time: 1h 28m
• Year of release: 2011
• OTT Platform: NA
• IMDb rating: 6.7/10

“Attack the Block” is a gem from the UK, following a teenage street gang defending their neighborhood from fierce aliens from space. The movie sheds light on marginalized British youth while keeping the fun and laughter throughout.

Though it didn’t do great at the box office, critics loved it, and it paved the way for director Joe Cornish and actor John Boyega, who later became a Star Wars legend, to tackle bigger projects. And guess what? A sequel is now in the works!

Looking for the best alien movies of all time? Don’t miss “Attack the Block” on your watchlist!

5. Independence Day(1996)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Action
• Star Cast: Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch
• Director: Roland Emmerich
• Writer: Roland Emmerich
• Run time: 2h 25m
• Year of release: 1996
• OTT Platform: Hotstar
• IMDb rating: 7/10

Roland Emmerich‘s greatest masterpiece is arguably the biggest and most memorable alien invasion movie ever made. Its 2016 sequel took the menace to absurd heights, but the original film has a unique charm that belongs to its era and can’t be replicated. The movie cleverly combined practical and digital effects, which still hold up even today.

This film was a major part of the large-scale disaster movie resurgence in the mid-late 1990s. It’s a grand, loud, adventurous, and funny spectacle with a wonderfully diverse cast, led by peak performances from Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum. This winning combination led the movie to dominate the global box office in 1996. And let’s not forget that iconic speech by Pullman, which is just perfect.

6. Mars Attacks(1996)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Comedy
• Star Cast: Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan, Danny DeVito, Michael J. Fox
• Director: Tim Burton
• Writer: Tim Burton
• Run time: 1h 46m
• Year of release: 1996
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 6.4/10

The 1996 alien invasion blockbuster was a wild and crazy take on the subgenre by Date-night-in-london-days-after-confirming-Relationship-1228343″ onclick=”triggerArticleInterlinkClick(‘article_interlink_click’,’Best alien movies’,’1232132′,’https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/tim-burton-and-monica-bellucci-enjoy-date-night-in-london-days-after-confirming-relationship-1228343′,’articlepage’,’/entertainment/hollywood/best-alien-movies-1232132′,’Tim Burton’,’Content Inline Link’,’entertainment’,’hollywood’);”>Tim Burton. While it didn’t do well at the box office and faced criticism, B-movie enthusiasts and pop culture still remember and appreciate it.

This movie stands out as a wildcard on our list, but we’re dedicated to defending it. The film boasts an incredible all-star cast, having a blast while delivering self-conscious humor. Plus, it’s packed with the weirdest and most imaginative imagery ever seen in a Hollywood production.

It’s hard not to smile when you think about these unforgettable invaders from Mars. This movie is a must-see for anyone looking for a unique and entertaining alien adventure. In our book of the best alien movies of all time, this one definitely earns its spot!

7. Signs (2002)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Thriller
• Star Cast: Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin, Abigail Breslin
• Director: M. Night Shyamalan
• Writer: M. Night Shyamalan
• Run time: 1h 46m
• Year of release: 2002
• OTT Platform: Hotstar
• IMDb rating: 6.8/10

M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs is often overshadowed by The Sixth Sense, but it remains one of his strongest works. The “water scene” criticism doesn’t ruin the movie; in fact, rewatching it with aliens as literal demons makes it even better. Backed by legendary producers Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy, Signs pays homage to Spielberg’s alien-centric films while adding Shyamalan’s unique touch. The movie delves into themes of faith and kinship amidst a quietly scary alien invasion. It’s one of the best alien movies of all time.

8. The World’s End (2013)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Comedy
• Star Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Paddy Considine, Martin Freeman
• Director: Edgar Wright
• Writer: Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright
• Run time: 1h 49m
• Year of release: 2013
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 6.9/10

In Edgar Wright’s Three Flavors Cornetto trilogy, the final chapter embraces the alien invasion theme with a unique twist that we won’t spoil. It’s filled with humor and surprises, making it stand out. The World’s End sticks to its initial “pub crawl” premise, even as things get weirder, resulting in a quirky sci-fi comedy. The movie has a mind-bending resolution and feels more mature compared to the previous entries in Wright’s anthology.

