EditorialsTop 10 Alien Movies of All Time

Top 10 Alien Movies You Must Watch

Written by Matt Nelson & Likewise Pix | Sep 19, 2024 Take a journey through the cosmos and explore the mysteries of the unknown with our definitive list of the top 10 alien movies you need to watch. From thrilling encounters to heartwarming friendships, these films offer a diverse range of interpretations of extraterrestrial life.

1. Alien (1979)

During its return to Earth, the commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. Upon investigating, a crew member discovers thousands of eggs, and one hatches, launching a nightmarish chain of events. This Ridley Scott classic captures horror and science fiction in perfect harmony, setting the standard for future cosmic horrors.

Alien (1979)
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Average Rating: 4.4

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2. The Thing (1982)

A twelve-man research team in Antarctica awakens a terrifying, shape-shifting alien buried in the snow for over 100,000 years. John Carpenter's "The Thing" is a masterclass in building suspense and paranoia, as the team faces an enemy that can become any of them.

The Thing (1982)
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Average Rating: 4.3

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3. Arrival (2016)

When mysterious alien crafts land across the globe, a linguistics expert is recruited by the military to communicate with the extraterrestrials. The narrative of "Arrival," helmed by Denis Villeneuve, dives deep into themes of language, time, and humanity, making it as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning.

Arrival (2016)
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Average Rating: 4.2

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4. District 9 (2009)

Set in a universe where aliens landed on Earth and were relegated to living in slum-like conditions in South Africa, "District 9" provides a gritty look at xenophobia and segregation. When a field agent is exposed to alien technology, his entire life changes, leading him to seek refuge in the only place he can - District 9.

District 9 (2009)
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Average Rating: 4.2

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5. A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)

As alien creatures that hunt by sound invade New York City, a woman named Sam fights for survival with her cat. This gripping installment in the "A Quiet Place" series continues to build tension and stakes in a world where silence is the key to survival.

A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
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Average Rating: 4.2

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

One of the most beloved family films of all time, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" tells the story of a young boy named Elliot who befriends an alien left behind on Earth. Together with his siblings, Elliot embarks on an adventure to help E.T. phone home before government agents can capture him.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
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Average Rating: 4.0

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7. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Thrust into a war against an alien species, Major Bill Cage finds himself reliving the same day over and over again every time he dies. With time resetting each day, Cage must team up with a special forces warrior to develop a strategy to defeat the invaders in this high-octane sci-fi action film.

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
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Average Rating: 4.0

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8. Aliens (1986)

Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of a deadly alien encounter, is found and awakened after decades of hypersleep. Skepticism greets her story, but she joins a crew of Colonial Marines returning to the alien's home planet to discover unparalleled horrors awaiting them.

Aliens (1986)
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Average Rating: 4.0

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9. Star Trek (2009)

An exciting reboot of the beloved franchise, "Star Trek" introduces us to young James Kirk and Spock as they battle their personal differences to form a powerful bond. Together, they must lead their crew through unimaginable dangers and save the galaxy from a new threat.

Star Trek (2009)
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Average Rating: 3.9

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10. Galaxy Quest (1999)

In this hilarious nod to sci-fi fandom, the washed-up cast of a once-popular television series is mistaken by real aliens as bona fide heroes. They are taken on an interstellar journey where they must confront real space dangers, relying on their acting skills to save the universe.

Galaxy Quest (1999)
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Average Rating: 3.9

Watch 'Galaxy Quest'

Each of these films offers its own unique blend of suspense, action, and profound storytelling, making them must-watches for any sci-fi enthusiast. Whether you are in search of heart-stopping horror, thought-provoking drama, or light-hearted comedy, this list provides the best the genre has to offer. Embark on these cinematic journeys and let your imagination soar.