On July 2nd, look to the skies as we celebrate World UFO Day! This date marks the anniversary of the alleged UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico and it's when UFO enthusiasts around the world gather to scan the heavens for mysterious flying objects. If you don’t spot a UFO, why not settle in and watch a movie about them instead?
You’ve likely already seen Alien, E.T., Independence Day, Arrival, District 9, or Close Encounters of the Third Kind. So instead, we’ve rounded up five underrated, underseen, but totally out-of-this-world films about aliens and UFOs that deserve a spot on your watchlist.
From the fascinating to the terrifying, here are five must-watch films about aliens, UFOs, and extraterrestrial life that you might not have encountered—yet:
1. Attack the Block
A gang of British teenagers finds themselves in the middle of an alien invasion in this funny and thrilling sci-fi adventure. Beyond its exciting plot and stylish action, the creature design stands out, featuring giant black dog-like creatures with glowing, fluorescent teeth. Bonus: this film marks Star Wars’ John Boyega’s big-screen debut.
2. Under the Skin
If you’re looking for something a bit stranger, this arthouse sci-fi drama is for you. Scarlett Johansson stars as an otherworldly being who takes the form of a human woman sent to Earth to study mankind. She lures men into mysterious rooms filled with alien goo, trapping them for more sinister purposes. Its slow, deliberate pacing and refusal to explain everything outright make it a haunting, hypnotic watch.
3. Color Out of Space
Based on the H.P. Lovecraft short story, this sci-fi horror film stars Nicolas Cage as a father whose family begins to unravel after a meteorite crashes on their farm. An alien force (referred to only as “the Color”) begins contaminating their surroundings, leading to bizarre phenomena and shocking body horror.
4. 10 Cloverfield Lane
A stand-alone sequel to the modern alien film classic Cloverfield (2008), 10 Cloverfield Lane follows a woman who wakes up chained to a bed in a bunker. Her abductor is an older man who claims that UFOs have poisoned the air above and that he’s actually keeping her safe. Whether or not that’s true is the source of suspense—but when she plans an escape to see for herself, chaos ensues.
5. Save the Green Planet!
This South Korean sci-fi comedy kicks off with a man convinced that aliens are planning to invade Earth. In a desperate bid to save the planet, he kidnaps a high-powered executive he believes is one of them and tortures him for answers. Is he delusional or onto something terrifying? An English-language remake titled Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is set to premiere later this year.
After a night of watching the skies for signs of life beyond our planet, why not travel to another galaxy from the comfort of your couch? These five underrated alien movies offer thrills, chills, and laughs all perfect for celebrating World UFO Day. What are some of your favorite extraterrestrial flicks?