Alien: Earth arrives on Disney+ this week, and it’s sparked a playful stroll through cinema’s most memorable Earth visitors. To celebrate the long-running fascination with visitors from the stars, here’s a ranked look at 10 aliens who have landed, invaded, or simply paid Earth a visit on screen.
10. The xenomorph in Alien: Earth (2025)
The iconic extraterrestrial from the Alien franchise makes a modern return in the prequel-tinged series Alien: Earth. Fans will recognize the facehugger’s unsettling larval form and the infamous chestburster moment, now recast for a contemporary TV landscape. On Earth, this creature’s presence promises a new test of humanity’s wits and nerves.
9. The blob in The Blob (1958)
A black-and-white era scare that still sticks in the memory, The Blob oozes through cracks and theaters with a simple, chilling premise: an amorphous, ever-expanding danger that devours everything in its path. Its appeal lies in its primal, body-horror simplicity and its use as a metaphor for creeping modern anxieties.
8. Jeff Bridges as Starman in Starman (1984)
A gentler, more enigmatic alien arrives on Earth in this John Carpenter classic. The visitor assumes the form of a recently deceased farmer to learn about humanity, then forges a tender, complicated bond with a grieving widow. It’s a case where wonder and warmth temper the awe of first contact.
7. Klaatu and Gort in The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
A landmark of Cold War-era sci-fi, Klaatu arrives with a stern message and a powerful robot, Gort, whose quiet menace underscored the film’s call for peace. The now famous “Klaatu barada nikto” line remains a cultural touchstone for interstellar diplomacy and restraint.
6. Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
A galaxy-spanning misfit who embodies theatrical rebellion, Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his eccentric crew bring glam rock into space. This alien isn’t just a visitor; he’s a provocateur who blurs boundaries and invites audiences to question identity, desire, and cosmic oddity—with a soundtrack that’s become iconic.
5. Thomas Jerome Newton in The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)
David Bowie’s gaunt, otherworldly figure is part tragedy, part alien charisma. Newton’s mission to save his drought-stricken planet unfolds as a portrait of alien detachment and humanity’s own flaws—an unforgettable blend of sci‑fi mood and elegiac alien cool.
4. Kal-El in Superman: The Movie (1978)
Krypton’s last son lands on Earth to don the mantle of a hero. Kal-El’s arrival brings awe, wonder, and a moral compass that reframes the superhero myth. The film balances blockbuster spectacle with an earnest sense of purpose, making the alien visitor a symbol of hope as well as power.
3. The pods in Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Not every alien arrives with fangs or flame; sometimes the threat is inward and creeping. Pods replicate loved ones, creating emotionless doubles that turn communities into uncertain battlegrounds. A sharp Cold War allegory, it still resonates as a warning about conformity and fear.
2. E.T. in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Spielberg’s celebrated visitor remains the most beloved ambassador of first contact. With a blend of childlike curiosity and poignant longing, E.T. became a cultural shorthand for friendship across species, and for the universal ache to phone home when the world feels overwhelming.
1. The “female” in Under the Skin (2013)
Scarlett Johansson’s enigmatic alien embodies pure predation and intent, moving through a gray, rain-soaked Glasgow in search of prey. This stark, hypnotic film invites reflections on humanity, connection, and the alien gaze—an art-house reminder that not all cosmic visitors arrive with a map or a smile.
What this ranking reveals about our galaxy
Across decades and tones—from atmospheric thrillers to heartfelt dramas, from overt sci‑fi action to minimalist art-house visions—the best alien visitors to Earth reveal how cinema uses otherworldly encounters to illuminate our own humanity. The latest entry, with Alien: Earth, shows how the franchise continues to evolve, translating fear and fascination for new audiences while nodding to the franchise’s most enduring moments.
Additional value and takeaways
– The list spans genres and eras, illustrating how the idea of “the other” on Earth can be terrifying, charming, or philosophically provocative.
– Many entries became cultural touchstones beyond their films: memorable lines, iconic creatures, and influential design that shaped later sci‑fi.
– If you’re new to these films, consider starting with E.T. for warmth, The Blob for retro horror, and The Man Who Fell to Earth for a Bowie‑fueled mood piece.
Summary
Aliens visiting Earth have long served as a mirror for our fears and hopes. Whether they arrive as monstrous invaders, gentle misfits, or existential symbols, these on-screen visitors continue to spark curiosity about who we are, what we fear, and how we relate to the wider cosmos. The ongoing exploration of alien life—from classic mid-century allegories to modern cinematic experiments—continues to offer fresh wonder and reflection for audiences around the world.
Potential closing note
If you’re looking for a hopeful thread, even in stories of invasion or encounter, these aliens often reveal something essential about human resilience, empathy, and our capacity to imagine a future where contact with the unknown can lead not to catastrophe, but to greater understanding.