All Alien Movies and in What Order Should You See Them

The world of alien movies is vast and diverse, offering a wide range of experiences from terrifying encounters to heartwarming interactions.

This comprehensive guide will cover a broad selection of alien-themed films, providing you with a suggested viewing order to explore this exciting genre.

Comprehensive List of Alien Movies and Suggested Viewing Order

Alien cinema has captivated audiences for decades, exploring our fascination with extraterrestrial life through various genres and styles. From classic sci-fi horrors to thought-provoking dramas and lighthearted comedies, alien movies have something for everyone.

This guide will help you navigate through some of the most significant entries in this expansive category in order,

1. The War of the Worlds (1953)
2. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
3. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
4. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
5. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
6. Alien (1979)
7. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
8. The Thing (1982)
9. Aliens (1986)
10. Predator (1987)
11. They Live (1988)
12. Alien 3 (1992)
13. Fire in the Sky (1993)
14. Species (1995)
15. Independence Day (1996)
16. Mars Attacks! (1996)
17. Men in Black (1997)
18. Contact (1997)
19. Alien: Resurrection (1997)
20. The Faculty (1998)
21. Galaxy Quest (1999)
22. Pitch Black (2000)
23. Signs (2002)
24. The War of the Worlds (2005)
25. Alien vs. Predator (2004)
26. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
27. District 9 (2009)
28. Avatar (2009)
29. Monsters (2010)
30. Super 8 (2011)
31. Attack the Block (2011)
32. Prometheus (2012)
33. The Avengers (2012)
34. Pacific Rim (2013)
35. Under the Skin (2013)
36. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
37. The Thing from Another World (1951)
38. Arrival (2016)
39. Life (2017)
40. Alien: Covenant (2017)
41. A Quiet Place (2018)
42. Annihilation (2018)

Here’s a list of notable alien movies, arranged in a suggested viewing order that considers release dates, thematic progression, and the evolution of special effects:

The War of the Worlds (1953)

Earth faces a catastrophic invasion by Martians wielding advanced heat-ray weapons and impenetrable force fields. As cities crumble and military forces prove ineffective, humanity struggles to survive against a technologically superior enemy.

The film explores themes of human resilience and the potential consequences of encountering hostile alien life.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

An alien named Klaatu and his powerful robot Gort arrive on Earth with an urgent message for all of humanity. As Klaatu attempts to gather world leaders, he faces fear and hostility from humans.

The film delves into Cold War anxieties, the dangers of nuclear proliferation, and the potential for peaceful alien contact.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

In a small California town, Dr. Miles Bennell discovers a terrifying phenomenon: emotionless alien duplicates are replacing the local population.

As paranoia spreads and more people are replaced, Bennell and his friends must fight to survive and expose the invasion. The film serves as a metaphor for Cold War fears and conformity in society.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Stanley Kubrick’s epic follows human evolution from prehistoric apes to future space explorers. A mysterious black monolith appears at crucial moments in human history.

During a mission to Jupiter, astronauts Dave Bowman and Frank Poole face off against the ship’s artificial intelligence, HAL 9000, leading to a mind-bending encounter with an alien intelligence.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Roy Neary’s life is forever changed after a close encounter with a UFO. As he becomes obsessed with alien contact, similar incidents occur worldwide.

The film follows Roy’s journey alongside a group of scientists and government officials, culminating in a breathtaking first contact scenario that explores themes of wonder, communication, and human curiosity.

Alien (1979)

The crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo investigates a distress signal on a desolate planet. They unknowingly bring aboard a deadly alien life form with a horrific lifecycle. As the creature hunts them through the claustrophobic corridors of their ship, the crew must fight for survival.

The film combines sci-fi horror with themes of corporate greed and the dangers of unknown life forms.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Young Elliott befriends a stranded alien he names E.T. As Elliott and his siblings help E.T. contact his home planet and evade government agents, they form a deep emotional bond.

The film explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the wonder of childhood, set against the backdrop of suburban America and the possibility of benevolent alien contact.

The Thing (1982)

At an Antarctic research station, a shape-shifting alien that can perfectly mimic other organisms infiltrates the isolated team. As paranoia and mistrust grow, the scientists must determine who is human and who is the alien. John Carpenter’s horror masterpiece explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the terror of the unknown in a hostile environment.

Aliens (1986)

Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo incident, returns to LV-426 with a team of space marines when contact is lost with a human colony. They discover a planet overrun by Xenomorphs and must fight for survival against overwhelming odds.

This action-packed sequel expands the Alien universe and explores themes of maternal instinct, military hubris, and corporate greed.

