In this blog post, we’re going to dive into the best alien movies of all time. Since the dawn of cinema, the idea of extraterrestrial life has captivated the minds of audiences and filmmakers alike.
From the early days of science fiction to the latest blockbusters, alien movies have been a popular genre that has pushed the boundaries of imagination, technology, and storytelling. Whether they are friendly or hostile, intelligent or primitive, humanoid or monstrous, aliens have been portrayed in countless ways that reflect our hopes, fears, and curiosity about the universe and our place in it.
Before we dive into the list, it’s worth noting that selecting the top 40 best alien movies is no easy task. There are countless movies that could be considered for this list, and everyone has their own favorites and opinions.
To create a fair and balanced selection, we have taken into account several factors, such as critical acclaim, box office success, cultural impact, and audience reception. We have also tried to include a variety of movies that represent different eras, directors, and styles, while keeping in mind their overall quality and influence.
Best Alien Movies Of All Time
1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
In the quiet suburban town of Elliott’s house, a young boy named Elliott discovers an alien stranded on Earth. But this alien is not like any other. With his glowing heart and long fingers, E.T. has a strange power over Elliott and his siblings, drawing them into a dangerous web of government conspiracies, medical experiments, and alien forces beyond their understanding. As they race against time to help E.T. return home, they find themselves in a desperate battle for survival against those who would do anything to keep their secrets hidden.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
2. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
In the middle of the night, strange lights appear in the sky over Indiana. People are drawn to them, including a young father named Roy Neary, whose life is forever changed by the encounter. As he becomes obsessed with understanding what he saw, he risks everything he has, including his family and his sanity, to pursue the truth. But the truth may be far more terrifying than he ever imagined, as he discovers that the aliens have been watching us for a long time, and they have a message that could change the course of human history.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
3. Avatar (2009)
In this groundbreaking sci-fi epic, humans have depleted Earth’s resources and are now exploiting the lush world of Pandora, inhabited by a sentient species called the Na’vi. Jake Sully, a paralyzed veteran, is recruited to infiltrate the Na’vi and gain their trust, but he soon finds himself torn between his loyalty to his own kind and his growing affection for the Na’vi and their way of life. As a war between the two sides looms, Jake must choose which world he truly belongs to and fight for what he believes in. But the cost of his choices may be greater than he ever imagined.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Avatar (2009)
4. The War of the Worlds (1953)
In the midst of the Cold War, the skies over Earth turn red as a massive Martian invasion begins. As they lay waste to cities and towns, the people of Earth are powerless to stop the onslaught of the aliens and their advanced technology. Only a small band of survivors, led by a brilliant scientist named Clayton Forrester, stand between humanity and its ultimate doom. But can they find a way to defeat the aliens before it’s too late?
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The War of the Worlds (1953)
5. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
In the sleepy town of Santa Mira, California, something strange is happening. People are changing, becoming emotionless and robotic. As a local doctor investigates, he discovers that the townspeople are being replaced by alien pods, which grow into duplicates of the human hosts, erasing their memories and identities. As the invasion spreads, he and a few allies struggle to stay human and fight back against the alien menace, before it’s too late.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
6. Interstellar (2014)
In this epic space adventure, humanity faces extinction due to a global food shortage and climate disaster. A group of astronauts embark on a perilous journey through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity, facing cosmic horrors, time dilation, and the limits of their own mortality. As they confront the unknown, they are forced to make unimaginable sacrifices that test their humanity and their hope for a better future.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Interstellar (2014)
7. Predator (1987)
This sci-fi action classic follows a group of elite commandos who are hunted by an alien warrior with advanced technology and deadly weapons. With a muscular and charismatic cast led by Arnold Schwarzenegger and a menacing antagonist designed by the legendary Stan Winston, Predator is a testosterone-fueled battle royale that combines sci-fi, horror, and military action in a way that is both exhilarating and terrifying.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Predator (1987)
8. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
In Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, a genetically engineered superhuman named Khan Noonien Singh seeks revenge against Captain Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise. With his intellect, physical prowess, and cunning, Khan is a formidable foe who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal. As the two sides engage in a battle of wits and tactics, the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
9. Independence Day (1996)
In this blockbuster disaster movie, aliens come to Earth with a hostile agenda, launching a coordinated attack that destroys major cities and threatens to wipe out humanity. As the survivors struggle to fight back, they discover that the aliens have a terrifying plan that goes beyond mere conquest, and that their technology and tactics are far more advanced than anything Earth has ever seen. With an all-star cast, epic special effects, and heart-pounding action, Independence Day is a pulse-pounding thrill ride that will make you question whether we are truly alone in the universe.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Independence Day (1996)
