The 25 Greatest Alien And Space Movies

Top Outer Space Movies

Before we get to the 25 best alien and space movies of all time, many of which rank among the best sci-fi movies ever, let’s take a look at the genre as a whole and the movies that have most defined it.

When it comes to the most popular subgenres of space and alien movies, there are a few standouts. First and foremost, we must consider “space exploration” movies, with examples being movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Interstellar. And while those movies often involve aliens at some point, or at least allude to alien life, they aren’t necessarily the driving force of the narrative, nor do they present a central source of conflict. Extraterrestrial life is much more the focus of familiar genres, such as horror movies set in space, like Alien and Event Horizon, or space operas, like Star Wars and The Fifth Element, or space westerns, like Serenity and Guardians of the Galaxy. Beyond those genres, there are subgenres that bring extraterrestrial life to Earth. There are “alien contact” movies, like Arrival and Contact, as well as alien invasion movies, like Independence Day and War of the Worlds.

The highest grossing alien and space movies of all time should sound familiar, starting first and foremost with what is the most lucrative movie of all time, Avatar. And let us not forget its sequel, the third highest grossing movie ever, Avatar: The Way of Water. The first movie in the franchise has earned $2.9 billion to date worldwide (that includes its gross from subsequent re-releases), while The Way of Water has made $2.3 billion worldwide since its 2022 release. The other highest grossing movies are part of the Star Wars franchise, starting with The Force Awakens, which has earned just over $2 billion worldwide, and The Last Jedi, which has earned $1.3 billion. When we adjust for inflation, however, the highest earning alien and space movie ever is Star Wars: A New Hope, which, after adjustments, has made $1.7 billion from domestic receipts alone. Next in line would be E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which has made $1.4 billion.

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Now onto the rankings. This list is based on a couple of factors: historical significance and personal taste. And, often, those two tracks intersect. The following movies are all ones I greatly enjoy, and include some off-the-beaten-path choices. But for the most part, I tried to compile a list of the absolute most importance alien and space movies, in an effort to provide the most comprehensive list possible. My only parameters for qualification were that aliens had to be heavily involved in the narrative, which unfortunately disqualified some movies, like 2001: A Space Odyssey. I also only allowed for a single movie for franchise, which is why you won’t find multiple Star Wars movies on this list.

So, without further ado, let’s review the 25 best alien and space movies.

25. Invaders from Mars (1953)

In Invaders from Mars, young David MacLean (played by a 13-year-old Jimmy Hunt) is awakened by a strange noise, only to witness a spaceship land in the hills behind his house. As adults in his small town begin to act strangely, David suspects that aliens have taken over the minds of the townspeople—including his own parents (played by Leif Erickson and Hillary Brooke). Desperate to expose the invaders, he teams up with scientist Dr. Patricia Blake (Helena Carter) and astronomer Dr. Stuart Kelston (Arthur Franz), who enlist the help of the military, to uncover the truth and stop the infiltration. The film is one of the directing credits from the great William Cameron Menzies, who has long been heralded as one of the greatest production designers of all time. Alongside cinematographer John F. Seitz, Menzies tapped into his deep expertise in set design and used surrealistic and expressionistic techniques to create a nightmarish atmosphere, depicting paranoia and fear of the unknown in a manner that mirrored Cold War anxieties of the time.

Here’s where you can stream Invaders from Mars.

24. War of the Worlds (2005)

Dockworker Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) struggles to protect his two children, Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin), as Earth is invaded by powerful alien machines in Steven Spielberg’s 1953 update of War of the Worlds. The invasion begins after towering (and hauntingly designed) Tripods emerge from the ground to unleash destruction with deadly heat rays and an impenetrable force field. As society collapses, Ray and his family embark on a harrowing journey to survive, all while navigating humanity's desperate attempts to fight back and reckon with the consequences of the aliens' relentless assault. Spielberg’s film features a reliably intense performance by Cruise, as well as a chilling supporting role from Tim Robbins as a man driven to paranoia by the invasion. This adaptation is significant for its modern reimagining of H.G. Wells' classic novel, as it emphasizes the human experience of an alien invasion through the sort of personal, grounded perspective for which Spielberg has become famous.

