There’s no question that when it comes to movies, alien invasions make for some of the most thrilling and entertaining spectacles on the big screen. From “Independence Day” to “War of the Worlds,” these films have captured our imaginations and held us captive for hours on end. But what are the 10 best alien invasion movies of all time?
The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951)
If you’re looking for a truly classic alien invasion movie, you can’t go wrong with The Day the Earth Stood Still. Released in 1951, the film tells the story of an alien visitor who comes to Earth with a warning for humanity. While the film’s special effects may seem dated by today’s standards, its message is as relevant as ever.
The story follows an alien named Klaatu, who arrives on Earth in a spaceship accompanied by a giant robotic creature called Gort. Klaatu’s mission is to warn humanity about the dangers of nuclear war, but he is met with suspicion and hostility. The film’s depiction of an extraterrestrial visitor was groundbreaking at the time, and the special effects are still impressive today. The film’s success helped to popularize the sci-fi genre, and it remains an influential classic.
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a 1977 American science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg. The film stars Richard Dreyfuss as Roy Neary, Melinda Dillon as Gillian Guiler, and Teri Garr as Ronnie Neary.
The plot revolves around an encounter with aliens that takes place in Wyoming, and it is considered one of the best alien invasion movies ever made. It is also one of Spielberg’s most personal films, as he based the story on his own experiences with UFO sightings.
The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $330 million at the box office. It won Best Picture at the 1978 Academy Awards and is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made.
The Thing (1982)
Directed by John Carpenter, the film tells the story of a group of scientists in Antarctica who are confronted by a hostile alien force. What makes The Thing so effective is its use of paranoia and isolation to create a sense of unease and dread.
The cast is also excellent, with Kurt Russell giving a particularly memorable performance. In addition, the movie features some impressive practical effects that still hold up today. All in all, it’s no wonder that The Thing is often cited as one of the best horror movies ever made.
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They Live (1988)
They Live is considered by many to be one of the best alien invasion movies of all time. The movie was released in 1988 and was directed by John Carpenter. It starred Roddy Piper as a construction worker who discovers that aliens are secretly controlling the human race through subliminal messages hidden in advertising. He then sets out to stop them with the help of a pair of special sunglasses that allow him to see the world as it really is. They Live is a highly entertaining movie that is also thought-provoking and satirical. It is well worth checking out if you haven’t seen it already.
Independence Day (1996)
Independence Day is one of the best alien invasion movies ever made. It’s a classic story of humans banding together to fight an overwhelming force, and the special effects are still impressive today.
It’s a classic story of humans banding together to fight an overwhelming force, and the special effects are still impressive today. The movie also has great characters, including Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman. Independence Day is a true summer blockbuster, and it’s definitely worth watching again.
Signs (2002)
The film follows a family living on a farm in Pennsylvania who starts to see mysterious crop circles appearing in their fields. At first, they think it’s just a prank, but soon they realize that something much more sinister is going on. The movie is suspenseful and scary, but also has a lot of heart.
The cast, including Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix, is excellent, and the ending is truly shocking. If you’re looking for a great alien invasion movie, Signs is definitely worth checking out.
War Of The Worlds (2005)
There are few things more terrifying than the prospect of an alien invasion, and Hollywood has capitalized on this fear time and again. When it comes to alien invasion movies, few are as successful as Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds.
Released in 2005, the film starred Tom Cruise as a man who must fight to protect his children from an onslaught of alien invaders. The film was a massive hit, grossing over $590 million at the box office worldwide. Critics praised the film for its edge-of-your-seat action and suspense, with some calling it one of the best alien invasion movies ever made.
Super 8 (2011)
Of all the alien invasion movies that have been released in recent years, few have been as thrilling and exciting as Super 8. Directed by J.J. Abrams, the film tells the story of a group of kids who witness a mysterious train crash while filming a homemade movie. Soon they realize that the crash was caused by an extraterrestrial creature, and they must band together to stop it before it can escape and wreak havoc on the town. Featuring strong performances from its young cast, Super 8 is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that is sure to please fans of the genre.
Arrival (2016)
Arrival is an intelligent, thought-provoking film that asks big questions about communication, faith, and the nature of reality itself. Arrival also features some of the most impressive visual effects in any movie, with the aliens’ spacecraft particularly striking. The acting is excellent across the board, with Amy Adams in particular giving a masterful performance as the linguist tasked with trying to communicate with the aliens. Whether you’re a sci-fi fan or not, Arrival is a must-see film.
The Vast Of Night (2019)
The Vast of Night is one of the best alien invasion movies. It’s a story about two young people who witness an extraterrestrial event in their small town in 1950s New Mexico. The movie is full of suspense and mystery, and it’s visually stunning. It’s also one of the few alien invasion movies that don’t rely on special effects or big-budget action sequences.
Instead, it’s a quiet, atmospheric film that plays with your mind and leaves you wondering long after the credits have rolled. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking, well-made alien invasion movie, then The Vast of Night is definitely worth watching.
There are many great alien invasion movies out there, but these 10 are definitely some of the best. If you’re looking for a suspenseful, exciting, and thought-provoking film, then any of these would be a great choice. So grab some popcorn and get ready to be entertained.