Predator (1987)

An elite military rescue team, led by Major Dutch Schaefer, is sent on a mission to Central America. They soon find themselves hunted by an alien warrior with advanced technology and a penchant for trophy hunting. The film blends action and sci-fi horror, exploring themes of machismo, honor, and the primal nature of combat.

They Live (1988)

A drifter discovers special sunglasses that reveal a shocking truth: Earth’s ruling class are aliens in disguise, manipulating humanity through subliminal messages to consume, breed, and conform. As he tries to alert others and resist the alien control, he faces opposition from both the aliens and brainwashed humans. The film serves as a satirical critique of consumerism and social control.

Alien 3 (1992)

Ripley crash-lands on Fiorina 161, a prison planet inhabited by male inmates. As a new breed of Alien emerges and begins hunting the prisoners, Ripley discovers she’s carrying an Alien Queen embryo. The film explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the cycle of violence, set against the backdrop of a grim, industrial world.

Fire in the Sky (1993)

Based on Travis Walton’s alleged true story, this film depicts the events surrounding his UFO encounter and subsequent disappearance. As his coworkers face suspicion of murder, Walton experiences a terrifying alien abduction. The movie explores the impact of the incident on a small community and the trauma of Walton’s experiences, blending drama with sci-fi horror.

Species (1995)

Scientists create a human-alien hybrid named Sil using DNA from a message sent by aliens. When Sil escapes and rapidly matures into a beautiful but deadly woman, a team of experts must track her down before she can mate and potentially doom humanity. The film combines sci-fi, horror, and thriller elements while exploring themes of genetic engineering and the dangers of playing god.

Independence Day (1996)

Massive alien ships appear over major cities worldwide, launching a coordinated attack on Earth. As humanity faces extinction, a disparate group of characters – including a fighter pilot, a computer expert, and the U.S. President – must find a way to fight back against the technologically superior invaders. This blockbuster combines spectacular action with themes of global unity and human resilience.

Mars Attacks! (1996)

In this satirical sci-fi comedy, Martians arrive on Earth claiming to be peaceful, but soon launch a full-scale invasion. As chaos ensues and world leaders fumble their response, an unlikely group of survivors must find a way to defeat the comically sadistic aliens. Tim Burton’s film parodies B-movie sci-fi while offering a humorous critique of human nature and politics.

Men in Black (1997)

A secret organization, the Men in Black, monitors and polices alien activity on Earth. Veteran agent K recruits J, and together they investigate a series of alien incidents that uncover a terrorist plot threatening the planet. This sci-fi comedy explores themes of secrecy, immigration, and the potential for peaceful coexistence with alien life, all with a hefty dose of humor.

Contact (1997)

Dr. Ellie Arroway, a SETI scientist, discovers a radio signal from an alien intelligence containing instructions to build a mysterious machine. As she fights to be the one to make first contact, the film explores the intersection of science, faith, and politics. Based on Carl Sagan’s novel, it delves into profound questions about humanity’s place in the universe and the nature of belief.

Alien: Resurrection (1997)

Set 200 years after the events of Alien 3, a clone of Ellen Ripley with alien DNA is created aboard a military spaceship. When a group of mercenaries arrives with human hosts for a secret Xenomorph breeding program, chaos ensues. The film explores themes of identity, the ethics of cloning, and the blurred lines between human and alien.

The Faculty (1998)

In an Ohio high school, a group of students discovers their teachers are being controlled by alien parasites planning a worldwide takeover. As the alien influence spreads through the town, the misfit students must band together to expose the invasion and save humanity. This teen sci-fi horror film blends “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” with 90s high school drama tropes.

Galaxy Quest (1999)

The washed-up cast of a cult sci-fi TV series is recruited by actual aliens who believe the show is real. Thrust into a real intergalactic conflict, the actors must become the heroes they once portrayed on screen. This loving parody of sci-fi fandom and tropes explores themes of heroism, teamwork, and the power of belief.

Pitch Black (2000)

When a transport ship crashes on a desolate planet, the survivors, including dangerous convict Riddick, must cooperate to survive. As a month-long eclipse plunges the planet into darkness, they face deadly nocturnal predators. This sci-fi horror explores themes of survival, redemption, and the blurred lines between hero and villain in extreme circumstances.

Signs (2002)

Former priest Graham Hess and his family discover mysterious crop circles in their corn fields, coinciding with strange events worldwide. As evidence of an alien presence grows, the family must confront their fears and beliefs while preparing for a possible invasion. M. Night Shyamalan’s film explores themes of faith, family, and finding meaning in tragedy.

The War of the Worlds (2005)

In this modern retelling of H.G. Wells’ classic, divorced father Ray Ferrier must protect his children as aliens invade Earth with unstoppable tripod fighting machines. As society collapses around them, the family struggles to survive and stay together. Steven Spielberg’s adaptation explores themes of family bonds and human resilience in the face of overwhelming disaster.

