Every week at SiftPop.com, we challenge our writers to choose what they think is the best movie under a certain topic related to a recent release. So this week, with the upcoming release of Encounter, we’re counting down our favorite alien invasion movies! Let us know @SiftPop what your ranking is!
The Fifth Element is sci-fi like no other. It’s colorful, crazy, in some places even insane, with one performance so over-the-top (yes, Chris Tucker) that you either hate it or love it. Ever since I saw this for the very first time, I’ve been in the latter camp. I really enjoy (for the most part) the works of Luc Besson, and this would definitely be a top-three movie of his, no questions about that. This unique POV on how the future could look like (including black president played by the late Tom Lister Jr.; not too shabby for a movie from 1997) has always fascinated me. Yes, this movie is about alien invasion and, you know, a few folks “cancelling the apocalypse” (dammit, wrong film), but it never feels dour. This might be one of the few sci-fi films that looks at the future and can see us still, you know… live our lives to an extent. Sure, there are flying cars, cigarettes that are 75% filter, and some people still struggling to survive, but hey, at least we have those flying cars! Plus, it genuinely feels like this one of the last movies Bruce Willis starred in and cared about. With him, Milla ‘Multipass’ Jovovich, the delightfully campy villain played by Gary Oldman, and monk portrayed by the late Ian Holm, The Fifth Element is one of those films I understand how people can absolutely love or hate. It’s hard to recommend it because of its uniqueness and, let’s face it, the over-the-topness of Chris Tucker. But if you are in the mood for an unconventional sci-fi that combines alien invasion, flying cars, half-naked Milla and space opera, you might want to check this one out. (Luke Burian)
Hello boys, I’m back from the Thanksgiving break with a close encounter of the fourth kind… July fourth that is. That’s right, everyone; I’m crossing Independence Day off my list of shame. While in many ways showing its age and proving just how far advanced special effects have become, I cannot tell you the last time I’ve thought a film was this perfectly cast. From Bill Pullman as the president, to Jeff Goldblum as the MIT grad, to the genius of Will Smith as the hot shot pilot, no one feels out of place. The blend of action, science fiction, and the air of conspiracy around extraterrestrial life just combines into a glorious movie that doesn’t stop punching until it’s time to light up the cigars. This movie does a great job at holding up even at 25 years old, and I’m sure it will continue to stand the test of time. (Author’s note: I know it’s not a big deal, but… the plaque on Apollo 11 wasn’t placed on the ground; it’s attached to the lunar lander’s leg. Also, the force of the upper stage taking off knocked the flag over.) (Joseph Davis)
When one hears the term “Alien Invasion Film,” the mind tends to immediately wander to barren worlds filled with desolate landscapes and endless chaos. However, the greatest alien invasion film includes none of those things, instead choosing to focus on family and the bonds that are made as they try to prepare for first contact. That film is M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs. Following Father Graham Hess (Mel Gibson), a widowed ex-priest, Signs draws the focus away from the usual action spectacle that is so commonly tied to alien invasion films and is instead a more brooding look into family ties, faith, and ultimately love. This is a recurring theme in Shyamalan’s work, but is no more evident than in Signs. Under the guise of an alien invasion film is an exploration of Graham’s grief and how his connection to his children unites the family through even the toughest of situations (a la an alien invasion). This emotional core is what makes Signs, arguably, the greatest alien invasion film of all time, and these characters are who makes revisiting the film all these years later so much more interesting than any amount of explosions could ever be. (Blake Ison)
Further showing that he is more than just Jim from The Office, John Krasinski demonstrated the power of bridging his talents in comedy to the horror genre by directing and acting in 2018’s A Quiet Place. A truly unique and captivating concept that gives new meaning to “living the quiet life,” A Quiet Place explores survival in the aftermath of an unknown alien predator which hunts based purely on sound. Even before the title screen first appears, a gut-wrenching opening sequence establishes the stakes at the highest level, leaving nobody safe and ensuring we as an audience are fully on the edge of our seats for every silent moment. Throughout this turmoil, Krasinski and his wife Emily Blunt deliver incredibly captivating performances that will keep even the noisiest movie watcher restrained. Speaking of performances, Millicent Simmonds is absolutely lights-out and steals this whole film; I can’t wait to see her in other projects. If you haven’t done so already, carve out 90 minutes, ditch your phone and any other distractions, and fully embrace A Quiet Place! (Matt Lawson)
