UFOs, extraterrestrial beings, and mysterious alien visitors have always fascinated cinema audiences. Blending science fiction and mystery, UFO-themed movies challenge viewers to question the unknowns of the universe. In this list, we dive deep into 20 unforgettable UFO-themed movies that have shaped the genre.
1. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this masterpiece focuses on direct contact with UFOs. The film tells the story of ordinary people encountering a UFO while dodging government secrecy. Spielberg masterfully combines suspense and intrigue, making it one of the most iconic UFO-themed movies in history.
2. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Another Spielberg classic, E.T. tells the heartwarming story of a friendly alien trying to return home. This film explores the emotional connection between humans and extraterrestrials, making it a timeless favorite in the UFO-themed movie category.
3. The War of the Worlds (2005)
Based on H.G. Wells’ iconic novel, this film depicts an alien invasion and humanity’s struggle for survival. Starring Tom Cruise, the movie stands out with its modern special effects and intense action sequences, solidifying its place among UFO-themed movies.
4. Independence Day (1996)
One of the most popular alien invasion films, Independence Day follows Earth’s defense against massive alien spacecraft. Will Smith’s action-packed performance makes this movie unforgettable, further establishing it as a classic in the realm of UFO-themed movies.
5. Arrival (2016)
Arrival offers a unique take on UFO-themed movies, focusing on linguist Dr. Louise Banks as she attempts to communicate with extraterrestrial visitors. This film delves into the philosophical challenges of peaceful interaction with alien species.
6. District 9 (2009)
District 9 tells the story of aliens forced to live in a refugee camp on Earth. Tackling issues of xenophobia and segregation, this film brings a fresh perspective to UFO-themed movies and the sci-fi genre.
7. The Fourth Kind (2009)
For those looking for a more terrifying UFO-themed movie, The Fourth Kind delivers chills. The film focuses on people who claim to have been abducted by aliens and the trauma they endure, giving it a documentary-like feel.
8. Fire in the Sky (1993)
Based on the true story of Travis Walton, Fire in the Sky recounts a man’s alleged abduction by a UFO. The fact that it is based on real events makes the movie even more impactful among UFO-themed films.
9. Signs (2002)
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, Signs explores the mysterious crop circles that appear on a farmer’s land. This film creates a tense atmosphere while investigating UFOs and extraterrestrial life.
10. The Abyss (1989)
James Cameron’s The Abyss tells the story of a team that discovers an alien life form deep beneath the ocean. Combining science fiction with suspense, this movie offers a different approach to UFO-themed movies.
11. Contact (1997)
Based on Carl Sagan’s novel, Contact follows Dr. Ellie Arroway, a scientist trying to establish communication with extraterrestrial life through radio signals. The film explores the scientific and philosophical implications of first contact, making it a significant entry in UFO-themed movies.
12. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
A classic in science fiction cinema, this film tells the story of an alien visitor who comes to Earth with a message of peace, but humanity’s response is far from welcoming. It questions the impact of extraterrestrial life on human behavior, securing its place among UFO-themed movies.
13. Cloverfield (2008)
Cloverfield is a found-footage film that captures an alien invasion, placing the audience in the heart of the chaos. Its immersive style and suspenseful atmosphere make it a modern classic in UFO-themed movies.
14. Men in Black (1997)
This film follows two agents tasked with secretly managing Earth’s alien visitors. With a mix of comedy and sci-fi, Men in Black became a pop culture sensation thanks to the dynamic performances of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, marking it as a beloved entry in UFO-themed movies.
15. Dark Skies (2013)
Dark Skies presents a chilling tale of a family experiencing strange occurrences in their home, leading to an alien abduction. The film is a standout in the UFO-themed horror movie genre.
16. The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter’s The Thing is about a team of researchers in Antarctica who encounter a shape-shifting alien. With its intense suspense and horror, this film has become a cult favorite among UFO-themed movies.
17. Paul (2011)
A comedic take on the UFO-themed genre, Paul follows two friends who encounter a fugitive alien named Paul. It’s a fun, lighthearted adventure for those seeking a humorous look at alien encounters.
18. Lifeforce (1985)
This film tells the story of an extraterrestrial entity with vampiric tendencies, leading to a battle between humans and aliens. Lifeforce blends science fiction with horror for a unique viewing experience among UFO-themed movies.
19. Species (1995)
Species is about a hybrid creature created from human and alien DNA that escapes from a lab. The film follows the efforts to stop this dangerous being, combining elements of thriller and sci-fi into a captivating UFO-themed movie.
20. Transformers (2007)
While focused on alien robots, Transformers falls into the UFO-themed movie genre with its epic battles between extraterrestrial machines and humans. Its stunning visual effects and action-packed sequences make it a fan favorite.