If you're a fan of the 1998 sci-fi thriller 'Target Earth' and crave more gripping tales of alien invasions and survival against the odds, this article is for you. We've curated a list of 10 movies and shows that deliver similar adrenaline-pumping action, suspense, and extraterrestrial encounters. Whether you loved the high-stakes drama or the futuristic warfare, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Description: A classic sci-fi film featuring an alien visitor with a message for humanity, blending themes of peace and warning against aggression, set against a backdrop of Cold War tensions.
Fact: The film's iconic robot, Gort, was played by a man in a suit, and the phrase 'Klaatu barada nikto' has become a famous sci-fi reference.
Watch Now 
The Thing from Another World (1951)
Description: This film revolves around a group of scientists and military personnel who encounter a hostile alien being in the Arctic, emphasizing suspense and paranoia about extraterrestrial threats.
Fact: The movie was based on the novella 'Who Goes There?' by John W. Campbell, and its creature design influenced many later sci-fi horror films.
Watch Now 
Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956)
Description: A thrilling invasion narrative where Earth faces an attack by advanced alien spacecraft, focusing on humanity's struggle to defend itself against superior technology.
Fact: The special effects were created by Ray Harryhausen, a pioneer in stop-motion animation, and the saucer designs became iconic in sci-fi culture.
Watch Now 
The Blob (1958)
Description: A small town is terrorized by a gelatinous alien organism that consumes everything in its path, highlighting themes of unseen and unstoppable threats from space.
Fact: The film's title creature was made of silicone and red dye, and it was one of the first movies to feature a completely formless alien antagonist.
Watch Now 
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
Description: A scientific thriller about a team investigating a deadly extraterrestrial microorganism, focusing on procedural realism and the tension of containment and analysis.
Fact: The film was based on Michael Crichton's novel and was praised for its accurate depiction of scientific methods and emergency protocols.
Watch Now 
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Description: A story of human encounters with benevolent aliens, emphasizing wonder and communication rather than conflict, with a strong emotional and visual narrative.
Fact: The film's musical communication with the aliens was inspired by real-world experiments in using music as a universal language.
Watch Now 
The X-Files (1993)
Description: A TV series blending sci-fi, horror, and conspiracy theories, following FBI agents investigating unexplained phenomena, often involving extraterrestrial life and government cover-ups.
Fact: The show's tagline 'The truth is out there' became a cultural catchphrase, and its mix of standalone episodes and serialized storytelling influenced many later series.
Watch Now 
The Arrival (1996)
Description: A scientist uncovers a conspiracy involving alien visitors who are secretly influencing Earth's environment, blending mystery with ecological themes.
Fact: The film's twist ending and use of climate change as a central plot element were ahead of its time in sci-fi storytelling.
Watch Now 
Independence Day (1996)
Description: A large-scale alien invasion film where humanity bands together to fight off a technologically superior enemy, featuring spectacular action and global stakes.
Fact: The movie's White House destruction scene became one of the most iconic moments in 1990s cinema, achieved through detailed miniature work.
Watch Now 
Contact (1997)
Description: A scientist's journey to make first contact with extraterrestrial intelligence, exploring themes of faith, science, and the unknown, with a focus on realistic space communication.
Fact: The film's depiction of alien communication was based on real scientific theories, and it featured actual recordings of space signals.
Watch Now 