Here’s where you can stream War of the Worlds.

23. Dark City (1998)

Imagine waking up in in a strange city with no memory of who you are or how you got there—that’s the basic premise of Dark City, except extraterrestrials are involved. As John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) pieces together his fragmented identity, he becomes entangled in a mysterious and sinister conspiracy involving a group of alien beings known as the “Strangers, who manipulate the inhabitants of the city and reshape reality at their will. With the help of a detective (William Hurt), as well as a psychiatrist (Kiefer Sutherland) and his wife Emma (Jennifer Connelly), John must uncover the secrets of the city and confront the enemy to free himself and anyone else under the Strangers’ control. The film is marked by director Alex Proyas’ atmospheric production design, as he, along with production designer Patrick Tatopoulos and cinematographer Dariusz Wolski, perfectly defined this dark world’s noir and sci-fi aesthetics, forging an unforgettable visual experience that immerses the viewer in the story’s oppressive world.

Here’s where you can stream Dark City.

22. Galaxy Quest (1999)

In Galaxy Quest, the cast of a once-popular sci-fi television show is thrust into a very real intergalactic adventure after an alien race, the Thermians, mistakes their on-screen personas for actual heroes. Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen), who played the show's captain, leads his fictional team (which includes hilarious performances from the likes of Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub and Sam Rockwell) as they navigate a dangerous mission to save the Thermians from a ruthless alien warlord, turning what begins as a comedic farce into a heartfelt (and very funny) tale of courage and teamwork. Directed by Dean Parisot, the film entertainingly balances parody and homage as it mimics classic sci-fi shows like Star Trek, effectively satirizing the sci-fi genre while also celebrating its core themes of heroism, camaraderie and hope. Its clever script, strong performances and affectionate nods to genre tropes make it a standout entry that, to this day, resonates with both casual viewers and die-hard sci-fi enthusiasts.

Here’s where you can stream Galaxy Quest.

21. Pitch Black (2000)

David Twohy’s visually intoxicating film Pitch Black follows a group of survivors stranded on a desolate planet after their transport ship crash-lands during a routine voyage. Among them is the dangerous criminal Riddick (Vin Diesel), who possesses enhanced night vision, a skill that becomes invaluable when the group discovers the planet is plagued by nocturnal, flesh-eating creatures. As the survivors struggle to repair their ship and fend off the monstrous creatures, tensions rise within the group as they question Riddick's motives and loyalties. Diesel delivers what would become a career-defining performance, supported by great showings from Radha Mitchell as the ship’s determined pilot, Carolyn Fry, Cole Hauser as Johns, a conflicted bounty hunter, and the eternally great Keith David as Abu, a devout man of religion who guides three young pupils. The film’s vast desert landscapes and unnerving darkness, all benefitted by the project’s low-budget ingenuity, with its striking use of lighting and visual effects, create for an incredibly tense setting that constantly keeps the viewer in suspense.

Here’s where you can stream Pitch Black.

20. Repo Man (1984)

Repo Man follows Otto Maddox (Emilio Estevez), a disillusioned punk rocker who reluctantly takes a job repossessing cars. His seemingly super ordinary gig suddenly becomes extra-ordinary when he learns a mysterious Chevy Malibu is connected to a top-secret government project—and its trunk contents might just be extraterrestrial in origin. As Otto searches for the car, aided by Bud (Harry Dean Stanton), a seasoned repo man who becomes Otto’s mentor, his journey spirals into a surreal and satirical exploration of conspiracy theories, corporate greed and alien encounters. This classic from director Alex Cox is a perfect little piece of entertainment that never sacrifices depth in its societal insights, employing offbeat humor and a killer punk rock soundtrack alongside its biting social commentary. This quintessential cult film that stands out for its genre-defying style and subversive storytelling, influencing later films that combine sci-fi with dark humor, like Men in Black and The World’s End.

