I WANT TO BELIEVE
Whether they're peaceful creatures from another planet or invading forces bent on the destruction of Earth, everyone loves a great alien movie! Here's ten of the greats, from the 1959 cult classic train wreck Plan 9 from Outer Space to the 1996 summer blockbuster Independence Day, and on to the 2009 3D animation flick Monsters vs Aliens. These films are for all types of sci-fi aficionados. Klaatu barada nikto!
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
From Out Of Space... A Warning And An Ultimatum
Cast: Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Billy Gray, Hugh Marlowe, Sam Jaffe, and Frances Bavier
Background: The aim of producer Julian Blaustein was to create a film that not only promoted a strong United Nations but also to illustrate the suspicion and fear of the Cold War and Atomic Age. Noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed Klaatu's spaceship. The film was added to the preservation list of the United States National Film Registry, deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." The film was remade in 2008, starring Keanu Reeves.
Invasion Risk:
Own The Day the Earth Stood Still
The War of the Worlds (1953)
The original invasion!
Synopsis: Based on the classic novel written by H.G. Well's, the residents of Earth are invaded by aliens from Mars, who are seemingly unstoppable. There seems no hope to save the human race from these Martian war machines...Cast: Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne, and Robert Cornthwaite
Background: The film was updated to the 1950s from the 1898 setting of the novel. The film received an Oscar for its special effects. A remake of the film, starring Tom Cruise, was released in 2005 and the film also received a sequel, of sorts, in the form of a television series in 1988. It has also inspired countless other science fiction films and pop culture trivia.
Invasion Risk:
Own the War of the Worlds
Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)
Aliens Resurrecting The Dead! Flying Saucers Over Hollywood!
Cast: Gregory Walcott, Mona McKinnon, Tom Keene, Tor Johnson, Dudley Manlove, Joanna Lee, John Breckinridge, Vampira, and Béla Lugosi
Background: Originally titled Grave Robbers from Outer Space, the film was full of multiple errors and continuity problems. Béla Lugosi was billed as a star, but had actually died before the film was made. Footage shot two years previous for another film used by director Ed Wood in the movie. It is often declared "the worst film ever made". The film has since become a cult classic and director Ed Wood received a posthumous Golden Turkey Award for worst director ever.
Invasion Risk:
Own Plan 9 from Outer Space
Alien (1979)
In space no one can hear you scream.
Synopsis: After receiving distress call transmission while headed back to Earth, the crew of a mining ship discover the eggs of a parasitic alien creature, who subsequently returns with them to their ship. As crew members begin to die one by one, it is up to the survivors to stop the alien from returning with them to Earth.Cast: Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, and Yaphet Kotto
Background: Directed by Ridley Scott, the film became a box office success and was awarded an Oscar for "Best Visual Effects". Swiss surrealist artist H. R. Giger designed the alien. The film was inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 2002. It has also spawned three sequels, novels, comic books, video games, and toys. There have also been two prequels that crossover with the "Predator" franchise.
Invasion Risk:
Own Alien
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
He is afraid. He is alone. He is three million light years from home.
Synopsis: During an exploration expedition to Earth, an extra terrestrial is left behind. Befriended by a lonely boy named Elliot and dubbed E.T., his survival depends on his return to his home planet. Will Elliot, his little sister Gertie, and their friends be able to make contact and get E.T. back home?Cast: Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Robert MacNaughton, Drew Barrymore, and Peter Coyote
Background: The concept for the film dated back to the 1960s, when director Steven Spielberg dreamed up an imaginary friend to deal with the painful emotions caused by his parents' divorce. Upon its release, the film became a successful blockbuster, with a theatrical re-release in 1985 and an enhanced version in 2002. The film inspired other science fiction/fantasy films and has lodged itself firmly in pop culture.
Invasion Risk:
Own E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Spaced Invaders (1990)
Earth Will Never Be The Same!
Synopsis: After picking up a radio broadcast of H.G. Wells' classic War of the Worlds, a crew of a Martian invasion force lands in a backwater town in the Mid-West to find out it's only Halloween. Making friends with two children, their invasion plans soon turn to comedy as they are mistaken for trick-or-treaters.Cast: Douglas Barr, Ariana Richards, Royal Dano, Gregg Berger, and Wayne Alexander
Background: A truly "B"-list sci-fi comedy, the film featured a young Ariana Richards, who would play Lex Murphy in Jurassic Park three years later. The original trailer stated the film was about aliens visiting Earth for "Spring Break" but was subsequently changed.
Invasion Risk:
Own Spaced Invaders
Independence Day (1996)
We've always believed we weren't alone. Pretty soon, we'll wish we were.
