Hello fellow movie buffs! Who doesn’t enjoy an intense thrill ride? Alien horror films take the cake when it comes to spine-tingling thrills! With otherworldly beings, heart-pounding suspense, and the constant question “What else could possibly exist out there?” these movies hook us every time! In this article, we explore 30+ terrifying alien horror films from classic chillers to mind-blowing encounters for an interstellar journey!
Hold On to Your Popcorn: Let’s Dive In!
Get comfortable as we embark on an epic journey through the realms of alien horror movies. These aren’t your average extraterrestrial encounters – we’re talking heart-pounding scares, mind-boggling plot twists and enough cosmic chills to cause sleepless nights.
| Movie | Release date | Duration | Budget | Box office | Streaming availability |
| The Thing | June 25, 1982 | 109 minutes | $15 million | $191.5 million | Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+ |
| Alien | May 25, 1979 | 117 minutes | $11 million | $109.3 million | HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+ |
| Solaris | December 22, 1972 | 160 minutes | $17 million | $35 million | Criterion Channel, Kanopy |
| Annihilation | February 23, 2018 | 115 minutes | $40 million | $108.7 million | Netflix |
| Predator | June 12, 1987 | 107 minutes | $18 million | $90.3 million | Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+ |
| Cloverfield | January 18, 2008 | 85 minutes | $25 million | $170.4 million | Netflix |
| Fire in the Sky | August 10, 1993 | 108 minutes | $11 million | $47.5 million | Tubi, Pluto TV |
| Dark Skies | February 24, 2013 | 86 minutes | $14 million | $41.1 million | Hulu, Peacock |
| Event Horizon | August 18, 1997 | 95 minutes | $60 million | $41.4 million | Tubi, Pluto TV |
| The Void | March 25, 2016 | 86 minutes | $250,000 | $1 million | Shudder |
| Men in Black | July 2, 1997 | 96 minutes | $90 million | $589.6 million | Peacock |
| The Fourth Kind | October 24, 2009 | 98 minutes | $20 million | $76.1 million | Hulu, Peacock |
| The Faculty | September 17, 1998 | 100 minutes | $16 million | $61.2 million | Tubi, Pluto TV |
| Species | March 14, 1995 | 106 minutes | $45 million | $82.1 million | Tubi, Pluto TV |
| Life | March 24, 2017 | 104 minutes | $58 million | $137.8 million | Hulu, Peacock |
| Prometheus | June 8, 2012 | 124 minutes | $130 million | $403.4 million | HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+ |
| The Invasion | March 11, 2007 | 108 minutes | $80 million | $48.3 million | Peacock |
| The Puppet Masters | August 18,1994 | 100 minutes | $32 million | $14.9 million | Tubi, Pluto TV |
| Slither | February 12, 2006 | 88 minutes | $15 million | $60.6 million | Tubi, Pluto TV |
| Battlefield Earth | June 11,2000 | 126 minutes | $75 million | $30.5 million | Tubi, Pluto TV |
| Oblivion | April 19, 2013 | 124 minutes | $120 million | $286.1 million | HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock |
| The Mothman Prophecies | May 10, 2002 | 120 minutes | $50 million | $80.8 million | Peacock |
| Arrival | November 11, 2016 | 116 minutes | $47 million | $203.9 million | HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock |
| Contact | July 11, 1997 | 150 minutes | $90 million | $177.4 million | HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock |
| Scream | December 20, 1996 | 101 minutes | $17 million | $173.0 million | Hulu, Paramount+ |
| Splice | June 12, 2009 | 97 minutes | $30 million | $44.2 million | Tubi, Pluto TV |
| Signs | August 6, 2002 | 108 minutes | $75 million | $408.2 million | HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock |
| Under the Skin | April 18, 2013 | 108 minutes | $13 million | $12.6 million | Hulu, Kanopy |
| Edge of Tomorrow | June 6, 2014 | 113 minutes | $178 million | $370.5 million | HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock |
| War of the Worlds | June 29, 2005 | 118 minutes | $132 million | $600.8 million | HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock |
| Independence Day | July 2, 1996 | 145 minutes | $75 million | $817.4 million | Hulu, Paramount+ |
| Battle Los Angeles | March 11, 2011 | 116 minutes | $115 million | $201.8 million | Tubi, Pluto TV |
| Altered States | December 19, 1980 | 104 minutes | $13 million | $30.2 million | Tubi, Pluto TV |
| The Abyss | August 17, 1989 | 137 minutes | $70 million | $190.3 million | HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock |
| Color Out of Space | October 25, 2019 | 111 minutes | $30 million | $1.1 million | Shudder |
| The Endless | May 11, 2018 | 111 minutes | $100,000 | $2.3 million | Shudder |
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Kicking it Old School: Alien Frights from Yesteryears
Turn back the clock: classic movies such as “The Thing” and “Alien” gave us our first taste of fear-inducing space aliens that aren’t exactly friendly toward humans. These gems provided an introduction into what’s to come – this gave us an appreciation of just how frightening being stuck out there alone with something not “human-friendly” can be!
Mind Games and Eerie Spaceships: When Aliens Get Creepy
Imagine aliens messing with your mind! Movies such as “Solaris” and “Annihilation” take us on an emotionally charged ride as characters cope with what may be foreign and unexpected in their worlds.
When Aliens Attack: Prepare Yourselves!
“The Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and “War of the Worlds” remind us to be wary when aliens invade, as these movies tap into our fear of losing control over our world.
Creepy Crawlies from Beyond: Cosmic Monsters Galore
“Predator” and “Cloverfield” introduce us to alien creatures who are less-than-friendly; these predators hunt us down, with us realizing our inadequacies are no match against their otherworldly strength.
