8 Best Alien Invasion Movies, Ranked by IMDb
These movies, ranging from art-house thrillers to epic action movies, explore the question of whether we are alone in the universe.
Since the early days of cinema, the idea of encountering extraterrestrial intelligence has captured the imagination of both viewers and filmmakers.
Movies about alien invasions make us contemplate not only the possibility of other civilizations existing, but also the fragility of humanity when faced with an unknown threat.
8. 'Under the Skin', 2013
IMDb Score: 6.3/10
A charming brunette with red lips steals the dead woman's clothes and sets out to hunt men. As she drives around Glasgow in her massive van, she strikes up polite conversations with random passersby.
Her provocative appearance serves as a signal for the men to act, and they accept her invitation to get into the car without hesitation. What they don't know is that she is not actually human.
7. 'No One Will Save You', 2023
IMDb Score: 6.3/10
No One Will Save You tells the story of Brynn, a young seamstress who lives on the outskirts of a small town. She has difficulty socializing and rarely leaves the house.
One night, everything changes when Brynn and her neighbors are attacked by aggressive aliens.
No One Will Save You is a truly unusual horror movie – for an hour and a half, neither the main character nor her opponents utter a word. Creating a gripping silent film in the 21st century is difficult, but the director succeeded.
6. 'Mars Attacks!', 1996
IMDb Score: 6.4/10
Our planet has been subjected to a monstrous attack. Martians have landed in the desert and are attacking all the major cities. The president orders his armed forces to take action, but the two generals who command them have different opinions.
Tim Burton has created an ironic and completely wild comedy in which he has gathered some of Hollywood's finest: Pierce Brosnan, Danny DeVito, Glenn Close, Natalie Portman, and Jack Nicholson.
5. 'War of the Worlds', 2005
IMDb Score: 6.6/10
Ray is spending the weekend with his children, Rachel and Robbie. Suddenly, thunderclouds loom over the area and lightning strikes the ground with such force that the entire neighborhood experiences a massive shutdown.
Later, Ray witnesses the birth of three-legged monsters that destroy everything in their path, leaving people with no chance to escape.
Ray must flee Brooklyn to protect his children's lives. However, Rachel and Robbie are having a hard time finding common ground with their father after their parents' divorce.
4. 'The Vast of Night', 2019
IMDb Score: 6.7/10
1950s, Fay and her friend, Everett, received strange signals while sitting at the local radio station. The simplest explanation was a glitch in the system, but this excuse was soon dismissed by calls from people talking about meeting extraterrestrials.
Has the town really been attacked by aliens, or is there just hysteria among the residents?
The whole trick in The Vast of Night is that, like the characters, the viewer doesn't see the aliens – only hears about them through people's messages.
3. 'Signs', 2002
IMDb Score: 6.8/10
M. Night Shyamalan's movie may not be based on real events, but it is certainly inspired by them. Mysterious crop circles become the catalyst for a story about a family in the midst of disaster and divine providence.
Graham Hess and his loved ones find themselves at the epicenter of an alien invasion. Trapped on their farm, they try to hide from the invaders, who get closer to their hideout with each passing day.
2. 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', 1977
IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Planes that disappeared thirty years ago have suddenly reappeared. A pilot reports seeing strange, glowing objects. It foreshadows an epochal event in human history – a meeting with an alien intelligence. However, the government intends to hide the historic encounter.
In 1977, the young Steven Spielberg, fearing that he would be remembered only for the blockbuster Jaws, released a film that was nearly the opposite of his breakthrough work in tone: the leisurely drama Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
The movie focuses entirely on the panic gripping the world mixed with interest in the unknown.
1. 'Arrival', 2016
IMDb Score: 7.9/10
Twelve giant alien ships have appeared in various locations around the world, hovering in the air. Humanity doesn't know how to react.
The military views the arrival as a sign of aggression and is prepared to aim the most advanced weapons at the aliens. However, nothing happens – the aliens do not make contact.
The government then asks linguist Louise and astrophysicist Ian to communicate with the alien creatures. They must decipher the aliens' language and determine their reason for coming to Earth.