Synopsis: On July 2nd, they arrived. On July 3rd, the alien invaders obliterated the metropolises of New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC. On July 4th, the human race fights back to win its freedom. The stories of multiple survivors are interwoven in this sci-fi action-adventure blockbuster.Cast: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, Margaret Colin, Vivica A. Fox, and Randy Quaid
Background: The film started the trend of large-scale disaster flicks and at the head of the science fiction resurgences during the mid-to-late-1990s. It also spawned increased interest in dolphin-themed jewelry. The creators have since toyed with creating one or two sequels but the projects have never left the discussion stage.
Invasion Risk:
Own Independence Day
Men in Black (1997)
Protecting the earth from the scum of the universe
Synopsis: When Agent K and his new recruit partner, Agent J, find themselves embroiled in a deadly plot by an intergalactic terrorist bug to to steal a galaxy, the MiB must track down the bug and save the Earth from destruction. Just another typical day for these mysterious agents.Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Vincent D'Onofrio, Linda Fiorentino, and Rip Torn
Background: The film is based on the comic book series by Lowell Cunningham. There are several references and tributes to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It won the Oscar for Best Makeup and was given a sequel, Men in Black II, which is soon to be followed by Men in Black III-D, set to be released in 2011.
Invasion Risk:
Own Men in Black
Galaxy Quest (1999)
The show has been cancelled...but the adventure is just beginning.
Synopsis: Eighteen years after their sci-fi adventure show "Galaxy Quest" was canceled, the "crew" of the fictional series are making the rounds at sci-fi conventions to appease the fans of the cult classic show. It isn't until a race of aliens, who have studied the broadcasts of the series and believe them to be "historical documents", ask the crew to help save them from destruction that fantasy meets reality.Cast: Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Rainn Wilson, and Sam Rockwell
Background: Acknowledged homage to the Star Trek franchise, the film features numerous references to plot lines, characters, and the real life actors who took part in various Star Trek projects. This was also the film debut for Justin Long and Rainn Wilson.
Invasion Risk:
Own Galaxy Quest
Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)
Synopsis: After being hit by a meteor from outer space on her wedding day, Susan Murphy finds herself turned into a giantess. Now being held in a secret military facility, she meets the other "monsters": B.O.B., Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D., The Missing Link, and Insectosaurus. After Gallaxhar, a malicious alien who is seeking quantonium, invades earth, these "monsters" are unleashed to save Earth.Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Conrad Vernon, Rainn Wilson, Kiefer Sutherland, Stephen Colbert, and Paul Rudd
Background: The film was the first computer animated movie to be directly produced in a stereoscopic 3-D format. The film's release on home DVD included a new short, B.O.B.'s Big Break and during October 2009 a Halloween special, Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space, featuring the characters aired on NBC. Nickelodeon has ordered a pilot for a Monsters vs. Aliens cartoon series.
Invasion Risk:
Own Monsters vs. Aliens
![Mars Attacks! [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ERr%2BDhXjL._SL75_.jpg)
![Planet 51 (Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Hq-Wsx2cL._SL75_.jpg)
Watch the Skies!
Do you think there is life on other planets?
Yes! I can't wait to meet them!
jan says:
i belive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jan says:
i belive that something is out there in space and i v'e ben waiting o meet them a long long time.
Jadelynx says:
I hope it happens in my lifetime.....AND that they are friendly !
No. I think it's all fantasy.
Take Me To Your Leader!
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Jadelynx
Mar 20, 2012 @ 3:17 pm | delete
- I think that Independence Day was like the all time best alien invasion movie....I loved it !!!
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rauspitz Dec 7, 2011 @ 1:53 pm | delete
- Alien and ET were great movies. Cool lens!
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PopArtGirl
Sep 20, 2011 @ 7:09 pm | delete
- I've always loved Alien - Veronica Cartwright rocks!
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christopherwell
Sep 19, 2011 @ 8:32 pm | delete
- Great collection of movies! (Although, I must confess, I've only see PLAN 9 in "RiffTrax" form.)
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JeanJohnson
Sep 9, 2011 @ 12:35 am | delete
- I enjoyed this movie list. I love Galaxy Quest and we watch that pretty often. My kids love Monsters vs. Aliens.
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outsource123
Nov 30, 2010 @ 3:17 am | delete
- Great list. Thanks for sharing this
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Tipi
Oct 12, 2010 @ 10:54 am | delete
- Wow, I like all of theses movies. They are all great! ~ Well done Miss Bat!
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jptanabe
Sep 19, 2010 @ 8:57 am | delete
- You found some of my most favorite alien movies! And some of the funniest! Great job.
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About the Lensmaster
This Halloween Magazine page written by
missbat
I'm a Giant 100 Squid, as well as a retired SquidAngel. I'm most known for my Halloween costume lenses. I also like to poke people with sporks.
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