Alien vs. Predator (2004)

An ancient pyramid beneath the Antarctic ice becomes a battleground between Aliens and Predators, with humans caught in the crossfire. As a team of archaeologists and mercenaries fight for survival, they uncover the long history of conflict between these two alien species. This crossover film combines the mythologies of two iconic sci-fi franchises.

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)

Following the events of the previous film, a Predator ship crashes near a small Colorado town, releasing a deadly Predalien hybrid and facehuggers. As Aliens multiply and a lone Predator arrives to contain the outbreak, the townspeople fight for survival. This sequel ramps up the violence and horror elements of both franchises.

District 9 (2009)

In an alternate 1982, a massive alien ship appears over Johannesburg, carrying a malnourished insectoid population. Twenty years later, as tensions between aliens and humans reach a boiling point, bureaucrat Wikus van der Merwe is exposed to alien biotechnology, setting off a chain of events that challenges his perceptions and the status quo. This acclaimed film uses the sci-fi genre to explore themes of xenophobia, segregation, and corporate exploitation.

Avatar (2009)

In the mid-22nd century, humans colonize Pandora, a lush habitable moon of a gas giant, in order to mine a valuable mineral. Jake Sully, a paraplegic marine, becomes part of the Avatar program, which allows humans to remotely control hybrid human-Na’vi bodies. As Jake grows closer to the native Na’vi, he finds himself torn between following orders and protecting the world he feels is his true home. James Cameron’s epic explores themes of environmentalism, colonialism, and the connection between all living things.

Monsters (2010)

Six years after a NASA probe crashes in Mexico, releasing alien life forms, the US and Mexican governments quarantine half of Mexico as an “Infected Zone.” A cynical journalist agrees to escort a shaken American tourist through this dangerous area to reach the US border. As they journey through the alien-infested zone, they witness the impact of the invasion on the local population and environment. This low-budget film uses the alien premise to explore themes of immigration, militarization of borders, and human relationships in crisis situations.

Super 8 (2011)

In the summer of 1979, a group of young friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie. They soon suspect that it was not an accident as strange disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town. As they investigate, they uncover an incredible secret that changes their lives forever. J.J. Abrams’ nostalgic sci-fi adventure explores themes of loss, friendship, and the wonder of childhood set against a mysterious alien presence.

Attack the Block (2011)

A teen gang in South London defends their block from an alien invasion on Guy Fawkes Night. As they fight off the savage alien monsters, the young crew is forced to step up and become unlikely heroes. This British sci-fi comedy blends alien invasion tropes with social commentary on urban youth culture, class divides, and community solidarity in the face of an otherworldly threat.

Prometheus (2012)

A team of explorers, including archaeologists Elizabeth Shaw and Charlie Holloway, journey through space on the ship Prometheus, following a star map discovered among the remnants of several ancient Earth cultures. Seeking the origins of humanity, they instead discover a threat that could cause the extinction of the human race. Ridley Scott’s return to the Alien universe explores themes of creation, faith, and the dangers of seeking answers to fundamental questions about human existence.

The Avengers (2012)

When Loki, an alien prince from Asgard, arrives on Earth with an army of Chitauri aliens to conquer the planet, Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. must assemble a team of superheroes. Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye must learn to work together to save the world from alien invasion. This superhero ensemble film combines comic book action with alien invasion tropes, exploring themes of teamwork and heroism.

Pacific Rim (2013)

In the near future, giant monsters known as Kaiju emerge from an interdimensional portal on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. To combat these alien invaders, humanity constructs massive robots called Jaegers, controlled simultaneously by two pilots. As the war with the Kaiju takes its toll, a washed-up former pilot and an untested trainee team up in a seemingly obsolete Jaeger for one last stand. Guillermo del Toro’s film combines mecha and kaiju genres with themes of global cooperation and human determination.

Under the Skin (2013)

A mysterious woman, played by Scarlett Johansson, drives around Scotland seducing lonely men. Her true nature is slowly revealed to be alien and her purpose on Earth sinister. As she experiences more of human life and emotion, she begins to question her mission. This atmospheric and unsettling film, based on Michel Faber’s novel, explores themes of identity, humanity, and the alien gaze on human behavior and society.

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

In a near future, an alien race called Mimics has hit the Earth in an unrelenting assault. Major William Cage, a public relations officer with no combat experience, is forced onto the front lines of a suicide mission. Killed within minutes, Cage finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop, forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski. With each repeated encounter, Cage becomes tougher and more able to engage the adversaries, as he and Vrataski get closer to defeating the enemy. Based on the Japanese novel “All You Need Is Kill,” the film explores themes of personal growth, the nature of heroism, and the impact of foreknowledge on decision-making.

