Nice Aliens, Mean Aliens, Slimy Aliens, Super Aliens - Top 10 Alien Films
Nothing sparks fear and paranoia like the thought of alien species coming to invade Earth. No matter how many films depict aliens to be our friends (E.T, Mac & Me and more recently Paul) we will always fear that aliens will want to blast our planet into oblivion (Independence Day, War of the Worlds, Mars Attacks). In Paul, out in cinemas today, Nick Frost wets himself upon meeting the moniker of the film, and most of us probably would too. Hollywood can’t seem to decide whether aliens from other planets are friends or foe, or similar to us or very different. I’ve put together a list of my top 10 alien films: nice aliens, mean aliens, slimy aliens, super aliens…
An action-packed and gory sci-fi film about earth’s war with big, old nasty bug aliens. Not particularly subtle in style but an extremely exciting alien butt-kicking extravaganza. A great cast, entertaining script and terrifically gory battle scenes. Starship Troopers gets this list off to a fighting start.
A parody with an all star cast, Tim Burton’s comedy spoofs War of the Worlds, Independence Day and any other alien film that takes itself seriously. The aliens aren’t just mean, they’re downright sadistic – zapping humans and blowing things up for sport.
I love MIB and I’m not ashamed to say it. It is a family-friendly, light-hearted alien movie with phenomenal chemistry between the two stars. It’s magic is that it never takes itself too seriously. The aliens are like people, some good and some bad, including Frank as a grumpy old alien disguised in a pug’s body and an alien couple giving birth to an adorable little octopus-like alien in the back of the car. The way to make any alien cute is to give it huge eyes.
The first of many Steven Spielberg, John Williams and 1970s films in the list. An intelligent sci-fi film about a first contact with alien beings features some very cool special effects, knock out performances and an amazing score.
On first glance you will say this is not an alien film, but why not? Superman aka Clark Kent aka Kal El is the most bad-ass alien to step foot on Earth. Super strength, super speed, bullet proof skin, laser eyes and the ability to fly? I’m glad he’s on our side.
The film that made Will Smith’s movie career makes full use of the special effects available to 1990s sci-fi filmmakers. It may ignore certain rules of science, but the fast-paced, action-packed film provides fun for the whole family as the aliens threaten to wreak havoc on every landmark held close to our hearts. It is also good to know that despite their superior technology, our computers can still connect to theirs to send a virus. Phew!
A classic sci-fi from the golden age, the 1950s. Full of subtlety, innuendo and overflowing with paranoia; this film is just as powerful as any other film in the list and manages to do so with far less technology. Philosophical and eerily believable – if any alien film can be at all believable. Add to this John Williams masterful score and you get a powerfully emotive piece of work.
Ignoring Episodes I, II and III, Star Wars is the greatest sci-fi collection of all time. Not specifically an alien film, but there are an awful lot of aliens in it, including possibly the greatest alien in movie history, Yoda. The first instalment upped the ante on sci-fi films, with its lavish special effects, powerful score and innovative use of miniatures.
This is such a terrifying film; it overlaps between thriller, horror and sci-fi genres. Unlike many of the aliens on the list, it is so alien to our own species that we are unable to effectively communicate with it, reason with it or dominate it. We are practically helpless to its attacks. This is a brilliant piece of sci-fi work with stunning effects and a riveting script full of tension and suspense. I am still scared that an alien is going to come through whenever I see an air vent.
What makes this movie so endearing is its light-hearted, good-natured innocence. The alien with a head like an enormous Raisinet and eyes the size of golf balls, is a gentle being with powers to cure and his interaction with a naive little boy are innocently pure and guileless. One of Spielberg’s most enduring classics.
Do you agree with my list?
Decent list, ignoring 'Mars Attacks'. but to leave out 'Aliens' is just blasphemous!
ReplyDeleteI'll include a Tim Burton film whenever I get a chance.
ReplyDeleteI actually prefer Aliens to Alien but was including it as a collection rather than one film in the same way that I just including Star Wars rather than a specific one.