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- Aliens
With a universe of suspenseful tales lurking just beyond our atmosphere, exploring the great beyond and coming face to face with terrifying creatures in the scariest alien movies combines cosmic horror with heart-stopping terror. These alien horror movies capture some of the deepest, most primal fears, when the unknown visitors from the great beyond arrive with intentions that are sinister, unclear, or outright terrifying. By bringing an eclectic mix of thrillers, blockbusters, and horror films, the scariest alien movies provide horror fans with experiences that cater to every kind of fear,
Whether it’s the nightmarish isolation of space in classics like Alien and Event Horizon, the mind-bending, reality-warping horrors of Fire in the Sky and The Thing, or the subtle psychological terrors seen in A Quiet Place and Nope, these scary alien movies bring an experience that will make you believe, whether you want to or not. So don your tinfoil hat, keep your flamethrower handy, and vote up the scariest alien movies that'll leave you screaming for Jonesy.
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Alien has proven to be one of the most influential and masterfully terrifying science fiction horror masterpieces of all time as its unique blend of existential dread and paranoia blend together to create a euphoric horror experience. Following a commercial spaceship crew who encounters a deadly extraterrestrial creature that infiltrates their ship, the film builds suspense as the alien hunts them all down one by one, as well as showcasing the jaw-dropping lifecycle of the Xenomorph species, from face-hugger to chest-burster to relentless predator. Showcasing superb visual effects, set designs, hauntingly atmospheric score, and some of the best direction of Ridley Scott's career, Alien has more than earned its place as one of the scariest aliens movies of all time.
- Released: 1979
- Directed by: Ridley Scott
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Featuring one of the most revered and horrifying alien creatures to ever be showcased on the silver screen, The Thing shows that the true terror of the world lies in the unknown and how when paranoia begins to set in, suddenly everything and everyone can become a monster. Set in an isolated Antarctic research station, this spine-chilling film follows a crew of researchers as they grapple with not knowing who among them is human and who has become an alien imposter. Leading to some of the most brilliant and tense scenes of claustrophobic atmosphere, The Thing masterfully uses gnarly special effects and a sense of impending doom to create an unforgettable experience.
- Released: 1982
- Directed by: John Carpenter
The Things The Thing In 'The Thing' Most Needs To Think AboutSee all
- 1R.J. MacReady89 Votes
- 2Wilford Brimley71 Votes
- 3Keith David71 Votes
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Set aboard the International Space Station, Life unfolds as a harrowing sci-fi horror tale wherein an alien organism threatens humanity. With an intensifying sense of claustrophobia, the film's blend of space suspense and horror illustrates the chilling strike of an alien parasite on the isolated astronauts. Tense, scientifically plausible, and vividly directed, Life contemplates the perils of discovery in the impervious expanse of space.
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Daniel Espinosa
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James Cameron’s follow-up to the spin-chilling and euphoric 1979 masterpiece Alien, Aliens serves as the action-packed but equally terrifying sequel that follows Ellen Ripley as she joins a team of space marines to investigate a growing Xenomorph threat. As opposed to the original film, Aliens showcases dozens of alien creatures, all highlighted by the terrifying Xenomorph Queen, one of the most infamous and remarkable alien creatures ever put to screen. This heart-pounding, claustrophobic, and paranoia-inducing nightmare manages to both maintain the fear of the original while proving non-stop action.
- Released: 1986
- Directed by: James Cameron
Ranking The Combat Efficiency Of Each Colonial Marine From 'Aliens'See all- 1Pvt. Vasquez781 Votes
- 2Cpl. Dwayne Hicks730 Votes
- 3Ellen Ripley748 Votes
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Through dizzying found footage and raw terror, Cloverfield whisks audiences away in a first-person account of an alien monster attack on New York City. The chaotic realism and intimate perspective engender palpable fear, capturing the destruction and survival instinct in the face of colossal, city-shattering terror. As tensions escalate, the film unfolds a heart-pounding narrative driven by relentless suspense and unprecedented destruction.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Matt Reeves
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In an eerie prequel to the gripping saga, A Quiet Place: Day One takes viewers on a spine-chilling journey through the initial chaos of the alien invasion. With heart-racing tension and an intensely silent atmosphere, this film captures the primal fear of a world where making the slightest sound can be deadly. As characters grapple with the unfolding horror, viewers are drawn into a visceral experience of survival against relentless extraterrestrial predators.
- Released: 2024
- Directed by: Michael Sarnoski
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Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by blind extraterrestrial monstrosities that hunt using their impeccable sense of sound, A Quiet Place is one of the most suspenseful and tense mainstream horror films to be released in years. The nail-biting tension is amplified by the film's lack of sound in just about every scene, which heightens the audience's awareness of every creak and rustle in the film. Suddenly a tense and paranoia-inducing atmosphere quickly wraps around audiences as the fear only escalates as the film progresses, leading to one of the most remarkable and bombastic conclusions in modern horror history.
