When choosing this topic, I decided to exclude franchises like Star Wars or Star Trek. These command their own lists and would make it more about the sci-fi aspects. This list is when you think of an "alien movie".
Aliens (1986)
This is my personal alien movie favorite. It's the kind of movie that I'll stop and watch whenever I see it's on.
Starring Sigourney Weaver, this space epic feature is actually the sequel to Alien. It also takes a little different feel. Whereas the Ridley Scott original focuses heavily on the horror aspects, the James Cameron-directed sequel employs an action-adventure feel.
The cast features Michael Biehn (The Terminator) and Bill Paxton (Twister, Tombstone) alongside Weaver as Space Marines responding to an unresponsive mining colony. Despite Weavers pleading, they plunge deep into the unknown only to find themselves in dire trouble.
It's just so good. The alien design is an absolute classic. The sound effects, set design, and costumes bring everything to life, even the acid-blooded aliens. You don't have to be a horror person to love this movie.
Super 8 (2011)
I will continue to campaign for this movie until people are sick of hearing about it. JJ Abrahm's Super 8 is an exceptionally well-made film.
Starring Kyle Chandler (The Wolf of Wall Street) and Elle Fanning (Maleficent), this gives off classic "What the heck is happening in my small town" feels.
A group of pre-teens witness a train wreck where "something" escapes and weird things start happening in the town. The government shows up and the mystery continues to evolve.
I've always said that the Stranger Things Duffer brothers had to have seen this movie before writing their show. It takes place around the same time period, involves a group of kids, and envelops very similar feels and techniques. If you like the world the Duffer brothers created, you need to watch Super 8.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
While not my personal top Steven Spielberg flick, this movie is one of his best, so it makes the list. It's still better than most movies out there. Spielberg is my favorite director of all time.
A friendly alien is left behind on Earth where a young boy attempts to help him, but the government has other ideas.
Pretty much everything Spielberg touches is gold, and this film has its fair share of classic moments including the flying bicycle in front of the moon, "I'll be right here" and "phone home." You have to like this movie, so maybe go watch it if you haven't in a while. I think I will.
Alien (1979)
This is the only true horror alien movie on my list. The sequel was mentioned earlier which also stars Sigourney Weaver.
The Ridley Scott original encompasses a small commercial spacecraft that stumble an alien lifeform that starts to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting crew.
It's creepy. Scott knows how to use anticipation and suspense masterfully. It worked on me when I was young watching it. Too well in fact. I covered my eyes half the time. This film will never be forgotten in the horror genre. The "alien chest" scene alone is enough. After the egg is implanted in the human host, it burrows its way out right through you.
It's one that people have to watch. In fact, you should watch all of these alien movies.
*Honorable Mention* goes to Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) which is another Steven Spielberg movie. The infamous piano alien ship encounter is part of cinema history.
Did you like the list? What was left out?