Here’s where you can stream Repo Man.

19. The Fifth Element (1997)

This dazzling space opera from the irreverent mind of director Luc Besson is set in a 23rd century celestial setting where a cab driver named Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis) unexpectedly becomes humanity’s last hope. When the mysterious and powerful being Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) falls into his cab, our unlikely hero is thrust into a race against time to recover four elemental stones needed to stop a great cosmic evil. Along the way, they’re pursued by mercenaries like the flamboyant Zorg (Gary Oldman) and the eccentric Ruby Rhod (Chris Tucker). This cult classic’s visual style, crafted by renowned French designers Jean-Paul Gaultier and Jean “Moebius” Giraud, creates a colorful and chaotic future world that’s as unique as the story itself, allowing a blend of comedy, action and romance to perfectly mix for a genre-defying spectacle. Its imaginative world-building and quirky characters have earned it a loyal fanbase, as The Fifth Element remains a touchstone for sci-fi films that embrace both spectacle and heart.

Here’s where you can stream The Fifth Element.

18. Contact (1997)

In Contact, a dedicated scientist searching for extraterrestrial life named Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster) receives a signal from deep space containing plans for a mysterious machine. As she works to decode the message, Ellie faces skepticism from government officials and her own colleagues, including her romantic interest, theologian Palmer Joss (Matthew McConaughey). Her journey leads to a profound and personal encounter that challenges the universal clash between faith and science, leading her to question humanity’s place in the universe. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film stars powerhouse performances from two Oscar winners, Foster and Matthew McConaughey, as well as fantastic supporting showings from Tom Skerritt and James Woods. Adapted from Carl Sagan’s novel, Contact is significant for its grounded portrayal of humanity’s quest to connect with alien life, emphasizing the intersection of science and spirituality. To this day, the movie remains a standout in the alien genre for its focus on ideas and personal growth over spectacle.

Here’s where you can stream Contact.

17. They Live (1988)

A drifter named Nada (Roddy Piper) stumbles upon a pair of sunglasses that reveal the hidden truth about the world around him in John Carpenter’s classic observation of conformity and control in They Live. Through these glasses, Nada discovers the ruling class is actually made up of aliens who manipulate humans through subliminal messages, secretly forcing obedience and urging consumerism. Armed with this knowledge, Nada teams up with fellow drifter Frank (Keith David, showing up once again on this list) to expose the truth and fight back against the alien oppressors. Carpenter brings his distinctive directorial style to this social commentary, blending low-budget resourcefulness with a biting satirical edge, crafting an allegorical tale that critiques both capitalism and societal control. In addition to the sci-fi film’s subversive take on the alien invasion genre, which goes beyond a straightforward battle against extraterrestrials, this classic is stuffed to the brim with iconic one-liners, such as “I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass—and I’m all out of bubblegum.” Plus, a little bonus: The film’s legendary alleyway scuffle scene is one of the best fight scenes of all time.

Here’s where you can stream They Live.

16. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

The Day the Earth Stood Still begins with a flying saucer that lands in Washington, D.C., carrying an alien visitor named Klaatu (Michael Rennie) and his powerful robot companion, Gort (Lock Martin). Klaatu comes with a message for all nations: abandon your violent ways or face annihilation from an intergalactic alliance. However, ironically enough, this extraterrestrial being’s mission is met with fear and hostility. Seeking to understand humanity, Klaatu disguises himself and lives among ordinary people. He befriends a widow, Helen (Patricia Neal), and her son, Bobby (Billy Gray), all while fending off Helen’s jealous boyfriend Tom (Hugh Marlowe), in his attempt to convey an urgent warning before it’s too late for humanity. Directed by Robert Wise, The Day the Earth Stood Still is significant for its moral and political allegory, reflecting Cold War anxieties about nuclear proliferation and the need for global unity. Bernard Herrmann’s timeless score, which prominently features an array of electric instruments, from violins, cellos and basses to theremins and Hammond organs, adds to the film’s otherworldly atmosphere as it advocates for peace over conflict.