10. The Thing (1982)
In the frozen wasteland of Antarctica, a group of scientists uncover a buried alien spacecraft and a mysterious creature that has been frozen for thousands of years. But when the creature thaws out and begins to hunt down the scientists one by one, they realize that it is not just an ordinary predator, but a shape-shifting alien that can mimic any living thing. As they struggle to survive and prevent the creature from escaping to the outside world, they begin to suspect that one of them may already be infected by the Thing, and the line between friend and foe becomes blurred.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Thing (1982)
11. District 9 (2009)
This gritty and thought-provoking sci-fi film takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa, where an alien race has been confined to a refugee camp for decades. When a bureaucrat tasked with evicting the aliens becomes infected with their DNA, he becomes the target of both human and extraterrestrial forces. District 9 tackles themes of xenophobia, discrimination, and power dynamics in a visceral and unsettling way, making it a haunting and relevant work of art.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: District 9 (2009)
12. Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott’s seminal sci-fi horror movie follows the crew of the Nostromo, a commercial spaceship that responds to a distress signal from a mysterious planet. When they encounter an aggressive and parasitic extraterrestrial organism, the crew must fight for their lives and their sanity in a claustrophobic and terrifying environment. Alien set the standard for sci-fi horror and introduced the world to one of the most iconic movie monsters of all time: the Xenomorph.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Alien (1979)
13. Aliens (1986)
The sequel to Alien ups the ante by sending a squad of marines to investigate a colony that has been overrun by the Xenomorphs. With pulse-pounding action, unforgettable characters, and groundbreaking special effects, Aliens is a rare example of a sequel that surpasses the original. It’s a thrilling and intense ride that will leave you breathless and on the edge of your seat.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Aliens (1986)
14. Pacific Rim (2013)
In Pacific Rim, giant monsters called Kaiju emerge from an interdimensional portal at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, wreaking havoc and destruction on coastal cities. To fight back, humanity creates Jaegers, giant robots piloted by teams of two who are linked by a neural interface. But as the Kaiju grow stronger and more numerous, the Jaeger pilots must push themselves to the limit and risk everything to save the world from annihilation.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Pacific Rim (2013)
15. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
This influential and chilling sci-fi movie tells the story of Klaatu, an alien who arrives on Earth with a message of peace and warning about the dangers of nuclear weapons. However, his peaceful mission is threatened by human fear and aggression, leading to a showdown that could decide the fate of the world. The Day the Earth Stood Still is a cautionary tale that remains relevant and powerful today, with a message that echoes through the ages.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
16. Starman (1984)
In this sci-fi romance, an alien takes on the form of a woman’s dead husband and embarks on a road trip to a secret location, pursued by the government and facing the challenges of human emotions and prejudices. But what if the alien’s true intentions are not what they seem, and its appearance is just a disguise for a more sinister plan? What if the alien wants to use the woman as a host for its species, or to conquer the Earth through a hidden army of clones? As the tension builds and the truth is revealed, the woman must choose between her love for the alien and her loyalty to humanity.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Starman (1984)
17. Men in Black (1997)
In this comedy-action movie, a secret organization called the Men in Black protects Earth from extraterrestrial threats and monitors the interactions between humans and aliens. But what if the Men in Black are not as benevolent as they seem, and their true purpose is to enslave humanity and use it as a resource for their own needs? What if the aliens are not the real danger, but the Men in Black themselves, who use advanced technology and mind-wiping tactics to manipulate the population and cover up their crimes? As a new recruit learns the ropes and discovers the truth, he must decide whether to join the conspiracy or to fight against it.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Men in Black (1997)
18. The Fifth Element (1997)
In this futuristic adventure, a cab driver and a humanoid being team up to save the world from an evil force that threatens to destroy it every 5,000 years. But what if the evil force is not just a mindless entity, but a conscious being with its own agenda and motives? What if the cab driver and the humanoid being are just pawns in a game of power and manipulation, and their actions only serve to fulfill the evil force’s ultimate goal? As the stakes get higher and the plot thickens, the cab driver and the humanoid being must confront their own limits and face the harsh reality of their situation.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Fifth Element (1997)
19. The Arrival (2016)
In this intelligent and thought-provoking sci-fi film, linguistics expert Louise Banks is recruited by the US military to communicate with a group of mysterious extraterrestrial visitors who have landed on Earth. As she delves deeper into their language and culture, she begins to unravel a shocking revelation that could change the course of human history. But as tensions rise and mistrust grows between nations, Louise must race against time to unlock the secrets of the aliens and prevent a global catastrophe. With its eerie atmosphere, mind-bending plot twists, and haunting score, The Arrival will leave you wondering what else might be out there, watching us from the stars.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Arrival (2016)
20. Contact (1997)
