40 Must-Watch Movies About Aliens   

40 Must-Watch Movies About Aliens   

Humans have always been fascinated by the possibility of extraterrestrial life. From ancient cave paintings to the early days of cinema, not forgetting modern science fiction blockbusters, we have always been drawn to the idea of intelligent beings from other worlds. These movies try to answer the many questions that face humanity, such as the nature of existence, the meaning of life, and our place in the universe. 

From the terrifying creature in Ridley Scott’s Alien to the lovable E.T. in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, aliens have fascinated and intrigued audiences capturing their imaginations and spawning some of the most iconic and beloved films. 

While we may not have made contact with any real-life aliens yet, there is no shortage of movies that explore the possibilities of what it might be like to encounter them. From heartwarming comedies to terrifying thrillers, there is an alien movie for everyone. With so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start and that’s where this list comes in. Here are 40 must-watch movies about aliens. 

1. Alien (1979) 

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Alien is a science fiction horror film that was directed by Ridley Scott. It is a classic science fiction horror film that is one of the best in the genre. It is a movie about the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo, who, after discovering a mysteriously abandoned spaceship on an unexplored planetoid, must battle a hostile and lethal extraterrestrial that has been let loose on the Nostromo.  

The movie is a suspenseful and atmospheric film with groundbreaking special effects. With a critical and commercial success of grossing over 100 million dollars worldwide. It was praised for its groundbreaking special effects, atmospheric setting, and suspenseful tone. Alien is a must-see for fans of science fiction, horror, and cinema in general. 

2. Paul (2011) 

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Paul is a science fiction comedy film featuring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The two actors who wrote the movie are in it, acting as Graeme and Clive, two British comic book geeks who travel to the United States to visit various UFO-related landmarks. 

While in Nevada, they encounter an alien named Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen), who has been stranded on Earth for 60 years. Paul convinces Graeme and Clive to help him escape from the US government agents who are chasing him, and the three of them set off on a road trip to Paul’s spaceship. 

Paul is a funny and heartwarming film that celebrates the power of friendship and the importance of accepting others for who they are. 

3. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) 

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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg. It tells the story of Elliott, a boy who befriends an extraterrestrial, dubbed E.T. It begins with a group of aliens landing in a forest to collect plant specimens and that’s how E.T. gets separated from the group and is left behind on Earth. He wanders into a suburban neighborhood and is discovered by Elliott, who along with his friends and family, must find a way to help the alien find his way home.  

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a beloved film that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It was one the highest-grossing films of all time and is a timeless story about friendship and family that will continue to be cherished for generations to come. 

4. Predator (1987)

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Predator is an alien plus science fiction action film directed by John McTiernan and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger who acts as the leader of an elite paramilitary rescue team on a mission to save hostages in guerrilla-held territory in a Central American rainforest. 

They encounter a deadly Predator in the form of a skilled, technologically advanced alien who stalks and hunts them down armed with advanced weaponry and technology. The Predator stalks the team members and eliminates them one by one. 

5. Men In Black (1997) 

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Men in Black is a science fiction action-comedy film that is based on a comic book series of the same name. The film stars Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith as two agents (K and J) of a secret government organization called the Men in Black, who are responsible for monitoring and policing extraterrestrial activity on Earth. 

The movie is a classic science fiction action-comedy film that is enjoyed by audiences of all ages today. It is a funny and exciting film with memorable characters and groundbreaking special effects. 

6. Independence Day (1996) 

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Independence Day is an alien movie that was directed by Roland Emmerich and stars Will Smith. The film focuses on disparate groups of people who converge in the Nevada desert in the aftermath of a worldwide attack by a powerful extraterrestrial race when a massive alien mothership enters Earth’s orbit.  

It deploys several dozen saucer-shaped “destroyer” spacecraft that take positions over many of Earth’s major cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. On July 4, the aliens launch a coordinated attack and they destroy millions of people and buildings. Will humans become extinct or will they fight back? Watch and find out. 

