Unearth the Extraterrestrial Adventure: Top 10 Alien Movies of All Time
1. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
8.6/10
Released in 1977, “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” is the first installment in the popular Star Wars franchise. The movie is set in a galaxy far, far away and follows the journey of a young farm boy named Luke Skywalker as he joins forces with a rogue group of rebels to save Princess Leia from the evil clutches of the Empire and restore freedom to the galaxy.
Pros
- The movie introduced viewers to an entirely new fictional universe with complex characters and storylines that captivated audiences around the world.
- The action sequences and special effects were groundbreaking for the time and set a new standard for the genre.
Cons
- Some critics have noted that the movie relies heavily on familiar tropes and archetypes, which can make the plot predictable at times.
- The dialogue can be somewhat cheesy and over-the-top, which can detract from the seriousness of certain scenes.
Conclusion: Despite its flaws, “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” is a must-see movie for fans of science fiction and epic adventure. Its enduring legacy has made it a pop culture touchstone for generations to come.
2. Aliens
8.3/10
Aliens is an action-packed science fiction film directed by James Cameron. It is the sequel to the 1979 film Alien. The movie features Sigourney Weaver reprising her role as Ellen Ripley, who is sent back to the planet where the original alien was discovered with a team of marines to investigate the disappearance of a colony. However, they soon find out that the colony has been overrun by a group of deadly aliens.
Pros
- Intense and thrilling action scenes
- Sigourney Weaver delivers a strong and iconic performance as Ellen Ripley
Cons
- The movie can be quite gory and violent, which may not be suitable for all viewers
- The characterization of the marines can be quite stereotypical and shallow
Conclusion: Overall, Aliens is a highly enjoyable and entertaining sequel that successfully expands on the world and mythology established in the original film. The intense and thrilling action sequences, as well as the strong performance by Sigourney Weaver, make this movie a must-see for science fiction and action fans.
3. The Thing (1982)
8.1/10
The Thing is a sci-fi horror movie directed by John Carpenter and stars Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, and Keith David. The movie follows a group of researchers in Antarctica who find a shape-shifting alien that can take on the form of any living being. As they try to figure out who among them is infected, the tension and paranoia escalate.
Pros
- The practical effects and makeup in the movie are outstanding and still hold up today.
- The suspense and tension are masterfully built throughout the film, keeping the audience on edge.
Cons
- The movie can be very gory and intense, which may not be suitable for all audiences.
- The ending may be ambiguous and unsatisfying for some viewers.
Conclusion: The Thing is a classic sci-fi horror movie with outstanding practical effects and a tense, suspenseful plot. While the gore may be too much for some viewers and the ending ambiguous for others, the film is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
4. District 9
8.0/10
District 9 is a science fiction action-thriller that takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa. Aliens have landed on Earth and are placed in a refugee-like camp known as District 9. The movie’s protagonist, a low-level bureaucrat named Wikus van de Merwe, is tasked with relocating the aliens to a new camp. But when he accidentally ingests an alien substance, he becomes the enemy of both humans and aliens and must fight to survive.
Pros
- Unique and original storyline that explores themes of xenophobia, segregation, and social inequality
- Great performances from the cast, particularly Sharlto Copley as the protagonist Wikus van de Merwe
Cons
- The movie’s found-footage style may not appeal to all viewers
- The violent and gory scenes may be off-putting to some viewers
Conclusion: District 9 is a must-watch for fans of science fiction and action movies. Its thought-provoking story, compelling performances, and impressive special effects make it one of the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century.
5. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
7.8/10
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a 1982 American science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton, and Drew Barrymore. It tells the story of a young boy named Elliott who befriends a gentle alien who is stranded on Earth and is trying to find a way home. The film deals with themes of friendship, love, and the importance of communication.
Pros
- The special effects used for E.T. were groundbreaking for its time and still hold up well today, creating a memorable and endearing character.
- The relationship between Elliott and E.T. is heartwarming and forms the emotional core of the movie.
Cons
- The film’s pacing can be slow at times, particularly in the middle section, which may not hold the attention of younger viewers.
- The government agents who are chasing after E.T. can be seen as one-dimensional villains with little depth or development.
Conclusion: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a classic film that continues to captivate audiences with its heartwarming story and iconic characters. While it may have some pacing issues and underdeveloped villains, it remains a must-see film for anyone who loves science fiction or coming-of-age stories.
6. The Day the Earth Stood Still
7.7/10
The Day the Earth Stood Still is a science fiction film released in 1951. The movie revolves around an alien who comes to Earth with a message of peace but is met with fear and hostility from humanity. The film is regarded as a classic of the sci-fi genre and has been praised for its message of peace and its innovative use of special effects for the time.