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: John Krasinski
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Ridley Scott's Prometheus elegantly expands upon the Alien universe, examining humanity's origins amidst existential dread and cosmic horror. Visually stunning and intricately plotted, the film journeys into unknown space, where a team of explorers unravels terrifying secrets of their progenitors. As philosophical musings intertwine with visceral fear, Prometheus delivers a haunting prequel that reveals humanity's hubris and mortality in the pursuit of knowledge.
- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Ridley Scott
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Based on the critically acclaimed story by Stephen King, The Mist follows a small group of townspeople trapped in their local supermarket after a eerie and mysterious mist bring otherworldly creatures onto their homes. The terror of the film comes from the unknown, as the aliens are almost never showcased in all their horrific glory, but the ways the humans interact in the face of impending doom. Mixing elements of both psychological horror with creature-feature terror, the film is a bleak and masochistic venture into the unknown, one which unloads terror the likes of which mainstream audiences had never seen.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Frank Darabont
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In a haunting exploration of alien phenomena and self-destruction, Annihilation presents a mesmerizing blend of sci-fi horror and existential dread. Natalie Portman leads a team of scientists into a mysterious zone where reality is grotesquely transformed. The film explores themes of change and annihilation with stunning visuals and a cerebral narrative, offering a chilling reflection on nature’s monstrous beauty and humanity’s existential fears.
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Alex Garland
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A masterclass in psychological tension, 10 Cloverfield Lane thrusts audiences into a claustrophobic thriller where the terror outside matches the dread within. With a riveting performance by John Goodman, the film skillfully unfurls paranoia and suspense as the characters navigate a twisted reality. The intersection of human fear and alien threat creates an atmosphere of relentless unease, keeping viewers tightly wound till the shocking climax.
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Dan Trachtenberg
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A jaw-dropping feat of terror and existential dread, Event Horizon beautifully showcases the horrors of outer space and the mystery of what lies beyond and showcases exactly why sometimes mysteries are left unanswered. Following a crew who have been lost for years in a black hole, they soon realize that there is something unspeakable on their ship that is not only looking to devour them but their sanity and souls as well. The film’s fantastic blend of psychological terror and disturbing imagery makes it one of the most important and special sci-fi horror experiences of all time.
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Paul W.S. Anderson
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A film that scarred millions of individuals from ever looking at backyard parties the same way again, Signs is a subtle but brilliant alien horror film that showcases the mystery of outer space as well as the tension that extraterrestrial being can pose. Playing on the tropes that are synonymous with aliens like crop circles and tin foil hats, the film plays with the idea of alien invasion in its own unique way by showcasing faith as a powerful tool to defend oneself. M. Night Shyamalan delivered an unforgettable experience that has lasted the test of time and only continues to get better.
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
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Echoing the terror of its predecessors, Alien: Romulus expands the chilling saga of the Xenomorphs with striking intensity and a formidable new twist. As an isolated crew once again confronts this cosmic nightmare, the film explores themes of survival and fear, underscoring the relentless dread that defines the franchise. With masterful suspense and twisted narrative arcs, Alien: Romulus continues the legacy of cinematic horror that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats.
- Released: 2024
- Directed by: Fede Alvarez
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Visually formidable and inherently chilling, Alien: Covenant explores the terrifying depths of the Xenomorph legacy, evolving the biological horror with intensely graphic encounters. Following in Ridley Scott’s canon, the film uses atmospheric lighting to craft a suspense-filled environment where the horror of alien evolution continues to evoke relentless dread.
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Ridley Scott
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In this chilling remake of the 1956 classic, Invasion of the Body Snatchers follows a San Francisco health inspector as he slowly uncovers the horrific truth about his town, that people are slowly but surely being replaced by emotionless alien duplicates grown from plant-like pods. As the invasion spreads, paranoia and desperation set in within each and every character of the film as suddenly, it becomes harder and harder to determine who is human, and who is one of these terrifying creatures. Skillfully evoking a sense of dread, paranoia, and unease through its tense atmosphere, gripping storyline, and realistic depictions of alien takeover, Invasion of the Body Snatchers manages to improve upon the original in seemingly every way possible.
- Released: 1978
- Directed by: Philip Kaufman
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Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds reimagines the classic tale of alien invasion with modern-day spectacle and intense drama. Tom Cruise delivers a riveting performance amid the chaos and destruction wrought by a superior extraterrestrial race. The film captures the raw survival instinct against insurmountable odds, weaving a narrative of fear, resilience, and human spirit amidst breathtaking visuals and unforgiving terror.
- Released: 2005
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
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Widely regarded as one of the most haunting and terrifying alien films of all time, Fire in the Sky is a nerve-wracking and psychologically haunting experience that will have audience’s paranoid and deathly afraid to ever step foot outside their house ever again. Based on a real-life account, the film tells the story of an Arizona logger who claims to be abducted by aliens while all those around them don’t believe in what is being said. The film uses skepticism and paranoia to further enhance the feeling of terror as it slowly comes to life that the terror was only just beginning, and the vivid display of alien abduction in the film is a scene many will have stuck in the back of their minds for all time.
