Top 10 Alien Invasion Movies
Stephen Hawking has always claimed that if aliens were to ever invade Earth, it probably wouldn't end up very well for us humans. Besides, considering the distance they would have to travel to get here, chances are they aren't visiting us for some tang and a nice game of Monopoly.
Hollywood has played on this fear of invasion for decades, with the 'alien invasion' flick almost an annual occurrence from the mesmerizing glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
One of the latest films on the scene is Battle: Los Angeles, a gritty, urban battle film set in contemporary Los Angeles.
About Battle: Los Angeles
There have been documented cases of UFO sightings around the world - Buenos Aires, Seoul, France, Germany, China - for years. Then, in 2011, what were once just sightings became a terrifying reality when Earth was attacked by unknown forces. Led by Marine staff sergeant, played by Aaron Eckhart, it's up to a new platoon to draw a line in the sand as they take on an enemy unlike any they've ever encountered before.
Check out this neat little behind-the-scenes clip below, available exclusively on the Battle: Los Angeles DVD and Blu-Ray.
There are plenty of fantastic alien invasion flicks out there, but which ones are the best? Which ones do the best job of intimidating, scaring and intriguing us?
In celebration of the release of Battle: Los Angeles on DVD and Blu-Ray, let's take a look back at the best alien invasion flicks to grace our rather technologically incompetent TV screens (because let's be honest: the good ol' television set just doesn't stand up next to an intergalactic vessels from the stars).
10. Predator
Arnold Schwarzenegger's 'Dutch' character has to be one of the most memorable heroes in the genre. A lone warrior against a near-indestructible monster from above, he rises up in the film's final chapters during some incredibly tense combat sequences.
"Come on! Do it! Kill me!"
9. Signs
M. Night Shyamalan's last watchable film, 'Signs' is a tense, eerie and creative alien flick that pays homage to the classic alien invasion movies of the 50s and 60s. Mel Gibson is perfect, pre-anti-Semitic craziness, while Joaquin Phoenix offers the occasional comedy relief to keep the experience grounded and accessible.
8. Independence Day
E.T. didn't know what hit it! Will Smith leads an all-star cast in this action blockbuster that is in dire need of a sequel. Funny, scary and highly entertaining, Independence Day is the definitive alien invasion popcorn flick.
7. War of the Worlds
Steven Spielberg returns to his favourite genre with War of the Worlds, an alien invasion film with style and plenty of pizazz. Tom Cruise is great as Ray, while Dakota Fanning is her typical screaming annoying self.
6. Invasion of the body snatches (1956)
Invasion of the body snatches depicts an extraterrestrial invasion in a small Californian town. The invaders replace human beings with duplicates which appear identical on the surface but are devoid of any emotion or individuality. A local doctor tries to stop them.
5. The Day The Earth Stood Still
The Day the Earth Stood Still is a 1951 American science fiction film directed by Robert Wise and written by Edmund H. North based on the short story "Farewell to the Master" (1940) by Harry Bates. The film stars Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Sam Jaffe, and Hugh Marlowe. In the film, a humanoid alien visitor visits Earth with a warning, accompanied by the powerful robot, "Gort". Consideribly better than that awful Keanu Reeves remake from a few years ago, this 50s alien flick is filled with genre cliches and entertaining set pieces.
4. The Faculty
Criticisms surrounding The Faculty's obvious use of generic genre elements are sound but blanketed by the film's great cast list, all-round great performances and good direction. A thoroughly entertaining teen sci-fi flick.
3. Dark City
This gloomy yet stylish flick offers a blend of fantastic noirish action and stunning set pieces. This hybrid futuristic thriller makes for superb viewing, thanks to Alex Proyas' great direction and fantastic, believable performances from the cast.
2. The Thing
This tense and superbly shot thriller shows a parasitic extraterrestrial lifeform assimilating other organisms and in turn imitating them. The special effects were great for the time and still stand up in some regard today, but they don't dilute the film's worth overall: it's an incredibly scary and interesting tale that is sure to get your stomach turning.
1. District 9
District 9 has to be one of the most creative, unique and intriguing takes on the alien invasion genre yet. Its commentary on social trends and refugees aren't especially clear but still there, hidden beneath a great script and superb direction from newcomer Neill Blomkamp. Easily on the best films of 00s.
By Gaetano Prestia
What's your favourite alien invasion film?