The wild west, with its rugged landscapes and lawless frontiers, has always been fertile ground for storytelling. But what happens when you mix this classic setting with the otherworldly phenomenon of UFOs? This unique film collection brings together ten movies where cowboys meet aliens, blending the traditional western genre with science fiction in a way that's both thrilling and unexpected. Whether you're a fan of the old west, sci-fi, or just looking for something completely different, these films offer a fresh perspective on both genres.

The Giant Gila Monster (1959)
Description: Set in a small Texas town, this film features a giant lizard terrorizing the locals, which could be seen as an alien creature. Its low-budget charm and the novelty of its premise make it a fun watch.
Fact: The film was shot in black and white to save on costs, and the "giant" lizard was actually a real Gila monster filmed in close-up.


The Valley of Gwangi (1969)
Description: While not strictly about UFOs, this film features a prehistoric valley where cowboys encounter dinosaurs, which could easily be mistaken for alien creatures. The blend of western adventure with stop-motion animation makes it a cult classic.
Fact: Ray Harryhausen, the master of stop-motion animation, created the dinosaurs for this film, which was one of his last major works.


The Wild Wild West (1999)
Description: Although primarily a steampunk western, this film includes a plot involving a mad scientist with a giant mechanical spider, which could be seen as an alien-like threat. The film's mix of genres makes it a quirky addition to this list.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 1960s TV series of the same name, but took significant liberties with the original concept.


Cowboys & Aliens (2011)
Description: In this action-packed adventure, a mysterious stranger with no memory of his past finds himself in the Old West, where he must team up with a local outlaw to fight off an alien invasion. The film's unique blend of western and sci-fi elements makes it a standout in this collection.
Fact: The film was directed by Jon Favreau, known for his work on the Iron Man series. It also stars Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford, making it a star-studded affair.


The Phantom Empire (1935)
Description: This early serial film features a cowboy singer who discovers an underground empire with advanced technology, which could be interpreted as an alien civilization. Its blend of western and sci-fi elements was ahead of its time.
Fact: Gene Autry, known as "The Singing Cowboy," stars in this film, which was one of the first to mix genres in such a way.


The Beast of Hollow Mountain (1956)
Description: Cowboys in Mexico encounter a prehistoric creature, which, in the context of this list, could be considered an alien-like threat. The film's mix of western adventure with monster movie elements is intriguing.
Fact: This was one of the first films to combine western themes with monster movie tropes.


The Monster of Piedras Blancas (1959)
Description: A small coastal town faces a creature from the sea, which could be interpreted as an alien entity. Its setting and premise make it a unique addition to this collection.
Fact: The film was shot in just 10 days, showcasing the efficiency of low-budget filmmaking.


The Unearthly Stranger (1963)
Description: While not set in the west, this British film involves an alien woman in a small town, which could be seen as a western-like setting due to its isolation. Its eerie atmosphere and the theme of alien invasion fit well within this collection.
Fact: The film was one of the earliest to explore themes of alien-human relationships, predating many similar films in the genre.


High Plains Invaders (2009)
Description: A group of outlaws and a town sheriff must band together to fight off an alien invasion in this made-for-TV movie. The film's low budget is offset by its imaginative storytelling and the novelty of its premise.
Fact: The film was part of the "Maneater Series" by Syfy, which often featured creatures or aliens in unique settings.


The Lost Continent (1951)
Description: While not a western, this film involves explorers finding a lost world with dinosaurs, which could be seen as an alien landscape. Its inclusion here highlights the theme of encountering the unknown in a familiar setting.
Fact: The film was produced by the same studio that made "King Kong," using similar techniques for its special effects.