7. Aliens In The Attic (2009)

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Aliens in the Attic is a family-friendly science fiction comedy film that combines elements of adventure, comedy, and science fiction to tell a story. A family vacation takes an unexpected turn when the kids discover that their rented lakeside vacation home is infested with small, but highly intelligent, alien creatures that have crash-landed on Earth and are planning an invasion. 

The aliens have technology that allows them to control humans. These children must work together to stop the aliens and save the Earth. It is a lighthearted and entertaining film suitable for family audiences. 

8. Extinction (2018) 

Extinction is an alien movie that is the story of a man who has recurring nightmares about an alien invasion. When the nightmares come true, this guy has no option but to fight to protect his family and friends.  

Luckily, he discovers that he has a special ability that allows him to communicate with the aliens, using this to learn more about the aliens and their plans. He also tries to reason with the aliens and convince them to leave Earth. Will humanity become extinct? Watch to find out. 

9. The Thing (1982) 

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The Thing is a science fiction horror film that is one of the greatest horror films ever made. It is set in an isolated research station in Antarctica, where a group of American researchers encounters a shape-shifting alien organism that can imitate any living creature that it comes in contact with.  

As the group tries to determine who among them might be infected by the alien, paranoia and distrust spread, and this leads to a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. Watch the movie to see how it ends.

10. The Host (2013) 

The Host is an alien movie that tells the story of a young woman who is captured after humanity has been taken over by parasitic aliens called “Souls”. The Souls are invisible creatures that take over human bodies by entering their mouths and sliding down their throats. Once inside, the Soul takes over the human’s body and mind, leaving the original consciousness trapped in a subconscious state. 

The Host is a complex and thought-provoking alien movie that explores themes such as identity, free will, and the nature of love. 

11. Home (2015) 

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Home is a computer-animated alien movie that was produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by 20th Century Fox. It is loosely based on Adam Rex’s 2007 children’s book The True Meaning of Smekday. The story follows the shared adventures of a friendly alien who is shunned by the rest of his kind, and a teenage girl searching for her mother after they are separated during an alien invasion of Earth. 

Home is a heartwarming and funny film that celebrates the power of friendship and the importance of home and family. It is a film that will be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. 

12. Monsters VS. Aliens (2009)  

Monsters vs. Aliens is an alien movie that was produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The movie is about a group of misfit monsters hired by the United States Armed Forces to stop the invasion of an extraterrestrial villain and save the world in exchange for freedom. 

Monsters vs. Aliens is a great film for audiences of all ages. It was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $300 million worldwide, and was even nominated for an Academy Award. This movie will make you laugh, cry, and cheer. 

13. Arrival (2016)  

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Based on a late 1990s short story called Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang, Arrival is an alien movie about a linguist who is enlisted by the United States Army to discover how to communicate with extraterrestrials who have arrived on Earth, before tensions lead to war. 

This movie is a must-see for fans of science fiction, drama, and thought-provoking films. It is a film that will challenge your way of thinking and stay with you long after you watch it. 

14. Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977) 

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Close Encounters of the Third Kind is an alien movie that was directed by Steven Spielberg. It is the story of an electrical lineman who becomes obsessed with unidentified flying objects (UFOs) after having a close encounter with one. He becomes obsessed with finding out more about UFOs, and his obsession begins to take a toll on his personal life. 

Close Encounters of the Third Kind was a critical and commercial success and even won Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Sound Editing. This one is a must-watch.  

15. No One Will Save You (2023) 

No One Will Save You is an alien movie about an anxious and withdrawn young woman who lives alone in the house where she grew up. One night, she is awakened by strange noises and discovers that an alien entity has infiltrated her home. She must use all her ingenuity and courage to survive the night and protect herself from the alien threat. 

It has only five words of dialogue and relies heavily on its visuals and sound design to create a sense of dread and suspense. It is a film that is both visually stunning and thought-provoking. 

