Sci-Fi Films About Underdogs

Description: Klaatu, an alien visitor, comes to Earth with a message of peace but is met with hostility. His underdog status as an outsider trying to save humanity from itself is central to the film's theme.

Fact: The film was added to the National Film Registry in

Description: A crew of misfit astronauts aboard the spaceship Dark Star faces existential crises and malfunctioning equipment. Their underdog status as the least qualified crew in space makes their story both humorous and poignant.

Fact: John Carpenter, who directed this film, also co-wrote the screenplay with Dan O'Bannon, who later wrote Alien. The film was made on a shoestring budget.

Description: Alex Rogan, a video game champion, is recruited by an alien race to fight in an interstellar war. His underdog status as a small-town kid makes his journey from arcade to space battle all the more inspiring.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use CGI for space scenes. The arcade game in the movie was actually playable.

Description: Three aliens crash-land in a California swimming pool, and their underdog status as aliens trying to fit in with Earth culture leads to comedic and romantic misadventures.

Fact: The film features a song by Geena Davis, who also stars in the movie. The aliens' makeup was designed by Ve Neill, who won an Oscar for her work on Beetlejuice.

Description: A young boy befriends a giant robot with a heart, who must overcome his programming to become a hero. Their underdog status as an outcast and a machine with a conscience makes for a touching tale.

Fact: The film was a box office disappointment but has since become a cult classic. Brad Bird, the director, also voiced the character of the Iron Giant.

Description: A group of washed-up actors from a canceled sci-fi TV show are mistaken for real heroes by an alien race. Their underdog status and acting skills become their greatest assets in saving the galaxy.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of Star Trek actors. Sigourney Weaver's character was originally written as a man.

Description: Arthur Dent, an ordinary Earthman, becomes an accidental intergalactic traveler after Earth's destruction. His journey with an alien friend showcases how an underdog can navigate the universe with nothing but a towel and a guidebook.

Fact: The film is based on Douglas Adams' beloved book series. The character of Marvin, the paranoid android, was voiced by Alan Rickman.

Description: Two sci-fi geeks encounter an alien named Paul on a road trip. Their underdog status as comic book fans and conspiracy theorists turns them into unlikely heroes in a government chase.

Fact: The film features a voice cameo by Steven Spielberg, who is a fan of the comic book genre. The character Paul was inspired by E.T. and other alien characters from pop culture.

Description: Gary King, a washed-up alcoholic, leads his old friends on a pub crawl to complete a legendary challenge, only to discover an alien invasion. His underdog status turns him into an unlikely savior.

Fact: This is the third installment in Edgar Wright's "Three Flavours Cornetto" trilogy. The film features a cameo by Paddy Considine, who was originally considered for the role of Gary King.

Description: A group of South London teens defend their neighborhood from an alien invasion. Their underdog status as overlooked youths turns them into unlikely heroes.

Fact: The film was John Boyega's breakout role. The aliens were designed to look like they were made from the environment they were attacking.