10 Movies and Shows Like Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)

Description: As the predecessor to 'Independence Day: Resurgence,' this film shares the same director (Roland Emmerich) and core themes of global alien invasion and humanity's united resistance. Both films feature large-scale destruction, heroic sacrifices, and a mix of action and humor. The visual style of massive alien ships and explosive battles is consistent across both movies.

Fact: Will Smith's iconic line 'Welcome to Earth' was improvised. The White House destruction scene became one of the most famous images in 90s cinema. The film held the record for highest-grossing opening weekend at the time of its release.

Description: Paul Verhoeven's satirical take on military sci-fi shares 'Resurgence's' themes of human-alien warfare and military response to extraterrestrial threats. Both feature large-scale battles against insectoid aliens and explore militarized societies. The visual effects of alien creatures and spaceships are similarly impressive for their time.

Fact: The film was controversial for its perceived fascist imagery. Verhoeven intentionally made the violence cartoonish to emphasize satire. Many of the alien effects were achieved with practical puppetry and miniatures.

Description: Steven Spielberg's adaptation shares the theme of sudden, devastating alien invasion that threatens human civilization. Like 'Resurgence,' it features massive destruction scenes and focuses on human survival against technologically superior aliens. Both films explore family dynamics amidst chaos and showcase impressive visual effects of alien tripods/vehicles.

Fact: Tom Cruise performed many of his own stunts, including hanging from a harness for hours. The film's sound design won an Academy Award. Spielberg deliberately avoided showing the aliens until late in the film to build tension.

Description: This remake shares the theme of alien visitation to Earth, though with a more philosophical approach than 'Resurgence.' Both films feature massive alien spacecraft and explore humanity's response to extraterrestrial threats. The visual effects of the giant orb in this film parallel the scale of alien ships in 'Resurgence.'

Fact: Keanu Reeves based his alien mannerisms on bird behavior. The film's environmental message was significantly expanded from the 1951 original. The production used innovative CGI techniques for the nanobot swarm effects.

Description: While more grounded than 'Resurgence,' this film shares themes of alien-human interaction and social commentary. Both feature advanced alien technology and explore political responses to extraterrestrial presence. The documentary-style approach contrasts with 'Resurgence's' blockbuster style but shares similar themes.

Fact: Made for only $30 million, it became a surprise hit. The film began as director Neill Blomkamp's short film 'Alive in Joburg.' Wikus's transformation was achieved with practical effects for most scenes.

Description: This film shares the military vs. aliens premise of 'Resurgence,' with a grittier, ground-level perspective of urban combat against alien invaders. Both feature coordinated worldwide attacks and focus on human military resistance. The visual style of alien technology and weapons has similar biomechanical elements.

Fact: The film was inspired by real WWII battle footage. Actors underwent actual military training for their roles. The alien design was kept secret until release to maintain mystery.

Description: This post-apocalyptic sci-fi shares 'Resurgence's' themes of alien deception and Earth's defense. Both feature advanced alien technology and aerial combat sequences. The visual aesthetic of futuristic aircraft and alien structures has similar sleek, high-tech qualities.

Fact: Tom Cruise insisted on performing dangerous helicopter stunts himself. The film's soundtrack was composed by M8The bubble ship was designed to be both futuristic and functional.

Description: Neill Blomkamp's dystopian vision shares 'Resurgence's' themes of social inequality and advanced technology. While more grounded, both films feature orbital stations and futuristic weaponry. The visual design of spacecraft and technology has similar biomechanical elements.

Fact: The film's exosuit was partially inspired by 'RoboCop.' Matt Damon trained for months to perform fight scenes in the heavy suit. The orbital station was designed with realistic centrifugal gravity concepts.

Description: This time-loop war film shares 'Resurgence's' themes of alien invasion and military resistance. Both feature advanced alien technology and worldwide conflict. The film's mechanical alien designs and large-scale battle sequences are visually comparable, though with a more personal narrative focus.

Fact: Tom Cruise performed most of his own stunts in the heavy exosuit. The film was based on the Japanese novel 'All You Need Is Kill.' The aliens' design was inspired by octopus movement.

Description: Guillermo del Toro's mecha vs. monsters epic shares 'Resurgence's' theme of humanity uniting against overwhelming alien threats. Both feature massive-scale destruction and advanced human technology developed to fight aliens. The visual spectacle of giant creatures and futuristic weapons is comparable.

Fact: The film pays homage to Japanese kaiju and mecha genres. Del Toro designed the Jaegers to move like heavy machinery, not superheroes. The production built practical sets up to 85 feet tall for authenticity.