16. Skyline (2010)  

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Skyline is an alien movie that follows a group of people in Los Angeles who are caught up in an alien invasion. A group of friends are partying in Los Angeles when they are interrupted by a strange blue light in the sky which is abducting people, and the friends are forced to flee. They discover that the aliens are harvesting human brains and so they must fight if they will survive and save humanity.  

It’s a good movie with special effects that were created by the Strause brothers, famous for their work on Avatar and Iron Man. 

17. District 9 (2009) 

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District 9 is a science fiction action film that was a co-production of New Zealand, the United States, and South Africa, having been adapted from Blomkamp’s 2006 short film Alive in Joburg. The film is set in Johannesburg, South Africa where a massive alien spacecraft appeared over the city years ago and landed in a remote area that was subsequently quarantined as District 9.  

The aliens, known as the Prawns, were initially welcomed by the human population, but they were soon relegated to the status of second-class citizens. A government agent is tasked with relocating the Prawns to a new camp but he is accidentally exposed to alien biotechnology, and he begins to transform into a Prawn. Watch and see how it goes.  

18. Signs (2002) 

Signs is an alien movie about a former Episcopal priest who loses his faith after his wife is killed in a car accident and goes to live on a farm in Pennsylvania. One day he discovers a series of crop circles in his field which he believes are the work of aliens.

This guy’s faith is tested as he tries to protect his family from an impending alien invasion. The movie explores a variety of thought-provoking themes, such as faith, loss, and family. The film also raises questions about the nature of reality and the existence of extraterrestrial life. 

19. Fire in the Sky (1993)

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Fire in the Sky is an alien movie that is based on the true story of Travis Walton, who claimed to have been abducted by extraterrestrial beings in 1975. The film explores the events leading up to Walton’s disappearance and the subsequent investigation into his claims by his friends and the local community. 

The aliens in this movie are not portrayed as monsters but as intelligent and powerful beings. It is a very suspenseful and atmospheric film that does a great job of building tension and creating a sense of dread. 

20. The Fourth Kind (2009)  

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The Fourth Kind is an alien movie about a psychologist, whose many of her patients have reported similar experiences of being visited by mysterious owls and having disturbing encounters with unknown entities. Mysterious deaths are happening in Nome, Alaska, and as she investigates, she discovers that the deaths are connected to alien abductions. Then she begins to experience strange phenomena too. 

The movie is notable for its unique storytelling style, which blends dramatized scenes with purported documentary footage to create a sense of realism. The title of the film refers to the classification of alien encounters, with the first kind referring to sightings, the second kind involving physical evidence, and the third kind involving contact with extraterrestrial beings. The fourth kind, as presented in the film, is when a person is abducted by aliens. 

21. Planet 51 (2009) 

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Planet 51 is a 2009 animated science fiction comedy film that is set on an alien planet, which resembles a 1950s American suburban neighborhood. It is the story of an astronaut who mistakenly lands on Planet 51, believing it to be uninhabited. To his surprise, he discovers that the planet is inhabited by green-skinned aliens who are terrified of the alien astronaut, as they fear he might be a threat to their way of life. 

The movie is a lighthearted family-friendly one with themes of friendship, tolerance, and adventure while also poking fun at the stereotypes and fears associated with alien encounters. 

22. Dark Skies (2013) 

Dark Skies is an alien movie that blends elements of both supernatural horror and science fiction, revolving around the mysterious and frightening events experienced by a suburban family. 

The Barrett family encounters a series of unsettling and increasingly terrifying events in their home. These events include strange occurrences such as household objects moving on their own, eerie noises, and unusual behavior exhibited by their younger son. They believe that they are being targeted by aliens. 

23. Galaxy Quest (1999)  

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Galaxy Quest is an alien movie that is known for its clever blend of science fiction and humor. The film depicts the cast of a fictional cult television series, Galaxy Quest, who are drawn into a real interstellar conflict by actual aliens who think the series is an accurate documentary. 