“Because if we can’t protect the Earth, you can be damn well sure we’ll avenge it.” Iron Man kicked off the MCU, but The Avengers showed us that an ensemble movie was possible. The Avengers brings Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) together to avenge the Earth from Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and his Chitauri alien army. Alien invasion movies are a staple of science fiction movies and the best way to bring a team like the Avengers together was an alien invasion. One of the best scenes in this movie is a one shot through all the chaos where the camera flies around the Battle of New York and shows each Avenger fighting. This movie truly is something special and not just because of what it means to the MCU. For the first time, we got to see our favorite superheroes fighting with each other in live action, a feat fans thought would never happen and has not been easy to replicate. This is an excellent movie to watch alone or along with the other MCU movies. (Austen Terry)
Arguably Will Smith’s best movie, and one of the funniest of his career, is Men in Black. There is so much to love here, from Smith and Tommy Lee Jones’ chemistry to Vincent D’Onofrio’s outstanding physical performance as the villain. It’s endlessly quotable and even jokes that may seem dated, such as pop culture references from the late ‘90s, still work today, notably the wall of celebrities that are actually aliens. No other movie in the franchise has come close to capturing the magic that came from the world building of the first movie. The late great Rip Torn is hilarious as Zed — his deadpan line deliveries make me giggle every time I watch. The small cameo by Tony Shalhoub as the alien arms dealer that can regrow appendages is a treasure we should cherish. But in the end, this movie wouldn’t work without the charm, humor, and charisma of Smith, as he completely steals the show with his hot shot fish out of water performance. So, if you choose to push the little red button that is Men in Black when deciding on an alien invasion movie to watch, remember to fasten your seatbelt, because it is a wild ride! (Nick Ferro)
A refreshing take on the time loop storyline popularized by Groundhog Day, Edge of Tomorrow (sometimes alternately known as Live, Die, Repeat) finds Tom Cruise stuck in a time loop of his own, all while aliens ravage the planet and mercilessly cut down human soldiers left and right. One of my favorite things about this film is that it doesn’t take too much time to establish the world we’re in: aliens are invading, humans are fighting back, and that’s all we really need to know. Cruise and co-star Emily Blunt are fantastic action stars, and while I don’t think we really need a sequel, I could never get tired of Edge of Tomorrow’s inventive ideas and fun spin on a classic idea. It’s definitely one to check out, whether it’s your first time or your 10th. (Rowan Wood)
There is no greater fear than the unknown, especially when it can take any shape or form. The Thing takes that scenario and injects it with a rampant sense of paranoia for the unsuspecting research team. Even without the presence of something foreign, being isolated within a small group of individuals in frigid Antarctica is no picnic. The stresses of being so far away from the conveniences of society can weigh on a person, and the smallest irritations can be magnified when dealing with the same people each day. Director John Carpenter masterfully sets up his characters before throwing an alien entity into the fray, showing all the men in their saltiest states, even placing small traces of character development to foreshadow how they might react when our creature enters the scene. This film is special on so many levels, but most notably is the thought placed into the visual effects for the creature. The nature of it being able to shape shift and assimilate within the group is nerve-wracking and keeps the viewer on their toes. The Thing is a film that generates dread each step of the way and isn’t afraid to take humanity to its bleakest points. (Joe Vargas)
Do you want an alien invasion movie that doesn’t feel like an alien invasion movie? One that will stimulate your intellect significantly more than it gets your heart pounding from intense action moments? A drama that leaves you pondering questions of morality long after the credits have ceased rolling? Look no further than Arrival. It’s hands down one of the best films to come out of the ‘10s, and it was nominated for eight Academy Award, including Best Director and Best Picture, in recognition of its greatness. Director Denis Villeneuve is at the top of his craft behind the camera, and Amy Adams is delivering the performance of a lifetime. It’s surprising that this film can be so entertaining and riddled with so much tension when it quite simply boils down to being a movie about language and communication — story about being able to listen to, and understand, one another. Full of beautiful messages and symbolism, Arrival is one of the best, if not the best, alien invasion movies ever made. (Heath Lynch)