The Thing from Another World (1951)

Scientists and Air Force officials at a remote Arctic research station discover a crashed flying saucer and a mysterious frozen being nearby. When they accidentally thaw the alien creature, it begins a terrifying rampage. The team must find a way to stop the bloodthirsty, plant-based alien before it can reproduce and threaten all of humanity. This classic sci-fi horror film explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the potential dangers of encountering alien life, influencing many future alien invasion movies.

Arrival (2016)

When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, linguistics professor Louise Banks is recruited by the military to communicate with the alien visitors. As nations teeter on the verge of global war, Banks and her team race against time for answers. Her journey to communicate with the aliens will take her to the edge of her mind, challenging her views on language, time, and the nature of humanity’s place in the universe. Based on Ted Chiang’s novella “Story of Your Life,” the film explores themes of communication, time perception, and the power of language to shape reality.

Life (2017)

A six-member crew of the International Space Station intercepts a space probe returning from Mars with soil samples that contain signs of life. As they study the rapidly evolving life form, they realize it poses a threat not just to the crew, but potentially to all life on Earth. Trapped in the confines of the space station with a hostile alien entity, the crew must find a way to destroy it before it can reach Earth. The film explores themes of scientific curiosity, the potential

Cloverfield (2008)

A group of young New Yorkers throw a going-away party that is interrupted by a sudden and terrifying attack on the city. As they navigate the chaos and destruction, they discover that a massive alien creature is responsible for the devastation. Told through found footage, the film offers a ground-level view of an alien invasion, exploring themes of fear, survival, and the unknown in an urban setting.

Super 8 (2011)

In the summer of 1979, a group of young friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie. They soon suspect that it was not an accident as strange disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town. As they investigate, they uncover an incredible secret involving a mysterious alien presence. J.J. Abrams’ nostalgic sci-fi adventure explores themes of loss, friendship, and the wonder of childhood set against an alien encounter.

Paul (2011)

Two British comic-book geeks traveling across the U.S. encounter an alien named Paul, who has escaped from a top-secret military base. As they try to help Paul return to his spaceship, they must evade federal agents and the fanatical father of a young woman they accidentally kidnap. This comedic take on alien movies blends road trip humor with sci-fi references and explores themes of friendship and acceptance.

Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

In 1873 Arizona, a stranger with no memory of his past stumbles into the hard desert town of Absolution. The only hint to his history is a mysterious shackle that encircles one wrist. Then alien spaceships arrive in the sky and abduct the helpless townsfolk, forcing the stranger to lead an unlikely posse of cowboys, Apaches, and outlaws against the alien threat. This genre-blending film combines Western and sci-fi elements to create a unique take on the alien invasion narrative.

The Watch (2012)

Four suburban dads form a neighborhood watch group as a way to get out of their day-to-day family routines and find adventure. But when they accidentally discover that their town has become overrun with aliens posing as ordinary suburbanites, they have no choice but to save their neighborhood – and the world – from total extermination. This sci-fi comedy explores themes of male bonding and suburban life against the backdrop of an alien invasion.

The 5th Wave (2016)

In this young adult sci-fi thriller, four waves of increasingly deadly alien attacks have left most of Earth decimated. Cassie Sullivan, a high school student, is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother. As she prepares for the inevitable and lethal 5th wave, Cassie teams up with a young man who may become her final hope. The film explores themes of trust, survival, and coming of age in a world transformed by alien invasion.

Captive State (2019)

Set in a Chicago neighborhood nearly a decade after an occupation by an extraterrestrial force, “Captive State” explores the lives on both sides of the conflict – the collaborators and dissidents. The story follows a young man who becomes involved with a resistance movement against the alien occupation, while a police officer works to maintain order in the new world order. This thought-provoking sci-fi thriller examines themes of resistance, collaboration, and the complexities of living under alien rule.

Takeaway

These 42 alien movies represent a rich tapestry of cinematic exploration into humanity’s fascination with extraterrestrial life. From the paranoid invasion films of the 1950s to modern, nuanced takes on alien contact, this genre has consistently reflected societal fears, hopes, and philosophical questions about our place in the universe.

Alien cinema has evolved alongside special effects technology, allowing for increasingly realistic and diverse depictions of extraterrestrial beings and their impact on Earth. These films not only entertain but also serve as a mirror to human nature, exploring themes of xenophobia, environmental concerns, technological advancement, and the fundamental question of whether we are alone in the cosmos.

Through a mix of horror, action, drama, and even comedy, alien movies continue to challenge our perspectives and ignite our imaginations, proving that the concept of extraterrestrial life remains a powerful and versatile storytelling device in film.