9. They Live (1988)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Action
• Star Cast: Roddy Piper, Keith David, Meg Foster, Peter Jason
• Director: John Carpenter
• Writer: John Carpenter
• Run time: 1h 37m
• Year of release: 1988
• OTT Platform: NA
• IMDb rating: 7.2/10

John Carpenter, the master of horror and campy action! His movie “They Live” is based on a 1963 short story called “Eight O’Clock in the Morning” by Ray Nelson. This sci-fi gem sheds light on the cultural and economic climate of the Reagan-era United States.

Like Carpenter’s other works, “They Live” is a thrilling action-horror film with a touch of paranoia. It’s filled with cheesy yet unforgettable one-liners and iconic scenes that have become pop culture classics over the years.

10. A Quiet Place Part I & II (2018-2020)

• Genre: Thriller/Sci-fi
• Star Cast: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe
• Director: John Krasinski
• Writer: John Krasinski
• Run time: 1h 37m
• Year of release: 2018/2020
• OTT Platform: Netflix
• IMDb rating: 7.2/10

A Quiet Place and its sequel are often called “monster features,” but the second movie clarified that they are also alien invasion movies. The original idea came from a script by Bryan Woods and Scott Beck, which was later rewritten by actor-turned-filmmaker John Krasinski. The films present a post-apocalyptic world where blind extraterrestrial creatures with super-sensitive hearing dominate. Audiences were drawn in by this simple yet powerful concept, but what really makes these movies successful is the strong family drama and believable characters who struggle in incredibly difficult situations, with no hope of saving the world. There are no big heroics, but it’s captivating to see where the story will go with the already-announced third installment and spinoff.

11. Nope (2022)

• Genre: Horror/Sci-fi
• Star Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Brandon Perea, Michael Wincott, Steven Yeun, Wrenn Schmidt, Keith David, Devon Graye.
• Director: Jordan Peele
• Writer: Jordan Peele
• Run time: 2h 10m
• Year of release: 2022
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 6.8/10

Jordan Peele directs Nope, a chilling film about a brother and sister in California who uncover something eerie in the skies above their ranch. Meanwhile, the nearby theme park owner seeks to capitalize on the mysterious phenomenon. Get ready for suspense and thrills!

12. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Adventure
• Star Cast: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace, Robert MacNaughton
• Director: Steven Spielberg
• Writer: Steven Spielberg
• Run time: 1h 55m
• Year of release: 1982
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 7.9/10

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) is a heartwarming sci-fi film. It follows the story of a friendly alien stranded on Earth. A young boy named Elliott finds E.T. and befriends him. They share a special bond and work together to help E.T. return home. Along the way, they face challenges, but their friendship remains strong. The movie explores themes of love, acceptance, and the power of friendship. Directed by Steven Spielberg, it became a beloved classic, touching the hearts of millions worldwide. E.T. continues to inspire generations with its magical and emotional journey of an alien longing for home.

13. Space Jam (1996)

• Genre: Family/Comedy
• Star Cast: Michael Jordan, Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, Manner Washington, Eric Gordon, Penny Bae Bridges, Brandon Hammond, Larry Bird
• Director: Joe Pytka
• Writer: Joe Pytka
• Run time: 1h 28m
• Year of release: 1996
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 6.5/10

If you grew up in the ’90s, you know this classic well. An evil alien theme park owner wants a new attraction. He comes to Earth with his gang to kidnap Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes. Bugs challenges the aliens to a basketball game to decide their fate. The aliens steal NBA players’ powers, so Bugs asks for help from Michael Jordan. Together, they face off against the aliens in an epic basketball showdown.

14. Men in Black: International (2019)

• Genre: Action/Sci-fi
• Star Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Kumail Nanjiani, Rebecca Ferguson, Rafe Spall, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Laurent Bourgeois.
• Director: F. Gary Gray
• Writer: F. Gary Gray
• Run time: 1h 55m
• Year of release: 2019
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 5.6/10

“Men in Black: International” (2019) is an American sci-fi action film. It follows new MIB agents, Agent H and Agent M, as they battle an alien threat. The movie is a spin-off of the popular “Men in Black” franchise. With exciting action and alien encounters, it promises an entertaining experience. The film introduces fresh characters, played by Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, who bring their charisma to the screen. As they work together to save the world from an alien invasion.

