Soviet cinema has always had a special place for science fiction, and when it comes to aliens, these films offer a fascinating blend of imagination, political allegory, and human drama. This curated list of 10 Soviet films about extraterrestrial beings not only showcases the creativity of Soviet filmmakers but also provides a window into the cultural and ideological landscape of the time. Each film brings a unique perspective on how humanity might interact with beings from other worlds, making them an intriguing watch for sci-fi enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The Day the Earth Froze (1959)
Description: While not explicitly about aliens, this film features a magical artifact, the Sampo, which could be interpreted as an alien technology, bringing cold and darkness to the world.
Fact: The film was a co-production between the Soviet Union and Finland, based on the Kalevala epic.


The Dead Zone (1982)
Description: This film follows a group of scientists investigating a mysterious zone where time and space behave strangely, hinting at alien influence. It's a blend of science fiction and psychological drama.
Fact: The film was influenced by the works of Soviet science fiction writer Arkady and Boris Strugatsky, known for their alien-themed stories.


Planet of Storms (1961)
Description: This film is one of the earliest Soviet sci-fi movies to explore the theme of alien life on Venus. It's a tale of a Soviet space expedition encountering not only harsh environmental conditions but also hostile alien creatures.
Fact: The film was later edited by Roger Corman into an English-language version titled "Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet" with new scenes featuring Basil Rathbone.


The Sky Beckons (1959)
Description: This film is a pioneering Soviet space adventure where cosmonauts encounter an alien civilization on Mars. It's a story of exploration, survival, and the first contact with extraterrestrial life.
Fact: The film was released in the U.S. as "Battle Beyond the Sun" with new scenes and a different ending.


Per Aspera Ad Astra (1981)
Description: A Soviet space crew faces various challenges, including an alien encounter, on their journey to explore the cosmos. This film delves into themes of human endurance and the quest for knowledge.
Fact: The film was part of a larger Soviet space saga, reflecting the country's ambitions in space exploration.


The Mysterious Wall (1967)
Description: A group of scientists discovers a mysterious wall on Earth, which turns out to be an alien artifact. The film explores the implications of this discovery on humanity's understanding of the universe.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life Tunguska event, which some theories suggest could be related to extraterrestrial activity.


The Guest from the Future (1985)
Description: Although primarily a time-travel story, this children's series features an alien artifact that plays a crucial role in the plot, making it a unique addition to this list.
Fact: The series was based on the novel "One Hundred Years Ahead" by Kir Bulychev, a prolific writer of Soviet sci-fi.


The Inhabited Island (2009)
Description: A young man crash-lands on an alien planet where he discovers a society under the control of an alien intelligence. It's a story of rebellion, freedom, and the human spirit.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by the Strugatsky brothers, which was initially banned in the Soviet Union for its political themes.


The Miracle Machine (1982)
Description: A Soviet scientist invents a machine that can materialize objects, leading to encounters with alien beings who are interested in this technology.
Fact: The film was one of the first Soviet movies to explore the concept of teleportation and its implications.


The Secret of the Third Planet (1981)
Description: This animated film follows a space expedition to find rare animals, encountering various alien species along the way. It's a delightful mix of adventure and alien encounters.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Kir Bulychev, showcasing his influence on Soviet sci-fi cinema.
