14 Films in Which Aliens Are Actually More Relatable Than Humans

It's a comforting thought if you ignore the looming potential for galactic domination. But let's not dwell on such insignificant details. Instead, let's celebrate 14 films in which aliens somehow manage to make us mere humans feel less...well, human.

1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

A list like this one would be an exercise in futility without mentioning our favorite wrinkly, long-necked friend from the cosmos. E.T. took us on a roller coaster of emotions, from the heartwarming connection he formed with Elliot to his yearning for his home planet. Sure, he was a botanist, but his palpable longing for home was more human than most human characters in the film.

2. Starman (1984)

Who'd have thought that Jeff Bridges could play an alien inhabiting a human body and actually make us feel things? Well, feel things beyond fear and disgust, I mean. Starman may have been an extraterrestrial entity in a Bridges-shaped suit, but his curiosity, innocence, and genuine bafflement at our world's norms made him surprisingly relatable.

3. The Iron Giant (1999)

A 50-foot metal colossus from outer space should be as relatable as a toaster, but don't let appearances fool you. The Iron Giant's exploration of friendship, fear, and ultimately self-sacrifice was so deeply human that it left many of us in tears. Yes, a giant metal alien made us cry. No, I'm not embarrassed to admit it.

4. Lilo & Stitch (2002)

Stitch, the small, blue, and unapologetically destructive alien, wound his way into our hearts by offering us a mirror to our own chaotic lives. His struggle for acceptance, the forging of an unconventional family, and his adaptation to Earth life were not just heart-warming but surprisingly human as well.

5. Avatar ( 2009)

Now, here's an unusual twist. The aliens, the Na'vi, were the native species, and we humans were the invaders. The tall, blue inhabitants of Pandora, especially Neytiri, had a profound connection with nature and a harmonious society that made our human civilization look downright savage. If feeling emotions and caring for our planet are human traits, then the Na'vi are more human than us.

6. District 9 (2009)

In an allegory so sharp it could cut through titanium, the aliens of District 9 were more victimized and discriminated against than any human character in the film. As the protagonist Wikus gradually turned into one of these prawns, his transformation highlighted the profound humanity within these misunderstood beings.

7. Super 8 (2011)

This Spielbergian romp gave us a creature that, despite looking like a Lovecraftian nightmare, was surprisingly sympathetic. Imprisoned and mistreated by the military, the alien in Super 8 just wanted to go home. Wasn't that Spielberg's plot for E.T.? This alien's drive for freedom made us forget about its, well, alien-ness.

8. Paul (2011)

Paul, the foul-mouthed, pot-smoking alien voiced by Seth Rogen, was surprisingly relatable, despite his uncanny knack for getting into trouble. His humor, fear of being captured, and ultimately his search for companionship made him feel not like an alien, but rather like that one friend we all have who's just a bit… different.

9. The Host (2013)

Based on Stephenie Meyer's novel, The Host presents an alien species that's taken over the world by inhabiting human bodies. The intriguing twist? These aliens are peaceful, hate conflict, and just want to live harmonious lives. Wanderer, or Wanda, as she is called, is more empathetic and humane than many of the human characters who initially seek to destroy her.

10. Under the Skin (2013)

Scarlett Johansson 's alien character in this film is a chilling predator disguised as a human woman, but her exploration of human society, sexuality, and identity reveals a depth of vulnerability and curiosity that's intensely relatable. Her struggle to comprehend human behavior is a mirror to our own quest for understanding in a sometimes bewildering world.

11. Arrival (2016)

The heptapods, with their inky circular language and non-linear perception of time, may seem fundamentally alien. Yet, their mission is not conquest, but communication. Their desire for mutual understanding, despite the barriers, resonates deeply with our own innate yearning for connection and comprehension.

12. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

The Pearls, the primary extraterrestrial species in this vibrant, visually stunning film, epitomize grace, unity, and respect for their environment, making our human heroes look downright barbaric in comparison. Their struggle to preserve their culture in the face of disaster is both poignant and highly relatable.

13. The Shape of Water (2017)

While not technically an alien, the Amphibian Man's status as a non-human entity merits his inclusion here. Despite his monstrous appearance, his capacity for empathy, love, and connection with Elisa surpasses that of the cruel, decidedly human antagonists.

14. Venom ( 2018)

Last, but certainly not least, we have Venom. Yes, the alien symbiote who possesses Eddie Brock is initially terrifying, but as the story unfolds, we see Venom's funny side, his evolving moral compass, and his unusual friendship with Eddie (also: his passion for chocolate, and I dare you to name a more relatable thing than this). Not what you'd expect from a flesh-eating extraterrestrial, right?