Best alien movies

Best alien movies.From bloblike, life-sucking amoebas to giant metal tripod visitors  sci-fi movies are full of otherworldly drama.  Here are some out-of-this-world flicks.

'Aliens'
Year: 1986

Director James Cameron elevated this sci-fi sequel to blockbuster status with returning star Sigourney Weaver playing Ellen Ripley, the last surviving member of a corporate spaceship. The 1986 movie earned a bunch of Oscar nominations, including a surprising one for Weaver.

'E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial'
Year: 1982

The classic movie is told from a child's point of view about an alien who has a thing for a certain kind of candy . Until director Steven Spielberg's1993 hit, it was the highest-grossing movie of all time.

'Independence Day'
Year: 1996

Will Smith stars in this blockbuster about an alien invasion that also stars Bill Pullman as the president and troubled actor Randy Quaid as a goofy, but heroic pilot.

'Avatar'
Year: 2010

Writer-director James Cameron's epic tale  broke technological ground when it came out. "Avatar" won three Academy Awards and ranks as the highest-grossing film of all time.

'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'
Year: 1977

This Steven Spielberg film starred Richard Dreyfuss and Terri Garr as a couple in a Midwestern state whose lives are never the same after he sees an unidentified flying object.

'District 9'
Year: 2009

The sleeper hit about an alien spacecraft that brings several malnourished occupants  to Earth was filmed in South Africa  and nominated for four Academy Awards.

'The Abyss'
Year: 1989

Navy SEALs, a pending World War III and the possibility of underwater aliens combine for an exciting sci-fi film with great special effects starring Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.

'The Blob'
Year: 1958

Campy '50s movie with Steve McQueen and a young actress who would go on to fame in a much-loved TV show.

'Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back'
Year: 1980

The second "Star Wars" film released in the series – considered by many to be one of the best sequels ever made -- takes place three years after the original and was the highest-grossing film of 1980.

'2001: A Space Odyssey'
Year: 1968

Director Stanley Kubrick's 1968 film is still considered to be one of the best sci-fi movies ever made, and its popularity has grown over time, spawning websites and other media devoted to explaining it.

'Spaceballs'
Year: 1987

Mel Brooks' parody of the sci-fi film genre has an all-star cast and ultimately became a cult classic. It also spawned an animated version.

'The Thing'
Year: 1982

Director John Carpenter's contribution to sci-fi  is as compelling as his legendary horror films. Carpenter's film was a remake of a 1951 movie.

'War of the Worlds'
Year: 2005

Tom Cruise stars in this Steven Spielberg  movie about a family on the run from alien invaders. Remember who played Cruise's daughter?

‘Men in Black’
Year: 1997

This Oscar-winning alien flick was the first of a series of films starring this actor that became summer blockbusters. The title refers to conspiracy theories.