Summary
- Iconic aliens in sci-fi movies captivate audiences with their compelling design, well-crafted mythology, and thought-provoking themes.
- The greatest sci-fi movie aliens serve as allegories or metaphors, addressing profound subjects such as identity, otherness, and the mystery of the human condition.
- From terrifying hunters to whimsical clowns, great aliens are not just creatures, but vehicles that elevate films and their overarching themes.
The greatest sci-fi movie aliens of all time transcend the ordinary, captivating audiences through a combination of compelling design, well-crafted mythology, and thought-provoking themes. Iconic aliens often boast innovative and memorable visual designs, which make them instantly recognizable. Their backstories and cultures are intricately developed - or cleverly obscured to keep audiences on their toes.
Even the most peaceful movie aliens can deeply invade the minds of audiences. They challenge viewers' perspectives and stir emotions, whether through fear, empathy, or sheer fascination. Indeed, great aliens serve as allegories or metaphors, addressing profound subjects such as identity, otherness, or the mystery of the human condition. If the greatest sci-fi movie aliens of all time have one thing in common, it is that they aren't just creatures - they are vehicles for storytelling that elevate films and their overarching themes. Here are the 20 best movie aliens of all time.
20 Martians - Mars Attacks! (1996)
A parody of the formative, campy, and imaginative sci-fi movies from the 1950s, Mars Attacks!'s aliens may be the most over-the-top extraterrestrials in the history of alien invasion movies. These grotesque invaders from Mars have bulbous green heads, large black eyes, and a sinister grin filled with sharp teeth. Complementing their look, the Martians also communicate through a series of eerie, high-pitched sounds. Despite their hilarious look and demeanor, they not only have advanced weaponry but also a deep understanding of human culture, which they both employ ruthlessly. This effortless combination of comedy and terror makes Mars Attacks!'s Martians some of the greatest sci-fi movie aliens of all time.
19 Klowns - Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
In the unapologetically campy cult classic, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, the aliens are anything but typical. These bizarre creatures resemble whimsical circus clowns - but with a sinister twist. They have colorful and outlandish costumes, complete with oversized shoes, red noses, and exaggerated features. Instead of traditional weapons, they use comically deadly circus-themed tools - like cotton candy guns and popcorn bazookas - to capture and kill humans. These extraterrestrial clowns inspire terror and humor in equal measure, creating a unique and surreal sci-fi horror experience that has earned them a special place in the world of cult cinema.
18 Arachnids/Bugs - Starship Troopers (1997)
In Starship Troopers, the aliens, known as the Arachnids or simply Bugs, are a highly evolved and insect-like species. They inhabit the planet Klendathu and engage in relentless warfare with humanity. The Bugs are diverse, ranging from small, agile Warriors to massive, tank-like Tanker Bugs. They are united by a hive mind and exhibit remarkable adaptability, making them formidable adversaries. Their relentless attacks serve as a backdrop for the movie's exploration of military and political themes. The Bugs symbolize the faceless enemy, and their relentless assault drives the militaristic narrative of the film, emphasizing the brutal nature of war.
17 Yautja - Predator (1987)
The Yautja, commonly referred to as Predators, are extraterrestrial hunters who first appear in the movie Predator, and have since served as villains in all 7 Predator movies. They're known for their advanced technology, hunting prowess, and distinct physical appearance. Yautja are humanoid with reptilian skin, horrific mandibles, and loc-like appendages on their heads. They come to Earth to hunt formidable prey, often targeting skilled warriors as trophies. Equipped with cloaking devices, plasma weapons, and thermal vision, they engage in deadly games of cat and mouse with their chosen adversaries. The Yautja's code of honor, thermal vision, and weaponry have made them iconic figures in science fiction.
16 Martians - War of the Worlds (1953)
In the 1953 film adaptation of the H.G. Wells novel of the same name, the Martians are highly advanced warlike aliens. While the Martians' technology and destructive tripods are the primary focus, their appearance makes for a frightful reveal. Despite their reddish leathery skin, elongated fingers, and the three red, green, and blue eyes on their torso, their somewhat human demeanor betrays a surprising vulnerability. Nonetheless, War of the Worlds' Martians are characterized by their seemingly unstoppable tripods, equipped with devastating laser weapons and protective force fields. The movie doesn't delve deeply into the Martians' motivations or biology, emphasizing instead the human struggle for survival against this alien threat.
15 Mimics - Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
The Mimics are enigmatic extraterrestrials that invade Earth in Edge of Tomorrow. These formidable, biomechanical beings are highly adaptive and nearly impossible to defeat. Mimics are swirling metallic tentacles with monstrous faces, moving swiftly and eradicating all in their path. What sets the Mimics apart, however, is the ability of the Omega Mimic to manipulate time, allowing it to reset the day and anticipate human strategies. Edge of Tomorrow follows a military officer who gains this time-altering power and must repeatedly confront the Mimics in a never-ending loop. The Mimics' mysterious nature and relentless onslaught create tension through a clever combination of time loop and alien invasion themes.
14 Edgar - Men In Black (1997)
Men in Black's Edgar is a memorable character who undergoes a bizarre transformation. Edgar starts as a cantankerous farmer who stumbles upon an alien crash site and confronts Agent K and Agent J, two of the secretive Men in Black organization. However, Edgar's fate takes a strange turn when an insect-like alien takes over his body, wearing it as a suit. Though the huge alien can scarcely fit inside Edgar and is barely able to pilot his body, it continues with its mission of stealing a valuable item on Earth. Eerie, grotesque, and hilarious, Edgar's transformation is an iconic blend of humor and sci-fi horror.
13 Death Angels - A Quiet Place (2018)
A newspaper headline aptly refers to the deadly alien monsters in A Quiet Place as Death Angels. Though these extraterrestrial beings are blind, they possess hyper-sensitive hearing, which allows them to pinpoint even the faintest sounds. The Death Angels then use their sharp teeth and the claws on their four elongated limbs to rip targets apart. Their entire bodies are also covered by a protective exoskeleton, the interlocking plates of which terrifyingly open on their heads and backs to detect sounds - exposing their weaker soft tissues. Death Angels hunt humans and other creatures relentlessly, making silence essential for survival in this suspenseful and nerve-wracking post-apocalyptic world.
12 Na'vi - Avatar (2009)
Avatar's Na'vi are a humanoid species native to the lush moon of Pandora. They are known for their strikingly tall, blue-skinned appearance, luminescent markings, and the long organic appendage on their heads, which connects them to the planet's ecosystem. The Na'vi live in harmony with Pandora's rich biodiversity and have a deep spiritual connection to their environment, particularly the towering, tree-like organisms called Hometrees. The film's plot revolves around human characters who interact with the Na'vi through avatars, leading to cultural clashes and environmental themes. The Na'vi's culture and their struggle to protect Pandora from human exploitation are mirrors of Earth's own history.
11 Prawns - District 9 (2009)
The term Prawns is a derogatory nickname given to a stranded group of extraterrestrial refugees, who are forced to live in a segregated and impoverished district in Johannesburg, South Africa in District 9. These aliens are insectoid in appearance, with a distinct exoskeleton, multiple limbs, and a complex language of clicks. They arrived on Earth in a massive spaceship but were unable to return home. The film explores themes of xenophobia and discrimination as humans exploit and mistreat the Prawns, treating them as second-class citizens while profiting off their salvaged tech. The term Prawns reflects the dehumanizing attitude towards these alien beings and is central to the film's social commentary.