Abductions and Experiments: Tales of Otherworldly Intrigue
Have you ever imagined being abducted by aliens? “Fire in the Sky” and “Dark Skies” offer us an insight into what it would feel like being poked, prodded and experimented on by creatures from outer space.
Chills from the Unknown: Cosmic Horror Strikes
“Event Horizon” and “The Void” take us on an extraordinary cosmic horror journey where reality unravels before our very eyes – these films will leave you questioning everything!
Secrets and Shadows: Government Coverups and Alien Encounters
“Men in Black” and “The Fourth Kind” explore a world of government cover-ups and alien sightings. Whom can we rely on when truth remains concealed?
Half Human, Half Nightmare: The Hybrid Horror
Both “The Faculty” and “Species” introduce us to the unsettling idea of alien-human hybrids who blur the boundaries between friend and foe, leaving viewers feeling fearful for our own wellbeing.
Lost in Space: Claustrophobia and Desperation
Both “Event Horizon” and “Life” show us that space can be vast, cold, and isolating – the worst kind of nightmare scenario for humanity! Imagine facing off against an alien threat with no place to run – now that would be terrifying!
Struggling with Alien Terrors
“Prometheus” and “Life” take us on journeys through uncharted planets where survival becomes a battle against otherworldly adversaries, fighting for our very survival in an epic adventure storyline.
In Disguise: Alien Body Snatchers on the Prowl
“The Invasion” and “The Thing” tap into our fears of the unknown by depicting aliens that can impersonate humans. Paranoia ensues as we try to identify which of them really belong in this reality.
Beware the Parasites: Infestation from the Stars
“The Puppet Masters” and “Slither” present us with an alien parasite invasion from outer space that takes control of our bodies – body horror at its best – or should we say, scariest!
Dystopian Nightmares: Aliens Vs. Earth
“Battlefield Earth” and “Oblivion” offer us a glimpse into a dystopian future where aliens dominate humanity and mankind struggles for survival in an increasingly precarious battleground environment. Humanity fights back, but the stakes could not be higher.
When Supernatural Meets Alien: Spooky Cosmic Encounters
“The Mothman Prophecies” and “Dark Skies” blend supernatural with alien encounters to explore these questions: are these beings here to aid or hinder, or something even stranger?
Lost in Translation: Struggles in Alien Communication
“Arrival“ and “Contact” both illustrate that communicating with aliens can be more complicated than expected – understanding their intentions often proves challenging, with potentially serious repercussions if miscommunication ensues.
Not Your Average Screamfest: Meta-Twists and Alien Terrors
“The Cabin in the Woods” and “Scream” play with our expectations by adding an unexpected meta twist to horror cinema. No longer just watching, but rather becoming part of its scary atmosphere.
When Science Gets Freaky: Experiments Gone Wild
“Splice” and “Species” demonstrate how playing with alien DNA can have disastrous consequences, unleashing creatures that defy nature and produce terrifying results.
Unseen Horrors: What Lies Beyond?
“Signs” and “The Fourth Kind” remind us that sometimes, the scariest things are those we can’t see; fear of what lurks beyond is often what keeps us up at night.
Staring into the Void: Cosmic Dread and Existential Anxiety
“Under the Skin,” and “Annihilation” take us on journeys into existential terror, where encountering aliens test our very identity and place within this vast universe.
Humans Don’t Give Up: Tales of Defiance against Aliens
“Edge of Tomorrow” and “War of the Worlds” show us that humanity never gives up against impossible odds; their stories serve as an important reminder that even during darkest moments courage shines bright.
The Final Countdown: Desperation and Last Stands
“Independence Day” and “Battle Los Angeles” bring humanity to the brink of collapse as its last defenses against alien invaders crumble away. Time is running out – do or die is now!
Journey Into Alien Mind: Mind-Blowing Cosmic Adventures
“Altered States” and “The Abyss” take us deep inside the minds of characters transformed by their experiences, exploring what mysteries reside deep within their souls as well as whether or not their transformation will prove successful.
Lovecraftian Chills: Confronting the Unthinkable
“The Void” and “Annihilation” capture the spirit of Lovecraftian horror by plunging us into a world filled with cosmic terrors that defy explanation. We embark upon an incredible adventure where our own sanity may be at stake as we venture deep into unknown territories.
Peering Beyond the Veil: Cosmic Horror Unleashed
“Color Out of Space” and “The Endless” introduce us to cosmic beings beyond human comprehension – not just uncharted territory but unimaginable horror.
Finishing Up: Exploring Fear and Fun Finally!
Our cosmic tour through alien horror movies has come to an end! We have witnessed some truly bizarre, terrifying, and mind-boggling movies; so, next time you feel ready for some good scares, grab your popcorn and head into the unknown; just don’t forget your nightlight!
Can I watch alien horror movies with my kids?
Alien horror movies usually have intense scenes, so they might not be suitable for younger viewers. Use your discretion!
What makes cosmic horror different from regular horror?
Cosmic horror messes with your mind by showing how insignificant we are in the grand cosmic scheme. It’s a mind trip, for sure!
Are there any funny alien horror movies?
You bet! Movies like “Mars Attacks!” bring a dash of humor to the alien horror genre, so you can laugh while you shiver.
Which movie messes with your head the most?
Annihilation takes the cake for its mind-bending exploration of human psychology in the face of cosmic weirdness.
How have alien horror movies changed over time?
From monster flicks to mind-benders, alien horror movies have evolved to explore the deep fears that come with the unknown.