Is there a line in the sand for when a film should be considered a classic? If not, then I’mma make one here, because Close Encounters of the Third Kind was released the year I was born, and it’s hard to not think of myself as a classic! So if you were a director that just came off making what is arguably the greatest movie ever made in Jaws, how would you follow it up? Well, Stephen Spielberg chose to make the greatest leap of all, straight from the ocean to space, and what a great choice it was. Close Encounters firmly planted Spielberg into the Hollywood elite, as it is a proper masterpiece of cinema. It’s a much more subdued film to Jaws —we see an incoming benevolent visit from our galactic cousins create a collective consciousness amongst a select group of people across America. Because that’s where all the aliens land, right? Filled with great performances across the board, a truly palpable and memorable climax, and a naturally superb and haunting score form John Williams, this film is unarguably one of the greatest in Speilberg’s already bursting-at-the-sides-with-quality catalogue. (Adam Ritchie)
Pacific Rim
Here me out on this… it’s ROBOTS VERSUS ALIENS!!!! This is to date one of the coolest Halloween costumes I was able to pull off when I went as Gypsy Danger one year. Guillermo Del Toro does something really interesting with this by having the aliens come from the depths of the ocean rather than space. This cast is stacked with the most ridiculous-but-awesome names for characters (Hercules Hansen, Stacker Pentecost) and robots (Crimson Typhoon, Striker Eureka) that I’m assuming they came up with by throwing darts at a dartboard full of randomly generated names. The scale of the aliens versus monsters conflict is pretty grand with the aliens being huge creatures and the jaegers being manmade creations to fight back. Idris Elba, Charlie Day, and Ron Perlman give great performances, and the action is top notch. This is one of my favorite movies of all time and I hope they keep making more of these in the future. Maybe aliens will come out of the Arctic Ocean in the third one! (Mike Hilty)
Cloverfield
There are very few films that achieve “perfect trailer” status (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End), and even fewer of those films live up to the trailer (the aforementioned Pirates). The found footage masterpiece Clovierfield pulls it off. The trailer gives nothing away except there is something attacking New York. The speculation was rampant online. But all the fan theories and detective work would be for naught as this monster movie would prove to be just a monster movie after it was all said and done. However, this monster movie stands against the greats. Instead of a supersized animal, the monster is extraterrestrial (which we only find out in post-credits). The idea that something this large can come from space is truly terrifying. When we think extra terrestrial don’t think of something that is the size of a small skyscraper with no motive. Cloverfield brought something unique to the genre. Found footage movies had not yet taken off the way they did after Paranormal Activity, so this was a truly new experience. We have seen plenty of gimmicks like this fall apart with a weak story, and that makes this all that more impressive. At the heart of all the destruction is camera man Hud (T.J. Miller). Hud provides genuine reaction and fear to his city being torn apart, while at the same time still providing much needed levity when the terror gets to be too much. This is a masterclass in all things movie and if you look at the talent behind this film getting made, it should come as no surprise. Directed by Matt Reeves and written by Drew Goddard, this movie was destined to be something special. I stand by that Cloverfield deserves your consideration for being the best alien movie ever. (Scott Batchelor)
Attack the Block
Joe Cornish’s directorial debut, Attack the Block, is a treasure. Starring the excellent John Boyega in his breakthrough role, along with a predictably delightful Jodie Whittaker, this street-level alien invasion flick boasts Edgar Wright as one of its producers. Cornish and Wright have a long history of working with and supporting one another on their respective films, and Wright’s influence on Attack the Block is clear. The film contains slick editing, striking visuals, awesome creature designs, a rad debut score from future Oscar-winner Steven Price, and amazingly fun-to-imitate South London accents from the hilarious central friend group. In the years since its underwhelming box office performance, Attack the Block has developed a surprisingly passionate fanbase (to which I proudly belong). As a result, Cornish and company have announced that a sequel is on the horizon, and I couldn’t be happier. I cannot recommend this endlessly entertaining gem of a film enough. And while you’re at it, give Cornish’s other criminally underseen film The Kid Who Would Be King a watch too! (Foster Harlfinger)
The World’s End
Is there a more timeless science fiction tale than the body snatchers? There have been plenty of versions of this specific story, including those across different decades. But which one, dare I say, is the most fun? Edgar Wright steals that distinction with his clever and effective final flavor in the Cornetto Trilogy, The World’s End. The most mature of his trilogy that deals with deep seat trauma in impactful and hilarious ways, this science fiction sendup is equal parts lampoon and quality adaptation of a classic tale. A whole ensemble of perfect performers including Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Paddy Considine, and Eddie Marsan fill out this pitch perfect and criminally underrated addition in Wright’s filmography. Great action set pieces, use of The Doors’ music, and an apocalyptic finale make this a must-see of the alien invasion variety (even if they are quite difficult to spot)! (Shane Conto)