Here’s where you can stream The Day the Earth Stood Still.

15. Man Facing Southeast (1986)

A considerably different and experimental take on the alien genre, a mysterious man named Rantés (Hugo Soto) appears at a Buenos Aires psychiatric hospital in Man Facing Southeast, claiming to be an alien sent to observe humanity. His calm demeanor and profound insights into human behavior baffle the hospital staff, particularly Dr. Julio Denis (Lorenzo Quinteros), who begins to question whether Rantés is delusional or—could it be?—truly extraterrestrial. As Rantés interacts with other patients and questions the ways of being human, Dr. Denis is drawn into his enigmatic world, forcing the doctor himself to question his own sanity and faith, as well as mankind’s many flaws. Directed by Eliseo Subiela, the film features standout performances by Soto and Quinteros, whose dynamic anchors the story. This deeply intimate, thought-provoking film greatly contrasts with large-scale alien invasion stories, offering a deeply humanistic take on the genre that emphasizes character and ideology over spectacle.

Here’s where you can stream Man Facing Southeast.

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

One of the best family movies ever made (and certainly the best family movie Steven Spielberg ever made), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, tells the story of a young boy, Elliott (Henry Thomas), who discovers and befriends a stranded alien he names E.T. As Elliott and his siblings, Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and Gertie (Drew Barrymore), help their new extraterrestrial friend evade government agents and find a way to return home, they form a profound emotional bond with the gentle, truly-from-another-world creature. The adventure builds to a thrilling and heartwarming conclusion that produced some of the most iconic images in sci-fi history, showcasing themes of friendship, family and belonging. John Williams’ iconic score, one of the most memorable in cinema history, is relevant to this day, evoking nostalgia in anybody who grew up watching this heartwarming movie. To boot, its groundbreaking use of animatronics for E.T. set new standards for visual effects. In the realm of family-friendly science fiction, nothing else touches the cultural phenomenon known as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

Here’s where you can stream E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

13. Arrival (2016)

Arrival begins with the sudden and mysterious appearance of twelve massive, shell-shaped spacecraft at various locations across the globe. From there, these otherworldly structures, which hover silently above the Earth’s surface, prompt a global scramble to establish communication with the extraterrestrial beings inside. Linguist Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is recruited by the U.S. military, led by Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker), to decipher the aliens’ language. She works alongside theoretical physicist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) to bridge the communication gap and uncover the aliens’ purpose. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and adapted from Ted Chiang’s novella Story of Your Life, the film stars Adams in a career-defining performance. To boot, Jóhann Jóhannsson’s haunting, avant-garde score, coupled with Bradford Young’s stunning cinematography, creates an immersive and introspective atmosphere that fully engrosses the viewer. Villeneuve’s use of muted colors, vast landscapes and the striking visual design of the Heptapods and their spacecrafts allows the film to reach awe-inspiring territory.

Here’s where you can stream Arrival.

12. Predator (1987)

An elite team of commandos, led by the impossibly buff Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger), is sent on a rescue mission in a Central American jungle in the über-macho critique of masculinity known as Predator. What begins as a straightforward operation turns deadly when Dutch’s team—which consists of characters like Dillon (Carl Weathers), Mac (Bill Duke), Blain (Jesse Ventura), Billy (Sonny Landham), Poncho (Richard Chaves) and Hawkins (Shane Black)—are hunted by an advanced alien predator equipped with cloaking technology and lethal weaponry. The team must use their skills and wits to survive as they face a seemingly unstoppable foe in the dense, unforgiving jungle. This action classic is packed to the brim with incredible performances from men who understand director John McTiernan’s searing examination of masculinity as they helplessly engage in primal combat against the ultimate “predator” to save themselves. The film’s intense action sequences and practical effects, including the Predator’s unique design by Stan Winston, have allowed the film to remain relevant and impressive to this day.

Here’s where you can stream Predator.