In this science fiction drama, a scientist receives a message from an extraterrestrial civilization and embarks on a journey to decipher its meaning and prove the existence of life beyond Earth. But what if the message is not a friendly greeting, but a warning or a threat? What if the extraterrestrial civilization has its own agenda and sees humanity as a potential threat or a resource to exploit? As the scientist delves deeper into the mystery and faces challenges from skeptics, critics, and conspirators, she must decide whether the truth is worth the price.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Contact (1997)
21. The Abyss (1989)
In this underwater thriller, a team of divers investigates a mysterious object at the bottom of the ocean and encounters a strange form of life that challenges their beliefs and sanity. But what if the object is not just a natural phenomenon, but a portal to another dimension or a weapon of mass destruction? What if the form of life is not just curious and benign, but aggressive and manipulative, using the divers as pawns in a game of survival and domination? As the team struggles to survive and escape the abyss, they must confront their deepest fears and darkest secrets.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Abyss (1989)
22. Annihilation (2018)
In this mind-bending and surreal sci-fi horror, a team of scientists enter a mysterious zone known as “the Shimmer,” a rapidly expanding area where the laws of nature no longer apply and strange mutations abound. As they explore deeper into the zone, they encounter bizarre creatures, altered landscapes, and a growing sense of dread and madness. But as they uncover the secrets of the Shimmer and its connection to a sinister force from beyond our world, they must confront their own fears and weaknesses to survive. With its mind-bending visuals, existential themes, and chilling climax, Annihilation is a haunting exploration of the unknown and the unknowable.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Annihilation (2018)
23. The Blob (1958)
In this classic horror movie, a gelatinous extraterrestrial organism crashes to Earth and begins consuming everything in its path, growing bigger and more dangerous with each victim. As the townsfolk struggle to stop the unstoppable blob, they realize that it can’t be killed by conventional means and that it may be the harbinger of a greater threat from beyond the stars. With its iconic special effects, suspenseful pacing, and clever social commentary, The Blob is a cautionary tale of the perils of messing with things we don’t understand.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Blob (1958)
24. They Live (1988)
In this cult classic sci-fi/horror hybrid, a drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that reveal a hidden truth about the world: aliens have infiltrated society and are manipulating humanity through subliminal messages and mind control. As he joins a rebellion to fight back against the extraterrestrial overlords, he discovers that the situation is far more dire and far-reaching than he ever imagined. With its biting satire, intense action, and iconic one-liners, They Live is a genre-bending masterpiece that will make you question what you see and who you trust.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: They Live (1988)
25. Signs (2002)
In “Signs,” a former minister named Graham Hess (played by Mel Gibson) lives with his family on a farm in rural Pennsylvania. One day, strange crop circles start appearing in their cornfield, and the family begins to experience terrifying encounters with a malevolent extraterrestrial presence. As the invasion intensifies, Graham must confront his crisis of faith and protect his family from the unknown forces that threaten their very existence.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Signs (2002)
26. The Andromeda Strain (1971)
“The Andromeda Strain” is a classic sci-fi thriller that tells the story of a team of scientists who investigate a deadly virus that has been brought back to Earth by a satellite. As they try to contain the outbreak and find a cure, they must race against time to prevent the virus from wiping out all life on Earth.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Andromeda Strain (1971)
27. The Thing from Another World (1951)
“The Thing from Another World” is a classic sci-fi horror film that tells the story of a group of scientists and military personnel who discover a crashed UFO in the Arctic. When they thaw out the alien creature that was on board, they unwittingly unleash a deadly threat that could destroy them all. As the creature begins to mutate and mimic human form, the group must band together to stop it before it’s too late.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Thing from Another World (1951)
28. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” is a sci-fi comedy that follows the adventures of an ordinary man named Arthur Dent (played by Martin Freeman) as he travels through space with an alien named Ford Prefect (played by Mos Def). Along the way, they encounter a variety of strange creatures and bizarre situations, including a planet that is home to the most intelligent beings in the universe and a supercomputer that knows the meaning of life.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
29. The Faculty (1998)
“The Faculty” is a sci-fi horror film that takes place in a high school where a group of students discover that their teachers have been taken over by an alien parasite. As they try to find a way to stop the invasion, they must also deal with the social cliques and personal drama of high school life. But as the aliens continue to spread, the students realize that they are the only ones who can save the world from destruction.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Faculty (1998)
30. Attack the Block (2011)
Set in a London council estate, this movie follows a group of teenage hoodlums as they defend their turf from an invasion of vicious alien creatures. The aliens are unlike anything anyone has ever seen before, with glowing eyes, razor-sharp teeth, and a hunger for flesh. As the teenagers fight for survival, they realize that these creatures are not only dangerous, but also have a mysterious connection to their own past.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Attack the Block (2011)
31. The Hidden (1987)
