The alien genre has long held a captivating grip on audiences, weaving a rich tapestry of intergalactic terror and otherworldly suspense. From earthbound tales of alien invasions to horror movies set in the depths of space, this genre has consistently delivered a string of blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed pictures that have left audiences in awe. With its ability to blend science fiction, horror, and adventure, the alien genre has attracted a diverse range of fans, from casual viewers to die-hard enthusiasts.
While sci-fi movies often get overlooked by critics, some have excelled and become classic movies that have stood the test of time. To many, these movies invoke a sense of curiosity as we wonder what lies beyond the world that we know. So, here are 6 of the top alien movies to add to your watchlist.
6. Signs (2002)
In M. Night Shyamalan‘s 2002 film Signs, a sense of eerie foreboding settles over the Hess family as they confront an alien invasion. On the surface, the plot revolves around a series of mysterious events that unfold in rural Pennsylvania, where crop circles and strange occurrences signal the arrival of extraterrestrial visitors. However, beneath this sci-fi veneer, Signs is a poignant exploration of a family’s disintegration in the aftermath of a devastating tragedy.
As the aliens loom large, Shyamalan masterfully uses his trademark slow-burning pacing to craft a sense of tension and dread, reserving the fleeting glimpses of the alien creatures for maximum impact. By keeping the aliens at arm’s length, Shyamalan cleverly shifts the focus to the Hess’ fractured relationships, as they struggle to come to terms with their loss and find a way to reconnect with each other. Ultimately, Signs is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that uses the threat of alien invasion as a metaphor for the fragility of human connection and the devastating consequences of trauma.
5. Prometheus (2012)
Ridley Scott‘s 2012 film Prometheus was a highly anticipated and ambitious continuation of the Alien franchise, which had lain dormant for over 30 years. The movie follows a team of scientists and explorers, led by Dr. Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and her partner, Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green), who are sent to a distant planet in search of humanity’s origins. The crew of the spaceship Prometheus, funded by the Weyland Corporation, discovers a mysterious structure that holds the secrets of humanity’s creation. However, as they delve deeper into the alien world, they uncover a sinister plot that threatens their very existence.
Boasting a stellar cast that includes Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, and Idris Elba, Prometheus defied expectations by delivering a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that paid homage to the 1979 classic Alien while also exploring new themes and ideas. Despite initial skepticism from fans and critics, Prometheus received widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking visuals, clever script, and strong performances, cementing its place as a worthy addition to the Alien franchise.
4. Arrival (2016)
Denis Villeneuve‘s 2016 film Arrival is a thought-provoking and critically acclaimed sci-fi movie that explores the complexities of language, time, and human consciousness. The film follows Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams), a linguist who is tasked with communicating with a group of aliens who have landed on Earth. As she delves deeper into the aliens’ language, she begins to experience time in a non-linear fashion, which challenges her understanding of her own life and relationships.
With its intricate plot and philosophical themes, Arrival was a rare example of a sci-fi movie that received widespread critical acclaim and recognition from the Academy Awards. The film received eight nominations, including Best Motion Picture of the Year, and won in the category of Best Sound Editing. Arrival‘s success was a testament to the power of sci-fi as a storytelling medium, and its thought-provoking exploration of complex ideas made it a standout in the genre.
3. District 9 (2009)
District 9 is another sci-fi movie that defied the odds and found itself nominated for Best Motion Picture of the Year at the Oscars. Neill Blomkamp‘s 2009 film not only introduced Hollywood to the talented mind of the South African director, but also catapulted Sharlto Copley to stardom. The movie is a groundbreaking sci-fi film that tells the story of Wikus van der Merwe, a bureaucrat who is tasked with relocating aliens who are stranded on Earth to a makeshift camp called District 9. However, after being exposed to an alien substance, Wikus begins to undergo a transformation, turning him into one of the very aliens he was trying to deport.
As he navigates this new reality, Wikus finds himself struggling to maintain his humanity and his relationships with both humans and aliens. District 9 threw a fresh spin on the alien genre by allowing the audience to somewhat root for the aliens, rather than viewing them as monstrous “others”. The film’s unique blend of social commentary, humour, and heart made it a critical and commercial success, earning four Academy Award nominations and cementing Blomkamp’s status as a rising star in the sci-fi world.
2. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Steven Spielberg‘s 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind is widely regarded as not only one of the most iconic sci-fi movies of all time, but also one of the most iconic films ever made. The movie follows Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss), a blue-collar worker who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind a series of bizarre events and encounters with aliens. Instead of being a horror movie where the aliens are a threat, Close Encounters is a story of one man’s journey to seek the truth and live out his calling.
As Roy becomes increasingly drawn to the mysterious events, he begins to experience strange and unexplainable visions, which ultimately lead him to a profound encounter with an alien spacecraft. Through Roy’s story, Steven Spielberg explores themes of curiosity, wonder, and humanity’s innate desire for connection with the unknown. The film’s stunning visuals, memorable score, and groundbreaking special effects have made it a timeless classic, and its influence can be seen in many subsequent sci-fi films and TV shows.
Watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind on Prime Video
1. Alien (1979)
The 1979 film Alien, directed by Ridley Scott, is a science fiction horror masterpiece that has stood the test of time. The movie follows a crew of space explorers on the commercial towing spaceship Nostromo, who are stalked and killed by a deadly alien creature that has been brought on board. The crew soon discovers that the creature is a highly aggressive and deadly being, with a penchant for impregnating humans and bursting out of their chests.
The film’s tense atmosphere, coupled with its groundbreaking special effects and iconic design of the alien creature, have made it a classic that continues to thrill audiences to this day. With an impressive 8.5/10 rating on IMDB, Alien currently sits at number 53 on the Top 250 Movies list, as voted by users. The film’s influence can be seen in many subsequent sci-fi and horror movies, and it has been cited as an inspiration by numerous filmmakers, including Edgar Wright, who has hailed it as one of his favourite movies of all time via Twitter (now X). Want to read more about the Alien franchise? Here’s our breakdown of the Alien: Romulus trailer.
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