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

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets might not have gotten much love from critics, but I can’t hide my love for this adventurous homage to Star Wars from sci-fi aficionado Luc Besson. The film follows Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne), two special operatives tasked with maintaining peace in a vast intergalactic city known as Alpha. As a dark force threatens this city that hosts countless alien species—a.k.a. the “city of a thousand planets”—Valerian and Laureline must unravel a conspiracy to save their fellow citizens, which takes them on an adventure across dazzling alien worlds filled with danger, intrigue and wonder. Even more than Besson’s classic sci-fi adventure film The Fifth Element, the vibrant visuals and imaginative creature designs reflect the director’s passion for creating immersive worlds. While divisive among sci-fi movie lovers, the film stands out for its vibrant depiction of alien cultures and its celebration of diversity, creating a story that’s dependent upon intergalactic cooperation and unity—something the human world could surely learn from.

Here’s where you can stream Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.

10. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

In what many consider to be the greatest Star Trek story ever put on film, The Wrath of Khan, Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner) faces off against an old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalbán), who escapes exile and seeks revenge. When Khan seizes a powerful terraforming device known as Genesis, Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise must stop him before devastation is unleashed. The battle becomes a deeply personal confrontation that tests Kirk’s leadership and forces his crew to make heartbreaking sacrifices. In addition to Shatner and Montalbán (who plays one of the franchise’s most iconic villain roles), the film features wonderfully committed performances from Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan and George Takei. The naval-inspired space battles and emotionally charged story allowed Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan to elevate beyond the first Star Trek movie and, in effect, revitalize the franchise. Thanks to its masterful blend of action, character development and philosophical depth, many consider The Wrath of Khan to be the gold standard for sci-fi sequels.

Here’s where you can stream Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

9. Total Recall (1990)

Nobody did action and sci-fi better than Paul Verhoeven after he came to Hollywood in the late 1980s. Look no further than Total Recall, which follows Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a construction worker plagued by dreams of Mars. Seeking a virtual vacation, he visits Rekall, a company that implants fake memories, only to discover his memories may have been erased and that he’s actually a secret agent involved in a Martian rebellion. As Quaid’s world unravels, he must navigate shifting allegiances to uncover the truth about his identity and battle sinister forces led by the ruthless Cohaagen (Ronny Cox). The beauty of Verhoeven’s film—apart from the groundbreaking special effects, for which the movie won an Academy Award, such as the three-breasted alien and Quaid’s explosive journey to Mars, or the incredible performances from Schwarzenegger, Cox, Sharon Stone, Rachel Ticotin and Michael Ironside—is its satirical fiddling with the concept of dreams vs. reality. Based on Philip K. Dick’s short story We Can Remember It for You Wholesale, Total Recall never lets you know what’s real or what’s fantasy, leading us to question Quaid’s perception of reality—and, perhaps, our own.

Here’s where you can stream Total Recall.

8. Event Horizon (1997)

Few directors in Hollywood have been as unfairly treated by critics as Paul W.S. Anderson, who created one of the best horror-sci-fi movies ever with Event Horizon. This truly bizarre film tells the harrowing story of a rescue crew sent to investigate the reappearance of a spaceship that had vanished years earlier called the Event Horizon. Led by Captain Miller (Laurence Fishburne) and joined by the ship’s designer, Dr. Weir (Sam Neill), the team uncovers a horrifying truth: the Event Horizon’s experimental drive opened a gateway to a nightmarish dimension. As the crew boards the missing ship and is promptly haunted by terrifying visions, they must fight to escape the ship’s growing malevolence. The atmospheric production design, which blends gothic horror with futuristic sci-fi, allowed Anderson and cinematographer Adrian Biddle to create a chilling and claustrophobic environment that perfectly fused together science fiction and psychological horror. Despite its initial mixed reaction from critics, it’s become an undeniable cult favorite over the years, and its influence can be seen in later works that merge sci-fi with horror, such as Sunshine and Pandorum.

Here’s where you can stream Event Horizon.

7. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

This chilling remake of the 1956 classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers centers on San Francisco health inspector Matthew Bennell (Donald Sutherland) and his colleague and friend Elizabeth Driscoll (Brooke Adams), who both begin to notice strange changes in the people around them. Elizabeth becomes suspicious of her boyfriend’s sudden, emotionless behavior, and soon enough she and Matthew soon discover a horrifying truth: alien spores have landed on Earth and replaced many humans with identical duplicates grown from giant pods. As the invasion spreads, Matthew and Elizabeth team up with their friends Jack (Jeff Goldblum) and Nancy (Veronica Cartwright) in a desperate attempt to survive and warn the world. Director Philip Kaufman’s masterfully updates the original film’s Cold War-era paranoia for the 1970s, reflecting contemporary anxieties about conformity and distrust. An all-around technical achievement—aided by Michael Chapman’s cinematography captures the paranoia and eerie aura of a city quietly succumbing to an alien takeover, as well as Denny Zeitlin’s unsettling, otherworldly score which heightens the sense of dread—this dark, unnerving experience flaunts an unrelenting atmosphere of doom throughout.

Here’s where you can stream Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

6. Fantastic Planet (1973)

This incredible animated vision from director René Laloux takes viewers to the distant and surreal world of Ygam, where enormous blue-skinned aliens known as Draags reign supreme. In Fantastic Planet, the Draags are an advanced species, deeply spiritual and intellectual, who view humans, referred to as “Oms,” as either pests to be exterminated or pets to be domesticated. The film’s story centers on a young, orphaned Om named Terr, who inherits the ability to absorb the Draags' vast knowledge. Armed with this newfound intelligence, Terr escapes and joins a group of wild Oms, becoming a leader in their rebellion against the Draags. Based on Stefan Wul’s 1957 novel Oms Linked Together, Laloux’s vision style is unlike anything else in cinema, utilizing cut-out stop-motion animation to create an uncanny aesthetic. Designed by Roland Topor, the film’s imagery is surreal and often remarkable, with bizarre creatures, abstract landscapes and striking juxtapositions of scale that emphasize the Draags' dominance and the Oms’ vulnerability. The film’s ability to weave complex social and political allegory into the kind of visually arresting sci-fi narrative that no live-action picture could possibly achieve.

Here’s where you can stream Fantastic Planet.

5. Flash Gordon (1980)

If you’re ever looking to host a fun movie night for family and friends, look no further than the impossibly entertaining (and quite campy) Flash Gordon. The film begins with a seemingly ordinary football star, Flash Gordon (Sam J. Jones), boarding a small private plane alongside journalist Dale Arden (Melody Anderson). Their mundane journey takes an extraordinary turn when the Earth is suddenly attacked by mysterious forces—hailstorms, earthquakes and solar eclipses—all orchestrated by the tyrannical Emperor Ming the Merciless (Max von Sydow). The plane crashes, and Flash and Dale find themselves abducted by the eccentric scientist Dr. Hans Zarkov (Topol), who believes the attacks are extraterrestrial in origin. Directed by Mike Hodges and inspired by Alex Raymond’s 1930s comic strip, Flash Gordon stands out for its unabashed embrace of camp and spectacle, for its loving homage to the serialized adventures of the past, complete with exaggerated dialogue, over-the-top performances and vivid production design. The eye-popping red-dominated aesthetic, heavily influenced by pulp sci-fi’s classic design, bursts with bright colors, extravagant costumes (designed by Danilo Donati) and elaborate sets that evoke the golden age of comic books. Though it was not a major commercial success upon release, Flash Gordon has since gained a devoted cult following that embraces such a unique and enduring sci-fi experience.

Here’s where you can stream Flash Gordon.

4. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

In Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which in my opinion is the best sci-fi/alien movie Steven Spielberg ever made, an ordinary man named Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss in a moving performance) has a life-changing encounter with a UFO that leaves him obsessed with discovering its purpose. As strange phenomena occur worldwide and people are drawn to a mystical mountain, government agents race to prepare for humanity’s first contact with extraterrestrials. Alongside others who’ve had similar encounters, Roy risks everything to uncover the truth behind the aliens’ intentions. Also starring Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon and famous French film director François Truffaut (as a scientist leading the alien contact effort), this jaw-dropping experience takes us to existentially marvelous places, only bolstered by a soaring John Williams soaring score that features the iconic five-note melody, which plays a central role in the film’s story. This optimistic portrayal of alien contact, guided by Spielberg’s meticulous direction, opts for awe and discovery over fear, setting the benchmark for cinematic depictions of extraterrestrial life.

Here’s where you can stream Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

3. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)

When it comes to any movie set in space involving alien races, it’s hard to consider a film more influential and groundbreaking than George Lucas’ Star Wars: A New Hope, in which a galaxy far, far away is ruled by the iron grip of an oppressive Galactic Empire. This timeless space opera stars a young farm boy named Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who discovers a hidden message in a droid, R2-D2 (Kenny Baker), from Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), seeking help against the evil totalitarian power. Guided by Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), Luke, alongside another droid, C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), joins smugglers Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) to rescue Leia and deliver stolen plans for the Death Star, the Empire’s planet-destroying weapon. The film’s production was groundbreaking, with Industrial Light & Magic’s cutting-edge visual effects creating an immersive galaxy teeming with life. John Williams’ unforgettable score, particularly the sweeping main theme, became synonymous with the saga, making A New Hope arguably the most important sci-fi movie ever made.

Here’s where you can stream Star Wars: A New Hope.

2. The Thing (1982)

Few alien-related movies are more terrifying than John Carpenter’s claustrophobia-inducing The Thing, which is set in the isolated and freezing environment of Antarctica. There, a group of Americans at a remote research station—a team that involves R.J. MacReady (Kurt Russell), the station’s helicopter pilot, who reluctantly takes on the role of leader as the situation spirals out of control, Childs (Keith David), who challenges MacReady’s authority, and Blair (Wilford Brimley), a biologist who grows increasingly unhinged as the movie carries on—stumble upon a horrifying discovery: an alien creature has infected the camp’s dog. Capable of perfectly imitating any living being it absorbs, this “thing” infiltrates the team, leading to paranoia, mistrust and terror as the men realize the alien could be any one of them. Based on John W. Campbell Jr.’s novella Who Goes There?, Carpenter’s best film serves as a reimagining of the 1951 film The Thing from Another World. Carpenter’s direction is awe-inducing to this day, as he emphasizes tension and isolation through tight framing and the oppressive whiteout conditions of the Antarctic landscape. There’s no other film like The Thing.

Here’s where you can stream The Thing.

1. Alien (1979)

If we’re talking about alien movies, then there’s no skirting around it: Alien is the best of the best. Ridley Scott’s best and most important film begins aboard the Nostromo, a commercial spaceship on its way back to Earth. Led by Captain Dallas (Tom Skerritt), the crew is awakened from cryosleep to investigate a mysterious distress signal on a remote planetoid. During the mission, Kane (John Hurt) is attacked by a parasitic creature that attaches to his face after they discover a chamber of mysterious eggs. Against Ripley’s (Sigourney Weaver) objections, the crew—which includes engineers Parker (Yaphet Kotto) and Brett (Harry Dean Stanton), as well as navigator Lambert (Veronica Cartwright) and science officer Ash (Ian Holm)—brings Kane back aboard, unknowingly unleashing a deadly alien organism they must evade as they slowly travel towards home. Above all else, Alien is famous for establishing one of the most iconic and enduring heroes in cinema history, Weaver’s Ripley. H.R. Giger’s unsettling biomechanical designs for the alien and the derelict spacecraft adds a nightmarish aesthetic that remains unparalleled, while Jerry Goldsmith’s haunting score complements the visuals with eerie tones that underscore the film’s suspense and terror. There isn’t a single flaw in this horrifying movie, which took the alien narrative to new levels and forever changed what we think of movies set in space.

Here’s where you can stream Alien.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to watch the best and most important alien and space movies of all time across all genres, then this list has all the must-watches.

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