Have you ever imagined what a real alien invasion would be like? Cinema has often explored this fascinating and terrifying theme throughout its history. Generally, these films portray the unexpected arrival of extraterrestrials in a menacing light, with the visitors showing hostility and plotting to subjugate the human race to take over our planet.
In these works we also witness scenes of chaos and destruction caused by the invasion, transforming our world into a battlefield for human survival in the face of an apocalyptic threat.
However, there are also films in which the aliens are peaceful but encounter hostility from the inhabitants of Earth.
With that in mind, we’ve listed 10 films that tackle this topic, which you can check out below.
Alien Invasion: The Best Films
One of the most successful hits of North American cinema, “Independence Day”, is a disaster film directed by Roland Emmerich, a director specializing in the genre.
The film features a strong cast, including names like Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, Judd Hirsch, Margaret Colin, Randy Quaid, Robert Loggia, James Rebhorn, and Harvey Fierstein.
The plot focuses on Earth’s counterattack against a worldwide alien invasion that occurred on July 4th, the date on which the independence of the United States is celebrated.
One of the strong points of the science fiction horror film “No One Will Save You” is its immersive proposal with an almost total absence of dialogue.
The film stars Kaitlyn Dever, who plays a young woman despised by everyone in her town. Living alone, her house is invaded by aliens. She therefore faces the threat alone.
Paying homage to the B-grade science fiction films of the 1950s, “Mars Attacks!” is a satirical comedy directed by Tim Burton.
With a stellar cast, the film includes names such as Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Pierce Brosnan, Danny DeVito, Martin Short, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michael J. Fox, Pam Grier, Rod Steiger, Tom Jones, Lukas Haas, Natalie Portman, Jim Brown, Lisa Marie and Sylvia Sidney.
In the plot, Earth faces a Martian invasion that initially claims to arrive in peace, but quickly turns hostile. President Dale (Nicholson) attempts diplomacy, but the Martians attack with their ray guns, causing total chaos.
Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, “Signs” is a sci-fi thriller that deals with themes such as faith. In the plot, a former pastor (Mel Gibson), whose faith is shaken after the tragic death of his wife, lives on an isolated farm with his two children (Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin) and his brother (Joaquin Phoenix).
However, strange circles appear in the cornfields of his farm, as well as other strange occurrences. Soon, the family takes refuge against a worldwide alien invasion.
Directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Kevin Williamson (screenwriter of the “Scream” series), “The Final Proof” is a teen horror film with an alien invasion theme.
The film also features an exceptional cast: Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Laura Harris, Josh Hartnett, Shawn Hatosy, Famke Janssen, Piper Laurie, Bebe Neuwirth, Robert Patrick, Usher Raymond, Jon Stewart and Elijah Wood.
The film follows a group of high school teenagers who discover that parasitic aliens are invading the bodies of people at school. Now they must unite to stop the alien invasion and save humanity.
Adaptation of the work of the same name by HG Wells, “The War of the Worlds” is directed by Steven Spielberg. Tom Cruise stars in the film alongside Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto and Tim Robbins.
In the film, massive alien war machines emerge from the earth and begin attacking cities around the world, causing chaos and destruction wherever they go. Faced with this, a divorced father (Cruise) must protect his children and reunite them with their mother as they try to survive the alien invasion.
One of the most acclaimed films of the master John Carpenter, “They Live”, is a science fiction action film that stands out for its penetrating social criticism. The plot follows a homeless man (Roddy Piper) looking for a job.
However, his journey takes a terrifying turn when he comes across a pair of sunglasses. As she puts them on, she is confronted with a shocking reality: some members of society are not humans, but aliens in disguise.
These occupy prominent positions in the ruling class, in sectors such as the media and politics, plotting for domination of the Earth. Additionally, the glasses reveal subliminal messages found in advertisements and consumer products.
Another great John Carpenter film to include in the list is “Starman”, which tells an alien invasion story unlike the others. Jeff Bridges plays a peaceful and kind disembodied alien.
The lone alien arrives on Earth in response to an invitation sent by a NASA probe. However, he is greeted with hostility. The alien takes the form of the deceased husband of a young woman (Karen Allen), who joins him after witnessing her miraculous powers.
However, the alien must return home within 3 days, otherwise he will die. However, government authorities begin to persecute both of them.
This film is the third adaptation of the famous novel by Jack Finney, which gave rise to other famous alien invasion films. The film is directed by the cult classic Abel Ferrara and stars Gabrielle Anwar, Billy Wirth, Terry Kinney, Meg Tilly, Christine Elise, R. Lee Ermey and Forest Whitaker.
In the plot, aliens invade a military base in the United States. There, the invaders exchange humans for emotionless alien duplicates in a plan of domination.
In the underrated science fiction directed by Tobe Hooper (director of 1974’s “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”), a European space shuttle discovers a spacecraft in the tail of Halley’s Comet.
The alien spacecraft contains three humanoid bodies in hibernation, which are brought to Earth. However, one of these beings awakens. With the body of an attractive young woman (Mathilda May), the alien is a space vampire who seduces and drains people’s life energy, unleashing a threat against humanity.
The film stars Steve Railsback, Peter Firth, Frank Finlay and Patrick Stewart.
The post Top 10 Alien Invasion Movies appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