Transformers
When you hear Michael Bay, you instantly think of explosions, big, elaborate, car chases, loud, boom, bang. Well, you get just that, but this time around, with aliens. Transformers, based on a toy line of the same name, is about a teenager, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), who is caught up in a war between Autobots and Decepticons. It’s a loud, ridiculous ride with aliens shooting big guns in the middle of a downtown city, blending in as some badass rides, such as the yellow and black 2007 Chevy Camaro, a bit of romance, and some comedic moments from the cast, including Tyrese Gibson and the late, great Bernie Mac. The “left cheek” scene by Gibson is guaranteed laughs. Also, LaBeouf as Sam is one of my favorite roles of his. He knew how to carry the movie, along with big, fake machines fighting one another. Transformers isn’t some riveting cinema. It’s noisy, ludicrous fun for the whole family, along with four sequels, a spin-off and another installment (with a new cast)coming in 2023. Anyone who’s a fan of the toys gets to see their favorite Autobot or Decepticon come to life, while destroying every city they come through. (Chantal Ashford)
War of the Worlds
When one of cinema’s greatest directors takes on probably the most famous alien invasion story, it’s worth taking note of. H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds was brought into the modern day by Steven Spielberg more than a century after its initial publication. Tom Cruise adds plenty of star power as an estranged father trying to protect his children (Dakota Fanning and Justin Chatwin) during the course of the invasion. Writers Josh Friedman and David Koepp do a solid job modernizing the tale which had originally been set in Victorian England. Spielberg’s eye and talent make for a well-shot film and elevate the film above your run-of-the-mill invasion flick. The story’s ending, though divisive with audiences, is made better (as most things are) by the fact that it’s narrated with Morgan Freeman’s voice. (Jake Bourgeois)
Man of Steel
Things can change over the course of eight years. They certainly have since Man of Steel first flew into theaters back in 2013. Say what you will about the current discourse, but I’ll contend DC actually got off to a good start with their shared film universe. Henry Cavill’s Superman is tasked with defending the citizens of Earth from a band of invading Kryptonians, led by Michael Shannon’s General Zod. The invaders may be small in number, but Shannon is intimidating (as he usually is when cast as a film’s antagonist). The introduction to our hero is done well, aided by Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Pa and Ma Kent. They give the largely invulnerable superhero a dose of needed humanity. Though it would become a talking point, the destructive action scenes made sense and I will defend Superman’s actions at the end of the film. Man of Steel is a solid origin story in my book, and is worth giving another look. (Jake Bourgeois)
Oblivion
I’m not about to sit here and tell you that the quiet scope of Oblivion is on par with something like Arrival, because it isn’t. However, where that’s not an action movie, this still somewhat is. Yet Oblivion doesn’t build like an action movie, and it doesn’t get caught in putting action scenes in the way of its measured pace and simple story just for the sake of them. Edge of Tomorrow got all the praise the year after this release, and for good reason, but as far as Tom Cruise starring in alien invasion movies goes, Oblivion definitely deserves to be mentioned alongside it as something entirely different, but captivating all the same. It’s a cast of three primary players, and there’s nary another person to be seen in the movie at all, making this much more of an apocalyptic movie than most that deal with similar subject matter. The wide open, desolate spaces provide a gorgeous backdrop to what appears to be mundane work that needs to be done, but it’s slowly carried through intrigue and revelations in Cruise’s capable hands. Definitely worth a watch, at the very least. (Chris Bakker)
Mars Attacks!
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I am not the biggest Tim Burton fan of all time. However, I do like weird nonsensical art, and Burton does that better than most. Based off a series of trading cards from the ‘60s, the film has a stacked cast including Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Pierce Brosnan, and a host of other famous and recognizable faces. The aliens in Mars Attacks! are not cute and fluffy, and they show their true intentions of total domination early on. For me, it feels like Mars Attacks! has slipped off some radars, I think maybe because it was ahead of its time. If you had seen this some time ago, can I urge you to take another viewing? Because this movieis truly bonkers, funny, eclectically bizarre, and I think it has definitely caught up with the absurdist genre that has become so prevalent. (Adam Ritchie)
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