What are you most afraid of? One might say the dark, some animal, heights but human beings are most afraid of the unknown. Which is exactly why we are terrified of death because what follows is unknown. Anything alien to us scares us, just like aliens. We’ve termed the extra-terrestrial organisms as unknown beings. We’ve interpreted them in various forms. So, what is our fascination with the fourth kind? Why do we still believe that there is life somewhere in the universe that we’re not aware of? Some might say because we’re threatened by a higher power or we don’t realize how special this phenomenon on Earth is. Just yesterday, in the proceedings of a Mexican court, alien bodies were showcased and the internet went crazy. The pictures shown looked like something out of a sci-fi movie and this led me to introspect on our best portrayal of an alien life. So, here are Top 10 Alien movies ranked by concept and likeability.
10) Life
This movie doesn’t deserve to be this good. Life is an amalgamation of many movies. Notably, Alien, The Thing, The Blob, etc. However, despite taking elements from various films, the Ryan Reynolds and Jake Gyllenhaal starrer delivers a strong film that makes an identity for itself. It is a brutal tale of an alien massacring a spaceship’s crew. Many deaths and scares making it an absolute delight to watch.
9) Annihilation
Not Garland’s best but I still believe Annihilation is an extremely vivid and different take on an alien life form living among us. Except for the last 20 minutes of the film, Annihilation delivers an enthralling adventure that is dark and much more realistic. The way aliens are portrayed to be a growing virus will leave you awestruck of the implications. The climax does fall short but at the end you understand the thematic arc Garland is getting at.
8) Avatar
James Cameron’s 30 years long ambitious project is one of the best movies he has ever made. While the film follows a known plot for most of the film, I like what Cameron did with the protagonist Jake Sully and the gorgeous world of Pandora. I don’t have to talk about the visual beauty of this film, everyone knows that. The film explores how aliens aren’t a threat to us rather, we to them. The climax of this film truly strikes a chord with you. Despite having a predictable plot, Avatar becomes an outstanding film due to its characters and never seen before visual effects.
7) Signs
Signs is probably Shyamalan’s best work after the Sixth Sense. The film takes an extremely realistic approach of alien invasion where for the most part you wonder much of it is real. A family dealing with an alien in their farm. I think Shyamalan was at this peak here as the horror element without any jumpscares is throughout this film. Signs won’t disappoint you at all if you want to watch an alien film.
6) Nope
Very similar to Signs and the only reason why I rank it higher is because this film is perfect for my generation. Someone older might actually prefer Signs. Shyamalan directorial came out in the 2000s. This film is an upgraded product. I don’t believe this is Peele’s best but I love this film. I think it is better on a rewatch. One scene from this film actually terrified me. I adore the twist about the alien in the end. I was able to predict it but I can see its genius step up.
5) Aliens
Cameron is the only director to get a double feature on this list. Stepping in for Ridley Scott in the director’s chair, Cameron really made the Alien sequel his own by letting go of the sci-fi – horror vibe of the original and adopting an action – adventure approach. The character of Ridley played by Sigourney Weaver has become iconic. While the first Alien remains a classic many prefer the sequel on the account of fun it offers.
4) Alien
Alien is an undisputed champion when it comes to Alien films. Ridley Scott really struck gold with this film. The tension and suspense that Scott creates is unparalleled. The younger audience may find it slow but the film is is extremely elaborate with its characters and subplots. The film is basically a haunted house film set in a spaceship and the ghost swapped out for a blood thirsty Xenomorph. Alien has practically given birth an array of Alien based horror films.
3) A Quiet Place
This remains as my favorite survival thriller. The idea, the execution and the emotion of this film is on point. No one would’ve thought Jim from The Office will one day make a perfect monster movie. John Krasinski found something very special in this film that no one else was able to replicate it. A silent world essentially means no jumpscares and still throughout the short runtime of the film you’re tensed and at the edge of your seat. Thrilling sequences are crafted extremely well. Definitely check out A Quiet Place.
2) Edge of Tomorrow
I hate how underrated this movie is. After Maverick, this might be my favorite Tom Cruise film. We’re directly set into this apocalyptic world where humans are fighting aliens and the stakes couldn’t be bigger. This film explores how different organisms explore time differently. Edge of Tomorrow offers great action set pieces, amazing story, powerful performances and strong characters that makes the film one of the best Cruise film. This is the perfect sci-fi summer blockbuster.
1) Arrival
No, alien film can even come close to this masterpiece. This is Denis Villeneuve’s best. I have read Ted Chiang’s Story of Your Life, on which this book is based but the film makes some crucial changes that completely flips the stakes for our characters. I’m not going to spoil anything but the screenplay of the film is brilliant. The way it uses the cinematic medium to play with time is unbelievable. Even veteran filmmakers don’t see the twist coming, not because it is something not seen before but because it is done smartly. The film has one of the best climaxes I have ever seen. Deep characters, meaningful themes, terrific sound design and an bloat free editing makes Arrival a sci-fi masterpiece.
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