Top Alien Movies Of The 70s And 80s

Hey guys! Ready for a blast from the past? We're diving deep into the cosmos to explore the best alien movies from the 70s and 80s. This era was a goldmine for sci-fi, serving up some truly iconic and unforgettable encounters with extraterrestrial life. Get your popcorn ready because we're about to warp speed through a list of films that defined a generation’s fascination with the unknown. From terrifying thrillers to mind-bending adventures, these movies captured our imaginations and left us wondering, "Are we really alone?"

1. Alien (1979)

Let's kick things off with a titan of terror: Alien. Directed by Ridley Scott, this movie isn't just a sci-fi classic; it's a masterclass in suspense and horror. The film follows the crew of the Nostromo, a commercial spaceship that intercepts a distress signal from a desolate moon. What they find there is something far more sinister than they could have ever imagined – a deadly extraterrestrial creature that begins to hunt them down, one by one.

Alien's brilliance lies in its slow-burn approach to horror. Instead of relying on cheap jump scares, the film builds tension gradually, creating an atmosphere of dread and claustrophobia. The creature design by H.R. Giger is iconic, a biomechanical nightmare that's both terrifying and strangely beautiful. Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ripley is groundbreaking, establishing her as one of the most iconic female characters in cinematic history. The film's success spawned numerous sequels and prequels, but the original Alien remains the gold standard for sci-fi horror. Alien isn't just about the scares; it's about the primal fear of the unknown and the vulnerability of humanity in the face of cosmic horrors. The film’s dark, industrial aesthetic and its themes of corporate greed and sacrifice continue to resonate with audiences today. The chestburster scene alone is enough to cement its place in film history, a moment so shocking and visceral that it’s still talked about decades later. If you're looking for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, Alien is an absolute must-watch.

2. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Switching gears from horror to wonder, we have Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind. This film is a celebration of the human spirit and our innate curiosity about the universe. It tells the story of Roy Neary, an everyday man who experiences a series of strange events that lead him on a quest to understand the truth about UFOs. Unlike many alien movies of the time, Close Encounters portrays extraterrestrials as benevolent beings, offering a message of hope and connection.

Spielberg's masterful direction and the film's stunning visual effects create a sense of awe and amazement. The iconic scene at Devil's Tower, where humans and aliens finally meet, is a cinematic triumph. Close Encounters isn't just about UFOs; it's about the power of belief, the importance of following your intuition, and the potential for humanity to reach for something greater than itself. The film's score, composed by John Williams, is instantly recognizable and adds to the sense of wonder and mystery. The performances are also top-notch, with Richard Dreyfuss delivering a memorable performance as Roy Neary, a man driven by an unexplainable force. If you're looking for a movie that will fill you with a sense of hope and possibility, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a perfect choice. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones that take us beyond our own world. The film’s exploration of the unknown, combined with its optimistic outlook, makes it a timeless classic that continues to inspire generations.

3. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Speaking of Spielberg, who could forget E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial? This heartwarming tale of friendship between a young boy named Elliott and an alien stranded on Earth is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. E.T. isn't just a movie about an alien; it's about the power of empathy, the importance of connection, and the magic of childhood.

The film's success lies in its ability to tap into our emotions. The relationship between Elliott and E.T. is so believable and touching that it's impossible not to be moved by their bond. The film also features stunning visual effects, particularly the scene where Elliott and E.T. fly across the moon. E.T. is a reminder that even the most different beings can find common ground and that love and understanding can transcend all boundaries. The film’s themes of loneliness, acceptance, and the search for home are universal, making it a story that resonates with people from all walks of life. The performances are also outstanding, with Henry Thomas delivering a heartbreakingly genuine performance as Elliott. If you're looking for a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of friendship, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is an absolute must-see. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, reminding you of the importance of kindness and compassion.

4. The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter's The Thing is a chilling masterpiece of paranoia and body horror. Set in Antarctica, the film follows a group of researchers who encounter a shape-shifting alien that can perfectly imitate any living organism. As the creature begins to infiltrate their ranks, the men must try to figure out who is human and who is the Thing before it's too late.

