Jordan Peele's Nope is one of the most-anticipated movies of the summer as it offers the visionary filmmaker's attempt at an alien invasion story. There has always been something so compelling and exciting about stories of extra-terrestrial visitors coming to Earth.
While there are so many movies within this particular genre, fans on Ranker have highlighted what they feel are the best alien invasion movies. The selections vary from modern action-packed blockbusters to older classics of the sci-fi genre. Fans can explore the genre further with Ranker's best alien invasion movies.
Note: Ranker lists are fan-voted, live, and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
Signs (2002)
After tackling ghost stories and superhero stories, M. Night Shyamalan put his own spin on the alien invasion movie with Signs. Mel Gibson stars as a widower raising his two children who finds crop circles in his cornfield which seems to herald the beginning of an invasion.
Given that it is one of Shyamalan's highest-grossing movies, it is not surprising that so many fans voted for Signs. While it is a less action-packed alien movie than others, there are a lot of thrills and twists that likely kept fans on the edge of their seat and going back to watch it again.
Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1978)
Many of the classic sci-fi movies of the 1950s were eventually remade with many of them being rather forgettable. But Invasion of the Body Snatchers seemed to strike a chord with many fans who were drawn in by the slow-burn story of aliens who replicate the bodies of their victims.
Fans of intelligent and suspenseful horror movies would have been thrilled by this gripping remake. It grabs the audience's attention from the beginning, but it is the unforgettable ending that likely cemented it in the minds of audiences.
Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1956)
While there are some who feel the 1978 version is the best telling of the story, Ranker fans seem to prefer the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The black-and-white sci-fi horror movie follows a similar story as the remake, focusing on a small-town doctor who realizes his fellow citizens are being replaced by aliens.
The movie was seen as a commentary on the paranoia over Communism at the time and yet remains as effective as ever all these years later. While it doesn't share the same iconic ending as the remake, it also has a very impactful final scene that fans will likely always remember as well.
They Live (1988)
John Carpenter has played around with the alien genre a couple of times with They Live being his more outrageous take on the material. The movie follows a working-class man who finds a pair of sunglasses that reveal the truth of the world around him – it is being controlled by hideous aliens manipulating the population through subliminal messaging.
There are a lot of reasons for fans to enjoy this wild ride, from the clever satire of consumer culture to the tongue-in-cheek humor of the movie to the legendary drawn-out brawl between actors Roddy Piper and Keith David.
The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951)
Another movie that helped to define the 1950s era of sci-fi movies is The Day the Earth Stood Still. Amidst the Cold War, an extra-terrestrial named Klaatu arrives on Earth with a warning to its people. But the people in charge are unsure if they see him as a savior or a threat.
The movie served as another fable for the era and the dangers of the path humanity seemed to be on. While the special effects have become dated over time, the message holds up for fans. It also features a rare friendly movie alien in the form of Klaatu.
Men In Black (1997)
Will Smith stars in Men in Black as a young cop who is recruited by a mysterious agent (Tommy Lee Jones) to join a secret organization. He is then shown that aliens exist and live among the humans of Earth with the Men in Black monitoring them and dealing with any extra-terrestrial threats.
The movie was a hugely entertaining blockbuster event that is still a lot of fun today. The movie offers the perfect blend of humor and action that fans seem to love while also featuring great chemistry between Smith and Jones. It also doesn't hurt that Smith's theme song for the movie is very catchy.
Independence Day (1996)
Smith seems to have a particular interest in alien invasion movies as he also stars in Independence Day. The huge sci-fi popcorn movie finds the world suddenly invaded by massive alien spaceships that begin a coordinated attack on Earth.
The movie is a definitive summer blockbuster with heroic characters and big thrills. Fans will likely always remember the image of the spaceship blowing up the White House and the incredible devastation the movie delivered to audiences.
The Thing (1982)
Carpenter's other alien invasion movie is a much grimmer and gorier ride than They Live. The Thing is another sci-fi remake that follows a group of workers at a remote research lab in the arctic who discover a deadly alien among them that has the ability to morph into any being that it touches.
Fans of Ranker already named The Thing the best horror remakes of all time, so it is no surprise it also ranks among the favorite alien invasion movies as well. From the gruesome creature designs to the unrelenting paranoia of the story, The Thing is seen by many as a horror movie masterpiece.
Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)
The alien invasion genre mixed with the time loop genre in Edge of Tomorrow. Tom Cruise stars as a less-than-heroic military officer who is thrown into the frontlines when aliens attack Earth. But he finds that every time he dies on the battlefield, he wakes up reliving the same day and knowing a little more about how to defeat the alien enemies.
Cruise reunited with Christopher McQuarrie as the movie's writer which has often resulted in some fan-favorite movies. It is also nice seeing Cruise play against type while Emily Blunt offers a badass role as the true hero.
The War Of The Worlds (1953)
While Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg partnered together for the remake, it is the 1953 version of The War of the Worlds that Ranker fans like best. Based on H.G. Wells' classic novel, it focuses on aliens coming to Earth in giant tripod machines and immediately wage war on the planet.
The movie is another example of how Ranker fans seem to be drawn to the 1950s era of sci-fi alien invasion movies. Perhaps it is the way the movie has influenced so many similar movies that followed that gives fans such an appreciation for this classic.