The Thermians are a race of aliens who are in danger from an evil alien warlord named Sarris and they want the members of Galaxy Quest to help them. Watch and see how that goes.  

24. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005) 

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Based on Douglas Adams’ radio comedy and book of the same name, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is an alien movie that is a faithful adaptation of the book. It is the story of a man who is unexpectedly thrust into a series of bizarre and comedic adventures through space and time after Earth is demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass. Watch and find out how the rest of the story goes. 

25. Lilo & Stitch (2002)  

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Known for its unique blend of humor, heart, and Hawaiian culture, Lilo & Stitch is a Disney animated film that tells the story of a young Hawaiian girl named Lilo and her unusual pet dog Stitch. The film is set in the lush and beautiful backdrop of Hawaii and follows the lonely and spirited young girl who adopts what she believes to be a stray dog.  

Stitch is a genetically engineered alien experiment that can wreak havoc and destruction. He has escaped from a spaceship and crash-landed on Earth, where he is disguised as a dog. The two develop a close bond, and Lilo’s love and patience begin to transform him. Stitch learns about the Hawaiian concept of Ohana, or extended family. 

26. Starship Troopers (1997) 

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Starship Troopers is an alien movie that is set in the 23rd century when humanity is at war with a race of giant alien arachnids. The film is the story of a young man who joins the military to fight the Bugs. Rico and his fellow soldiers are trained by the Mobile Infantry, a branch of the military that specializes in fighting the Bugs, and they are deployed to a Bug planet, where they must fight for their lives against the alien hordes. 

The film is full of action and violence, and it features some of the most memorable special effects in science fiction history. It explores themes of fascism, propaganda, and the dehumanizing effects of war. 

27. Life (2017)

Life is an alien movie that is set aboard the International Space Station, where a crew of astronauts discovers the first evidence of extraterrestrial life on Mars. When the crew begins to research the organism, they discover that it is far more intelligent and dangerous than they could have ever imagined. The creature begins to grow rapidly and becomes a threat to the lives of the crew members, who must find a way to contain it and prevent it from reaching Earth. 

28. Mars Needs Moms (2011) 

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Mars Needs Moms is an alien movie about a nine-year-old boy who takes his mother for granted. After an argument with his mother, he witnesses her being abducted by Martians who need her parenting skills to raise their children. They plan to extract her “mom-ness” and implant it into their mothers. The boy stows away on the Martian spaceship and sets out to rescue his mother. 

29. The Faculty (1998) 

The Faculty is an alien film about a group of high school students in the fictional town of Herrington, Ohio, who suspect that their teachers have been taken over by extraterrestrial parasites. As the alien creatures infest the bodies of the school’s staff, the students must uncover the truth and stop the alien invasion.  

The Faculty has a very suspenseful plot with plenty of twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end. It’s a film about growing up, about fighting back against authority, and about the power of friendship. 

30. The War of the Worlds (2005) 

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The War of the Worlds is another Steven Spielberg alien movie. It is one of the most famous and influential science fiction novels of all time and has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and radio dramas. 

The story is about a divorced father who is thrust into a life-and-death struggle to protect his children when Earth is suddenly invaded by powerful and destructive Martian tripods. The film follows the Ferrier family’s harrowing journey as they attempt to survive the Martian onslaught and find safety amid the chaos and destruction. 

31. Venom (2018) 

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Venom is an alien movie about a disgraced journalist who becomes the host of an alien symbiote named Venom. When Venom possesses him, he acquires superhuman abilities and must then use his newfound powers to protect himself and the world from other symbiotes. 

The film was a critical and commercial success, and it was praised for its impressive special effects. 

32. Superman (1978) 

The first Superman movie was released in 1978 and it is a timeless story that has resonated with audiences of all ages for generations. Superman is one of the most famous alien characters of all time. He was born on the planet Krypton, which was destroyed when he was a baby.  

His parents sent him to Earth in a rocket ship, where he was raised by a kindly couple in Smallville, Kansas. He is an alien who has come to Earth to help humanity. The movie is a story about hope, justice, and the power of the human spirit. 

33. Avatar (2009)  

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Avatar is an alien movie that is known for its groundbreaking use of 3D technology and visual effects. The movie is set on an alien planet, Pandora, which is inhabited by an alien race, the Na’vi. The Na’vi are blue-skinned, humanoids who are taller and stronger than humans. They also have a deep connection to nature and their home planet. 

There is a conflict between humans and the Na’vi as the humans are trying to colonize Pandora and mine its resources, while the Na’vi are trying to protect their home and their way of life. Watch to know more. 

34. Battle for Terra (2007)  

Battle for Terra is an alien movie that is set on the planet Terra, a peaceful and verdant world that is home to a race of intelligent alien beings known as the Terrians. Then a fleet of human spaceships arrives seeking a new home world, and the Terrians are forced to fight for their survival and home. 

Battle for Terra is a visually stunning film with a heartwarming story. It is a film that explores themes of environmentalism, colonialism, and the importance of fighting for what you believe in. 

35. Escape from Planet Earth (2013)   

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Escape from Planet Earth is an alien movie that follows the story of Scorch Supernova, a renowned astronaut and national hero on the planet Baab. He is tasked with rescuing his brother Gary, the head of mission control at BASA, from a dangerous alien planet. Scorch is accompanied on his mission by his sidekick Kip, a nerdy but resourceful technician. The movie is a fun and exciting film with a heartwarming message about the importance of family. 

36. The Fifth Element (1997)   

Another alien movie is The Fifth Element. It is set in the 23rd century when humanity is threatened by an evil force known as the Great Evil. The only thing that can stop the Great Evil is the Fifth Element, a mystical power that can be harnessed by a young woman named Leeloo. A taxicab driver is tasked with protecting Leeloo and ensuring that she reaches the Temple of the Four Elements so that she can fulfill her destiny as the Fifth Element. Along the way a powerful industrialist who plans to use the Fifth Element for his evil purposes attacks them. 

37. Starman (1984)

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Starman is an alien movie that tells the story of a non-corporeal alien who has come to Earth and cloned a human body in response to the invitation found on the gold phonograph record installed on the Voyager 2 space probe.

After his spacecraft is shot down over Wisconsin, the alien takes on the form of a guy who recently passed on. He befriends the dead man’s wife and brother who together help the agent on his journey to reach a rendezvous point in Arizona, where he will be reunited with his mothership.

Along the way, the alien falls in love with the widow and teaches her about the universe and the importance of peace and understanding. In return, she teaches him about human emotions and the beauty of life on Earth.

38. Prey (2022)

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Prey is an installment of the Predator franchise and is set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago. The movie is about Naru, a skilled warrior who fights to protect her tribe from a highly evolved alien predator. It is a film that is sure to appeal to fans of science fiction, action, and adventure. Make a point of watching this film.

39. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Edge of Tomorrow is an alien movie about a public relations officer who is dropped into a combat mission against an alien race known as the Mimics. He is killed within minutes, but he wakes up the next day to find that he is reliving the same day repeatedly.

He uses his newfound ability to learn from his mistakes and become a better soldier. He teams up with Special Forces warriors to find a way to defeat the Mimics and save the world.

40. Star Wars

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Last but not least on our must-watch alien movies list is Star Wars, an alien movie that is set in a galaxy far, far away which is home to a wide variety of alien species. It showcases an extensive and diverse range of alien species, each with its unique characteristics, cultures, and appearances.

There are several Star Wars movies and they all show how aliens can be perceived as different and misunderstood, plus how they struggle to find a place in the world. However, the films also show how aliens can overcome these challenges and find a sense of belonging.

These are just a few of the many great alien movies out there. Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi, horror, comedy, or drama, there is an alien movie out there that you will love. Grab some popcorn, sit back, and get ready for an out-of-this-world experience. Happy movie-watching.