- Released: 1993
- Directed by: Robert Lieberman
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Allegedly depicting actual cases of alien abduction, The Fourth Kind is a wildly original and unique horror depiction of alien invasion as the mocumentary style mixed with reenactments of what many claim to be genuine archived footage give the film a sense of uneasy realism. Showcasing sleep paralysis, extended periods of time manipulation, and all matter of alien-like encounters, the realism portrayed in the film and the seriousness in its delivery make this one of the better “found footage” alien invasion films of all time.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Olatunde Osunsanmi
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Centered around a suburban family who begin having experience inexplicable extraterrestrial phenomenon’s, Dark Skies is a nerve-rattling and haunting horror film that showcase the malevolence of the unknown. Playing on the familial aspect of terror, the film slowly delves deep into the pits of madness as the impending alien threat only further manifests itself when the family is at its weakest. Mixing familial drama with existential terror, Dark Skies is a genuinely chilling sci-fi experience.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Scott Stewart
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Jordan Peele has already proven himself to be a master of horror in his brief but excellent career, and his crown jewel may just be the sci-fi horror epic adventure, Nope. A terrifying, electrifying, and invigorating adventure, the film plays on the tropes of stereotypical alien movies but subverts expectations at every opportunity. Led by Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer in two career-defining roles, themes of family, greed, and opportunity are showcased in abundance, but it is the quieter scenes that truly showcase the horrors of the outside world, as something even as small as a coin can change the world.
- Released: 2022
- Directed by: Jordan Peele
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Harnessing campy horror, Killer Klowns from Outer Space blends grotesque fun with terror, embracing cultural fears of clowns in an exaggerated, carnival-themed nightmare. The absurdity of alien clowns plays skillfully on coulrophobia, wielding unnerving humor woven into a memorable tapestry of campy yet chilling horror.
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Stephen Chiodo
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Species is a fascinating science fiction horror film that has garnered quite the cult following thanks to its fantastic characters, unique alien design, and use of eroticism in its horror. Following an expert team as they hunt down a human-alien hybrid, the film and its antagonist use sex as a weapon, as this seductive creature showcases what it truly means to be a predator. With action, horror, sex, and aliens, Species has everything a cult extraterrestrial horror film could ever dream of and offers a unique and chilling take on what it means to be human.
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Roger Donaldson
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A gripping foray into extraterrestrial horror, Extraterrestrial combines suspense with potent dread as a group of friends encounters an alien invasion in a secluded cabin. The film harnesses traditional horror elements with modern paranoia, infusing it with intense encounters and relentless suspense. Through shadowy visuals and mounting tension, it crafts a scene of terror where survival hinges on confronting the unknown.
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Colin Minihan
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James Gunn brings his trademark dark comedy to the world of horror in Slither, one of the most outlandish and wholistically originally horror films to come out in decades. Following an alien parasite that crash-lands on earth and begins to devour and mutate a small unexpecting town, the film uses disturbing and revolutionary body-horror elements to gleefully terrify and enthrall audiences. A classic-B movie through and through, the mix of tongue-in-cheek humor, horrifying depictions of violence, and genuinely unsettling moments make it a hauntingly hilarious ride.
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: James Gunn
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A deeply unsettling and revolting film, Under the Skin is one of the most haunting and nightmarish depictions of alien invasion ever put to screen. Showcasing the horror of humanity as an gorgeous alien woman preys on unsuspecting men throughout Scotland, the films runs the full gambit of human emotions as we simultaneously fear and sympathize with this alien who is both the hunter and the hunted. Backed with striking visuals, a powerful soundtrack, and spine-chilling themes, the film is a provocative and euphoric journey that will change audiences forever when they witness it.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Jonathan Glazer
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A seminal entry in sci-fi horror, Invasion of the Body Snatchers dissects the fear of the unknown and loss of identity. As the film portrays people being replaced by emotionless duplicates, it conjures a pervasive dread and paranoia akin to Cold War anxieties. Its chilling narrative and haunting visuals capture the terror of alien infiltration on an intimate, human level, leaving audiences questioning the very nature of identity and trust.
- Released: 1956
- Directed by: Don Siegel
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Directed by Peter Jackson, Bad Taste is a cult classic that perfectly blends low-budget horror with outrageous humor. Following alien invaders with grotesque intentions, the film indulges in over-the-top violence and comedic absurdity, delivering a unique horror experience that is as entertaining as it is shocking. Its inventive special effects and audacious narrative turn horror tradition upside down, crafting a unique gem in the world of indie horror.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Peter Jackson
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An exemplary blend of sci-fi and horror, Village of the Damned depicts the chilling aftermath of a strange event that leaves a village's children with terrifying psychic powers. As their collective influence expands, the tension between innocent appearance and malevolent actions creates an unsettling atmosphere. Through a meticulous exploration of paranoia and fear of the 'other,' the film explores unsettling themes of control and societal breakdown.
- Released: 1960
- Directed by: Wolf Rilla
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Utilizing the found footage style, Alien Abduction presents a terrifying glimpse into the unknown through the lens of a young boy's camera as his family endures a nightmarish encounter with aliens. The film capitalizes on raw immediacy and visceral fear, plunging audiences into a believable world where every shadow conceals unspeakable terror. Its authentic atmosphere and nerve-wracking suspense make it an unsettling exploration of extraterrestrial horror.
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Matty Beckerman