In this movie, an alien parasite comes to Earth and takes over human bodies to carry out a killing spree. The parasite is invisible and can only be detected through its reflection, making it an almost impossible enemy to track. As the body count rises, a detective and an FBI agent race against time to stop the parasite before it unleashes its ultimate plan for world domination.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Hidden (1987)
32. The Host (2006)
This Korean movie tells the story of a mutated creature that emerges from the Han River and terrorizes the citizens of Seoul. The creature is not only deadly, but also intelligent and cunning, making it a formidable foe for the military forces that try to stop it. However, when the creature kidnaps a young girl, her family must band together to rescue her and destroy the monster before it’s too late.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Host (2006)
33. War of the Worlds (2005)
Based on the classic novel by H.G. Wells, this movie tells the story of a global invasion by extraterrestrial machines. The aliens are ruthless and seemingly invincible, destroying everything in their path with their advanced technology. As a father and his children try to escape the chaos, they witness the horrors of the invasion and the fragility of humanity in the face of a superior enemy.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: War of the Worlds (2005)
34. Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
In Star Trek: First Contact, the Borg, a cybernetic race bent on assimilating all life forms, travel back in time to prevent humanity from achieving warp drive and making contact with other civilizations. It’s up to Captain Picard and his crew to stop the Borg and ensure that history unfolds as it should. But as they face off against the Borg Queen, a seductive and ruthless mastermind, they realize that the stakes are higher than they ever imagined.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
35. Wall-E (2008)
In Wall-E, the Earth has become a wasteland and humanity has abandoned the planet to live on a space station. The titular character, a lonely and curious robot, is left behind to clean up the mess. But when a sleek and advanced robot named EVE arrives on a mission to find signs of life on Earth, Wall-E’s world is turned upside down. Together, they embark on a perilous journey that reveals the dark secrets of humanity’s past and future.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Wall-E (2008)
36. The Martian (2015)
In the vast emptiness of space, no one can hear you scream. But on Mars, the screams of one man echoed across the barren landscape. That man was astronaut Mark Watney, who found himself stranded on the Red Planet after a catastrophic mission. With limited resources, a hostile environment, and no means of communication with Earth, Watney faced a terrifying fate. But he was not alone. For lurking beneath the surface of Mars, something sinister and ancient was awakening. Something that had been dormant for eons, waiting for a hapless victim to stumble upon its lair. And now, with Watney as its prey, the creature was hungry for more.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Martian (2015)
37. Prometheus (2012)
In this prequel to the Alien franchise, a team of explorers set out on a dangerous mission to discover the origins of human life, only to stumble upon a sinister plot that threatens to destroy them all. As they delve deeper into a mysterious alien world, they uncover terrifying secrets that challenge their beliefs, their sanity, and their very survival.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Prometheus (2012)
38. Life (2017)
In this sci-fi thriller, a team of astronauts on the International Space Station discover a sample of extraterrestrial life that quickly evolves into a dangerous and intelligent organism. As the creature wreaks havoc on the station and threatens to spread to Earth, the crew must fight for their lives and the fate of humanity in a desperate battle against a deadly and unpredictable foe.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Life (2017)
39. Under the Skin (2013)
In the dark alleys of Scotland, a predator stalked its prey. But this predator was not of this world. It was an alien, a creature of immense power and insatiable hunger, who had come to Earth to satisfy its craving. Its disguise was perfect, a beautiful woman who lured unsuspecting men into her web of seduction. But behind her alluring façade lay a terrifying secret. A secret that would reveal the true nature of the alien, and the horror it brought with it. As the body count rose and the truth was revealed, it became clear that no one was safe from the alien’s grasp. And as it hunted for its next victim, the people of Scotland knew that they were not alone in the dark.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Under the Skin (2013)
40. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
In the future, Earth is under attack by an alien race called the Mimics. Major William Cage is forced to fight on the front lines and dies in battle, only to wake up the next day and relive the same day again. With the help of Sergeant Rita Vrataski, they use Cage’s power to fight the Mimics and find their central hive mind. However, they soon discover a terrifying secret about Cage’s power that could have catastrophic consequences. Edge of Tomorrow is an intense sci-fi thriller that explores the horrors of war against an unstoppable alien threat.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the alien genre has produced some of the most iconic and memorable movies in cinematic history. From the classics like “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” to the modern masterpieces like “Arrival” and “District 9”, these movies have captivated audiences with their imaginative visions of otherworldly beings and their impact on humanity.
Our top 40 list reflects the best of the best in terms of storytelling, characters, themes, and technical achievement, and we hope that it will inspire you to revisit some of these timeless movies or discover new favorites.
While the alien genre will continue to evolve and surprise us with new ideas and perspectives, these movies have left an indelible mark on popular culture and our collective imagination. So let’s keep looking up at the stars and wondering what lies beyond our world, just as these movies have encouraged us to do for generations to come.
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