People are usually afraid of the unknown, which is why most alien stories belong to the horror genre. But in fact, there are a variety of movies about extraterrestrials to suit every mood and occasion.
Here are just five of them.
War of the Worlds (2005, 6.5 on IMDb)
This loose adaptation of H.G. Wells' 1898 novel of the same name tells the story of a sudden alien invasion of Earth and the war between humanity and the bloodthirsty invaders. Although it's less suspenseful and much milder than Alien, this movie starring Tom Cruise and directed by Steven Spielberg is a nice horror thriller to keep you on your toes when you need it.
It's available to stream on Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video.
Paul (2011, 6.9 on IMDb)
This slapstick sci-fi comedy from Simon Pegg and Nick Frost is a brilliant spoof of Steven Spielberg's films. The film follows two British friends, portrayed by the aforementioned actors, as they travel to the US to attend the San Diego Comic-Con Festival. They also want to visit the famous UFO sites in the southwest of the country, where they meet Paul, an alien on the run from US government agents. As the main characters set out to help the creature, they get into all kinds of trouble while learning a lot about the universe and humanity.
Paul is available on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video.
Arrival (2016, 7.9 on IMDb)
This twisted sci-fi drama is more about humans than aliens. It's not a horror. Nor is it a comedy. It's a drama that explores the complexities of human life, conventions, and our perception of the world and history. Led by Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, the film follows a group of scientists who have been tasked by the U.S. government to make contact with a group of mysterious aliens who have paid a visit to Earth. And as the characters learn to understand the aliens, they learn a lot about themselves and our own world.
It's available for streaming on Paramount+, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982, 7.9 on IMDb)
An absolute classic, this kids' sci-fi movie is a favorite of many. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie centers on Elliott Taylor, a ten-year-old boy who finds a small, seemingly helpless alien in the shed and tries to help the creature avoid being captured by the government and return home safely.
E.T. is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.
Avatar (2009, 7.9 on IMDb)
James Cameron's biggest hit and one of the most financially successful films of all time, this sci-fi epic needs little introduction. Set in the distant future, the story takes place on Pandora, an Earth-like moon in the Alpha Centauri system rich in unobtanium, where the main character is tasked with using an alien avatar body to make contact with the indigenous Na'vi race. This is a multi-layered story about love, friendship, loyalty, honor, and kindness. It's also breathtakingly beautiful.
Avatar is available on Disney+ and Apple TV+.