Sci-Fi Films Featuring Aliens Worth Watching

During the season of scares, extraterrestrials come to mind while clicking about on our streaming services in search of something to watch. It’s nearing Halloween, and there’s a chance you’ve either neglected or exhausted your watchlists for the year. It’s my belief that many science fiction movies, specifically the ones with aliens, are a hoot on any given day, so if you’re looking for now or for later, I have constructed this list in hopes you’ll be intrigued enough to check them out.

I regret to inform you that my Klingon translator is out of town, so we will have to continue this article in English. Enjoy!

1. Arrival (2016)

Don’t let this sci-fi’s cover art fool you; despite the helicopters, it’s a relatively calm experience watching “Arrival”, the kind with a soundtrack in such unison with the photography and script that you might confuse your heart to be humming. It’s an edge-of-your-seat ride that alludes to a unique and truly otherworldly understanding of language. The film follows Dr. Louise Banks, portrayed by Amy Adams, a linguist who is chosen to be a member of the team of intellects working alongside the military to communicate with aliens that have landed on 12 locations across the globe. While much of the film’s plot correlates to everything science fiction, there are some nods to the more humanity-at-its-worst realisms we’d likely see from some if E.T. vacationed on earth. I certainly enjoyed the film’s eeriness, and it was fun to see “The Avengers” star Jeremy Renner in a more serious, reserved role.

Where to watch: Prime Video rent/buy from $2.99 USD

Other cast: Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mark O’Brien, Tzi Ma.

Running time: 1h 56m

Rated: PG-13

2. War of the Worlds (2005)

Once you’ve seen “War of the Worlds”, it is unlikely that any other sci-fi you’ll come upon will be able to capture such hair-raising sound effects. If you like destruction, unexpected occurrences and movies about the potential end of the world via the hands (?) of extraterrestrials, this Steven Spielberg production is just up that alley. Starring Tom Cruise as Ray Ferrier, a divorced father of two who cares about his children but more often exhibits his apathy, the plot follows Ferrier and his teenage son and younger daughter on their journey to Boston after massive alien tripod machinery begins terrorizing humans. Full of action, the “War of the Worlds” experience keeps your heart racing, is packed with CGI and overall makes for an enjoyable take on one of the film adaptations of H.G. Wells’ novel.

Where to watch: Prime Video rent/buy from $2.99 USD

Other cast: Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin, Miranda Otto, Tim Robbins.

Running time: 1h 56m

Rated: PG-13

3. Signs (2002)

If you can get past Mel Gibson in the lead role (a priest character at that) and focus mostly on the storyline, a breakthrough performance from a young Abigail Breslin, the crop circles mystery and “Joker” actor Joaquin Phoenix, this is a great one. Directed by, written by and starring M. Night Shyamalan, this movie tells the tale of a family living in rural Pennsylvania that begins noticing strange patterns in their corn fields. Like many sci-fi films, “Signs” holds nothing back in inducing fear, uncertainty and paranoia in all those watching. Shyamalan utilizes his character’s actions and emotions to detail insight into their own lives and no second is wasted. The early 2000s blockbuster is a well-written thrill ride with laughs, tears, and spooky extraterrestrials you won’t want to miss.

Where to watch: HBO with Prime Video Channels, HBO NOW on HBONOW.com and the HBO NOW app, Prime Video rent/buy from $2.99 USD.

Other cast: Rory Culkin, Cherry Jones, Patricia Kalember.

Running time: 1h 46m

Rated: PG-13

4. Life (2017)

If you’re wanting to view a movie that’s thrilling and galactic, “Life” brings about a previously attempted spin to the sci-fi genre where the scientists behind the space exploration wind up getting their rear ends handed to them by the foreign beings they discover. Despite it being an overused plot, this film captures the story of a finding from Mars running amok on the International Space Station in a way that’s fast paced yet unhurried somehow all at once. Computer generated integration is proven once again to have come such a long way from its earliest days, and the spacey environments and creatures are notable. Plus, if you’re into it, there’s gnarly death scenes.

Where to watch: Prime Video rent/buy from $2.99

Other cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ariyon Bakare.

Running time: 1h 44m

Rated: R

5. Home (2015)

In case the kids want to watch, “Home” is about as adorable as an animated alien film can get. Told from the perspective of the invader, the film follows Oh, an alien outcasted by his peers, the rest of the Boov species. The Boov must all migrate to Earth to escape their most feared enemy. Once settled on their new home planet, Oh meets Tip, voiced by Rihanna, and learns of humanity’s decent qualities and family values in order to save himself, the Boov, his new friends and the world as they know it. A warm-hearted family adventure is in store for those tuning in to “Home”, with bubbly CG to awe at and a good laugh when appropriate, especially with a supporting role voiced by Steve Martin and array of other lovable characters.

Where to watch: FXNOW on fxnetworks.com, Prime Video rent/buy from $3.99 USD

Other cast: Jim Parsons, Jennifer Lopez, Matt Jones.

Running time: 1h 34m

Rated: PG

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That’s where we’ll end this one. Thanks for reading, and Happy Halloween!

If you happen to check any of these recommendations out, I’d love to hear from you; I’m finally on Twitter @horrorwriterang!