10 Drama Films About Alien Encounters

Description: This Cold War-era film presents an alien visitor who comes to Earth with a message of peace, but humanity's fear and suspicion threaten to derail his mission.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use the theme of aliens coming in peace, influencing many future sci-fi narratives. It was remade in 2008 with Keanu Reeves.

Description: This adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel focuses on the human drama amidst an alien invasion, showcasing the fragility of human civilization.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use Technicolor for special effects, creating a vivid visual experience. It was remade in 2005 by Steven Spielberg.

Description: A classic tale of human curiosity and the overwhelming desire to connect with something beyond our world, this film captures the essence of first contact.

Fact: The iconic five-note musical phrase used to communicate with the aliens was composed by John Williams. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards.

Description: A heartwarming story of friendship between a boy and an alien stranded on Earth, this film captures the innocence and wonder of childhood.

Fact: The film's iconic scene where E.T. and Elliott fly on a bike was created using practical effects, with the bike suspended on a crane. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards.

Description: Based on Carl Sagan's novel, this film follows an astronomer's journey to make contact with extraterrestrial intelligence, exploring themes of faith, science, and human connection.

Fact: The film's ending was changed from the book to provide a more ambiguous conclusion. Jodie Foster's character was partly inspired by Sagan's wife, Ann Druyan.

Description: M. Night Shyamalan's tale of a former priest grappling with faith and family as crop circles appear, hinting at an alien visitation.

Fact: The film was shot in sequence to capture the emotional arc of the characters. The alien design was inspired by the Gray alien archetype.

Description: This film explores the arrival of mysterious alien spacecraft and the linguist tasked with deciphering their language, offering a profound meditation on communication and time.

Fact: The film's script was inspired by Ted Chiang's short story "Story of Your Life." The alien language was created by a linguist and is based on the idea of non-linear time.

Description: David Bowie stars as an alien who comes to Earth seeking water for his drought-stricken planet, only to become ensnared by human vices and emotions.

Fact: The film was one of Bowie's first major acting roles. It was remade in 2022 as a TV series.

Description: A group of elderly residents discover a fountain of youth in their swimming pool, thanks to alien visitors, exploring themes of aging and renewal.

Fact: The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, winning for Best Visual Effects. It was followed by a sequel, "Cocoon: The Return."

Description: Set in an underwater oil rig, this film explores the discovery of an alien presence in the ocean's depths, blending drama with intense action.

Fact: The underwater scenes were filmed in a specially constructed tank, and the film's special effects were groundbreaking at the time. James Cameron nearly drowned during filming.