The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, have long captivated the imaginations of filmmakers, providing a stunning backdrop for tales of science fiction. This curated list of 10 films not only showcases the ethereal beauty of the aurora but also delves into themes of exploration, mystery, and the unknown. Whether you're a fan of space travel, time travel, or just the sheer spectacle of nature's light show, these films will transport you to worlds where the sky dances with colour and possibility.

The Thing (1982)
Description: Set in Antarctica, the aurora serves as a chilling backdrop to this tale of paranoia and alien invasion. The lights add an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere to the film's isolated setting.
Fact: The film was remade in 2011, but the original remains a cult classic for its intense atmosphere and groundbreaking special effects.


The Aurora Encounter (1986)
Description: This film follows a group of scientists who discover an alien spacecraft hidden beneath the Northern Lights. The aurora plays a key role in the plot, serving as both a navigational beacon and a communication device for the extraterrestrial visitors.
Fact: The film was shot in Canada during the peak of the aurora season, ensuring authentic visuals of the Northern Lights.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: While not exclusively about the Northern Lights, this disaster film features scenes where the aurora is visible during the catastrophic weather events, symbolizing the chaos and beauty of nature's power.
Fact: The film's visual effects team won an Academy Award for their work on the film's weather phenomena, including the Northern Lights.


The Aurora (2012)
Description: A sci-fi thriller where the Northern Lights are not just a visual spectacle but a key element in a plot involving time travel and alternate realities.
Fact: The film uses real footage of the aurora, enhanced with CGI to create the time-travel effects.


The Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Description: Although primarily a time-loop action film, the Northern Lights are featured in key scenes, symbolizing the cyclical nature of time and the protagonist's repeated battles.
Fact: The film's script was based on the Japanese novel "All You Need Is Kill," which doesn't mention the Northern Lights, making their inclusion a creative choice by the filmmakers.


The Midnight Sky (2020)
Description: In this post-apocalyptic drama, the Northern Lights are a constant presence, symbolizing hope and the beauty of Earth amidst its destruction.
Fact: George Clooney, who directed and starred in the film, chose the Arctic as a setting to emphasize the isolation and the stark beauty of the environment.


The Northern Lights (2009)
Description: A family drama set against the backdrop of the Northern Lights, this film explores themes of loss, reconciliation, and the healing power of nature.
Fact: The film was part of a series of movies showcasing different natural phenomena, with the Northern Lights being the central theme.


The Aurora (2018)
Description: This film tells the story of a group of friends who embark on an adventure to see the Northern Lights, only to encounter a mysterious phenomenon that changes their lives forever.
Fact: The film was shot in Norway, capturing some of the most spectacular aurora displays on record.


The Aurora (2006)
Description: A lesser-known gem, this film explores the life of a scientist studying the Northern Lights, only to uncover a hidden dimension within the aurora itself.
Fact: The film was inspired by real scientific theories about the potential of the aurora to act as a portal to other dimensions.


The Aurora (2016)
Description: This film intertwines the story of a couple's relationship with the Northern Lights, using the aurora as a metaphor for their emotional journey and the mysteries of life.
Fact: The film was shot in Iceland, taking advantage of the country's frequent aurora displays.
