Alien Dramas: 10 Must-Watch Films

Description: An alien named Klaatu arrives on Earth with a warning about humanity's destructive behavior. His mission to deliver a message of peace is met with fear and hostility.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use the theme of aliens coming in peace rather than hostility. It was also one of the first films to be preserved in the United States National Film Registry.

Description: An adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel, this film tells the story of an alien invasion from Mars, focusing on the human drama and survival amidst the chaos.

Fact: This was one of the first films to use Technicolor for special effects, making the Martian war machines visually striking. It was also one of the first films to use the concept of a "heat-ray" weapon.

Description: An alien, Thomas Jerome Newton, arrives on Earth to find water for his dying planet but becomes entangled in human life, love, and the complexities of our society.

Fact: David Bowie, who played Newton, was cast because of his otherworldly appearance and persona. The film was one of the first to explore the theme of an alien trying to adapt to human society.

Description: This Steven Spielberg classic explores the emotional and psychological impact of an alien encounter on an ordinary man, Roy Neary, whose life is forever changed after a close encounter with a UFO.

Fact: The film was nominated for 8 Academy Awards, winning for Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects. The iconic five-note musical phrase used to communicate with the aliens was composed by John Williams.

Description: A heartwarming tale of friendship between a young boy named Elliott and an alien stranded on Earth. This film captures the innocence of childhood and the universal longing for connection.

Fact: E.T. was designed by Carlo Rambaldi, who also designed the alien in "Alien." The film's iconic bike flight scene was inspired by a dream Steven Spielberg had.

Description: A deep-sea exploration team encounters an alien species while on a mission to recover a sunken nuclear submarine. The film delves into themes of human survival, fear, and the unknown.

Fact: James Cameron directed this film, and it was one of the first to use CGI for water effects. The underwater sequences were filmed in a specially constructed tank.

Description: Dr. Ellie Arroway, a SETI scientist, receives a signal from an alien civilization. Her journey to understand and make contact with them is filled with personal and professional challenges.

Fact: The film's screenplay was inspired by Carl Sagan's novel of the same name, and he also made a cameo in the movie. The film's depiction of the VLA (Very Large Array) was accurate, as it was filmed there.

Description: A former priest, Graham Hess, discovers crop circles in his cornfield, leading to an exploration of faith, family, and extraterrestrial life as signs of an impending alien invasion appear.

Fact: M. Night Shyamalan wrote and directed this film, which was one of the first to use the concept of crop circles as a central plot device. The film's ending was kept secret until its release.

Description: In an alternate 1982, aliens arrive on Earth and are confined to a slum-like camp. The film follows a bureaucrat who becomes part of the alien struggle for freedom.

Fact: The film was shot in Johannesburg, South Africa, using real locations to enhance the documentary-style feel. It was Neill Blomkamp's feature directorial debut.

Description: When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team is brought together to investigate, including linguist Louise Banks, whose personal journey intertwines with the alien's purpose.

Fact: The film was based on Ted Chiang's short story "Story of Your Life." The alien language was designed by linguist Jessica Coon, making it one of the most scientifically accurate alien languages in cinema.