In the vast universe of cinema, science fiction often explores themes of identity, belonging, and family. This curated list dives into the heart of these themes by focusing on films where adoption plays a pivotal role. These movies not only entertain with their imaginative settings and special effects but also touch on the profound human experiences of love, loss, and the search for one's place in the cosmos. Whether it's an alien child finding a home on Earth or a futuristic society redefining family structures, these films offer a unique perspective on what it means to be part of a family.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Description: A young boy befriends an alien stranded on Earth, and the bond they form is akin to that of adoption, highlighting themes of love, friendship, and the universal need for connection.
Fact: E.T.'s iconic line, "E.T. phone home," was ad-libbed by the puppeteer during filming.
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Starman (1984)
Description: An alien, taking the form of a recently deceased man, is adopted by his widow as he tries to understand human emotions and find his way back to his spaceship. This film explores themes of connection and the universal language of love.
Fact: Jeff Bridges, who plays the alien, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance.
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The Iron Giant (1999)
Description: A boy befriends a giant robot from space, teaching it about humanity, love, and sacrifice. This animated film explores the idea of adoption through the lens of friendship and self-discovery.
Fact: The film was initially a box office disappointment but has since gained a cult following.
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A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Description: A childlike android, David, is designed to love and be loved, but his journey to find his place in the world mirrors the experiences of an adopted child seeking acceptance.
Fact: The film was originally conceived by Stanley Kubrick and later directed by Steven Spielberg.
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Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Description: An alien experiment, Stitch, finds a home and family with a young Hawaiian girl named Lilo. This Disney classic beautifully portrays themes of adoption and the creation of a unique family unit.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of the director's sister, who was adopted.
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The Last Mimzy (2007)
Description: Two siblings find mysterious objects from the future, leading them on an adventure that touches on themes of adoption and the importance of family in shaping one's destiny.
Fact: The film was inspired by the short story "Mimsy Were the Borogoves" by Lewis Padgett.
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The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
Description: An alien arrives on Earth with a message for humanity, and a human woman becomes his protector, exploring themes of adoption and the human capacity for compassion.
Fact: This is a remake of the 1951 film of the same name, with significant changes to the plot.
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The Host (2013)
Description: In a future where Earth is occupied by a parasitic alien species, a young woman fights to keep her identity while her body is taken over by one of these beings. The story delves into themes of identity and the bond between a human and an alien.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Stephenie Meyer, known for her "Twilight" series.
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Earth to Echo (2014)
Description: A group of friends discover an alien who needs their help to return home. Their journey becomes a metaphor for growing up and finding one's place in the world, akin to being adopted into a new family.
Fact: The film was shot in a found footage style, giving it a unique, documentary-like feel.
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The Space Between Us (2017)
Description: A boy born on Mars comes to Earth to find his father, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the search for family.
Fact: The film features stunning visuals of Mars, which were created using a combination of CGI and real locations.
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