The Thing is a masterclass in suspense, creating an atmosphere of intense paranoia and distrust. The practical effects are gruesome and unforgettable, making the creature a truly terrifying foe. The film's bleak setting and nihilistic tone add to the sense of hopelessness and despair. The Thing is a reminder that sometimes, the greatest threat comes from within and that even the closest allies can become enemies. The film's themes of isolation, paranoia, and the loss of identity are explored with chilling precision, making it a truly unsettling cinematic experience. The performances are also excellent, with Kurt Russell delivering a strong performance as the group's leader, MacReady. If you're looking for a movie that will leave you feeling disturbed and unsettled, The Thing is a perfect choice. It's a film that will stay with you long after you've seen it, making you question the nature of reality and the limits of human trust. The ambiguity of the ending only adds to the film's lasting impact, leaving audiences to ponder the fate of the characters and the future of humanity.

5. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

Philip Kaufman's Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a remake of the 1956 classic, and it's arguably even better than the original. Set in San Francisco, the film follows a group of people who discover that alien spores are turning humans into emotionless duplicates. As the invasion spreads, they must fight to survive and maintain their humanity.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a chilling commentary on conformity and the loss of individuality. The film's atmosphere is thick with dread, and the performances are excellent, particularly Donald Sutherland's portrayal of Matthew Bennell. The film's themes of paranoia, alienation, and the erosion of personal identity are explored with chilling effectiveness, making it a truly unsettling cinematic experience. The practical effects are also top-notch, adding to the film's sense of realism and horror. Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a reminder that sometimes, the greatest threats are the ones that slowly erode our sense of self and that the fight to maintain our humanity is a constant struggle. The film’s ambiguous ending leaves audiences questioning the nature of reality and the possibility of resistance, making it a thought-provoking and disturbing classic. If you're looking for a movie that will make you question the world around you, Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a must-see.

6. Starman (1984)

Let's lighten things up a bit with John Carpenter's Starman. This film is a romantic sci-fi adventure about an alien who takes the form of a deceased man and embarks on a road trip with his widow. Starman is a departure from Carpenter's usual horror fare, but it's a surprisingly touching and heartfelt film.

Jeff Bridges delivers an outstanding performance as the Starman, capturing the character's innocence and curiosity. Karen Allen is equally good as Jenny Hayden, the widow who learns to trust and love the alien. The film's themes of love, loss, and the search for understanding are explored with sensitivity and humor. Starman is a reminder that even the most different beings can find common ground and that love can transcend all boundaries. The film’s optimistic outlook and its focus on human connection make it a refreshing and uplifting sci-fi experience. The cinematography is also beautiful, capturing the vastness and beauty of the American landscape. If you're looking for a movie that will warm your heart and make you believe in the power of love, Starman is a perfect choice. It's a film that will stay with you long after you've seen it, reminding you of the importance of empathy and compassion.

7. They Live (1988)

Wrapping up our list is another gem from John Carpenter, They Live. This film is a biting satire of consumerism and social control. It tells the story of a drifter who discovers a pair of sunglasses that reveal the truth about the world: that aliens are secretly controlling humanity through subliminal messages.

They Live is a thought-provoking and entertaining film that's as relevant today as it was in the 80s. The film's themes of social inequality, corporate greed, and the manipulation of the masses are explored with sharp wit and biting commentary. The performances are also excellent, with Roddy Piper delivering a memorable performance as the drifter, Nada. They Live is a reminder that we should always question the world around us and that the fight for freedom and truth is a constant struggle. The film’s iconic line, "I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum," has become a cult classic, perfectly capturing the film’s rebellious spirit. If you're looking for a movie that will make you think and entertain you at the same time, They Live is a must-see. It's a film that will stay with you long after you've seen it, making you question the nature of reality and the forces that shape our world.

So there you have it, guys – a trip down memory lane with some of the best alien movies from the 70s and 80s! These films not only entertained us but also sparked our imaginations and made us think about our place in the universe. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!