15. Paul (2011)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Comedy
• Star Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Mia Stallard, Jeremy Owen
• Director: Greg Mottola
• Writer: Greg Mottola
• Run time: 1h 44m
• Year of release: 2011
• OTT Platform: NA
• IMDb rating: 6.9/10

“Paul” (2011) is a heartwarming comedy film about two British friends on a road trip across the U.S. to visit famous UFO sites. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost give hilarious performances. For sixty years, a funny alien named Paul lived secretly in a military base. One day, he decides he’s had enough of Earth and escapes. He finds an RV driven by two British sci-fi nerds and jumps on it. Now, the feds and the father of an accidental kidnap victim are chasing them. Together, they make a wild plan to help Paul go back to space.

16. Transformers (2007)

• Genre: Action/Sci-fi
• Star Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson 
• Director: Michael Bay
• Writer: Michael Bay
• Run time: 2h 24m
• Year of release: 2007
• OTT Platform: Netflix
• IMDb rating: 7/10

Transformers (2007) is a science fiction action film. It features giant robots known as Transformers, who can transform into vehicles and other forms. The story follows the battle between the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, both seeking a powerful artifact on Earth. The film is directed by Michael Bay and stars Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox. With stunning special effects and thrilling action sequences, Transformers captivates audiences with its epic battles and compelling storyline. The movie has become a cultural icon and spawned a successful franchise.

17. The Vast of Night (2019)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Mystery
• Star Cast: Sierra McCormick, Jake Horowitz, Gail Cronauer, Bruce Davis, Cheyenne Barton
• Director: Andrew Patterson
• Writer: Andrew Patterson
• Run time: 1h 31m
• Year of release: 2019
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 6.7/10

“The Vast of Night” is about strange events in a small town. Two young friends, Fay and Everett, discover a mysterious audio frequency. They investigate its source, leading to unearthly encounters. The film has a nostalgic 1950s vibe. Viewers praised its unique storytelling and suspenseful atmosphere. The young leads deliver impressive performances. The movie pays homage to classic sci-fi while offering a fresh take on the genre.

18. Rim of the World (2019)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Mystery
• Star Cast: Jack Gore, Miya Cech, Alessio Scalzotto, Andrew Bachelor, Annabeth Gish, Scott MacArthur, Dean Jagger
• Director: McG
• Writer: McG, Zack Stentz
• Run time: 1h 38m
• Year of release: 2019
• OTT Platform: Netflix
• IMDb rating: 5.2/10

“Rim of the World” is a classic sci-fi adventure movie. It follows four kids at summer camp who must unite to save Earth from an alien invasion. They find a space robot and protect a crucial device. Their bond grows, facing challenges together. It’s packed with action, humor, and friendship. Directed by McG, the film offers a thrilling and fun-filled ride for audiences of all ages.

19. The Tomorrow War (2021)

• Genre: Action/Sci-fi
• Star Cast: Chris Pratt, Yvonne Strahovski, J.K. Simmons, Betty Gilpin, Sam Richardson
• Director: Chris McKay
• Writer: Chris McKay
• Run time: 2h 18m
• Year of release: 2021
• OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
• IMDb rating: 6.5/10

Earth is under attack by aliens, and humanity is losing. Time travelers arrive, recruiting soldiers from the past to save the future. Dan Forester, a family man, joins the fight. They must stop the alien invasion. Dan’s team faces deadly challenges in the future. The movie has thrilling action scenes, emotional moments, and a quest for survival. Chris Pratt stars as Dan, giving a compelling performance. “The Tomorrow War” delivers intense sci-fi entertainment, exploring sacrifice and hope for tomorrow.

20. Extinction (2018)

• Genre: Sci-fi/Thriller
• Star Cast: Michael Peña, Lizzy Caplan, Amelia Crouch, Erica Tremblay, Lex Shrapnel
• Director: Ben Young
• Writer: Spenser Cohen
• Run time: 1h 35m
• Year of release: 2018
• OTT Platform: Netflix
• IMDb rating: 5.8/10

“Extinction” is a sci-fi thriller film. It follows a man haunted by nightmares of an alien invasion. His visions come true when the aliens attack Earth. He must protect his family and confront his fears to survive. The movie explores themes of family bonds and facing fears in times of crisis. With exciting action and suspense, “Extinction” keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film’s visual effects are impressive, and the plot has unexpected twists.

Also read: Top 15 Time Travel Movies of All Time