Pros
- The film’s message of peace is still relevant today and makes the movie timeless.
- The acting performances from the cast, especially Michael Rennie as Klaatu, are excellent and add depth to the story.
Cons
- The film’s pacing can be slow at times, which may turn off viewers who are not fans of the sci-fi genre.
- The special effects, while groundbreaking for their time, may not hold up to modern standards and can be distracting for some viewers.
Conclusion: The Day the Earth Stood Still is a classic of the sci-fi genre that still holds up today. While the pacing and special effects may not be for everyone, the film’s timeless message of peace and stellar acting performances make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
7. Invasion of the Body Snatchers
7.3/10
Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a science fiction horror movie released in 1978. Directed by Philip Kaufman, the film is a remake of the 1956 movie of the same name. The story revolves around the sudden appearance of extraterrestrial plant spores that can replicate human beings while they sleep. The film was critically acclaimed for its acting, direction, and storyline. It has earned a place in the top 100 science fiction movies of all time.
Pros
- One of the biggest pros of Invasion of the Body Snatchers is the build-up of tension. The film keeps the audience on the edge of their seats as it slowly builds up towards the climax.
- The film is also well-acted, with Donald Sutherland giving a notable performance as the protagonist. Other actors like Jeff Goldblum and Leonard Nimoy also shine in their respective roles.
Cons
- The film is quite bleak and has a sense of hopelessness throughout. This can be a bit of a downer for some viewers who prefer more uplifting films.
- The special effects of the film are not up to par with modern standards. While this could be seen as an advantage for fans of classic sci-fi movies, it might be a turn-off for others who prefer more modern CGI effects.
Conclusion: Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a classic science fiction horror movie that has stood the test of time. Despite being released over 40 years ago, it still holds up well and is considered a must-watch for fans of the genre. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea due to its bleak and somewhat hopeless tone, the film’s tension-building and strong performances make it a standout movie that deserves its place in the pantheon of great sci-fi films.
8. Close Encounters of the Third Kind
7.6/10
Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a 1977 American science fiction film, written and directed by Steven Spielberg. The plot follows Roy Neary, an everyday blue-collar worker in Indiana, whose life changes after an encounter with an unidentified flying object (UFO). Roy feels inexplicably drawn to a remote location in Wyoming where he, along with several other humans, have a close encounter with the UFOs.
Pros
- The visual effects and cinematography are stunning and immersive.
- The musical score by John Williams is iconic and adds a sense of awe and wonder to the film.
Cons
- The pacing of the film can be slow and meandering at times, which may not appeal to some viewers.
- The character development is minimal, which may make it difficult for viewers to fully invest in the story and its events.
Conclusion: Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a classic science fiction film that explores themes of awe, wonder, and human connection. While it may not be for everyone due to its slow pacing and minimal character development, the stunning visuals and iconic musical score make it a must-see for fans of the genre and Steven Spielberg.
9. Starman
7.0/10
Directed by John Carpenter and starring Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen, Starman is a science fiction drama film released in 1984. After his spacecraft is shot down, an alien assumes the form of a recently deceased woman’s husband and enlists her help to travel to a rendezvous point where he can be picked up by his mothership. The movie was nominated for an Academy Award and was well-received for its mix of science fiction, romance, and humor.
Pros
- Jeff Bridges’ performance as Starman is a highlight, as he successfully conveys the character’s curious and innocent personality.
- The movie’s blend of sci-fi, romance, and comedy elements is well-balanced and engaging, making it accessible to a wide range of audiences.
Cons
- The plot can feel cliched at times, relying heavily on familiar sci-fi tropes and predictable character arcs.
- Some viewers may find the romance between the human and alien characters to be overly sentimental or contrived.
Conclusion: Despite its flaws, Starman remains a memorable and enjoyable science fiction movie that blends humor, romance, and adventure in a satisfying way. Jeff Bridges’ charming performance as the titular character and John Carpenter’s skilled direction make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
10. War of the Worlds
6.5/10
War of the Worlds is a science fiction movie directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 2005. The movie is based on the 1898 novel of the same name by H. G. Wells and tells the story of how a man tries to protect his children during a devastating alien invasion.
Pros
- The action scenes are visually stunning and well-executed, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the movie.
- The relationship between the father and his children is heartwarming and adds an emotional depth to the story.
Cons
- The plot can be predictable at times, making it hard to maintain suspense over the course of the film.
- The ending may leave some audience members unsatisfied, as it is somewhat ambiguous and leaves several loose ends untied.
Conclusion: War of the Worlds is a visually stunning and emotionally gripping science fiction movie that explores themes of survival and family. While the plot may be predictable at times and the ending may leave some viewers wanting more, the movie is still an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience.