The Top Ten UFO Movies of All Time
Submitted by Chad on Sat, 06/07/2008 - 00:53.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) . A grand tour of ufology, with pre-X-Files government conspirators, UFO lunatics and early abduction themes. Richard Dreyfuss is fine as an average guy whose UFO experience turns his life upside down. The railway crossing scene is a classic, plus the cameo by noted ufologist Dr. J. Allen Hynek.
The Abyss (1989) . Unidentified underwater objects (UUOs) turn out to be curious aliens. The stunning effects and cinematography make this film an outstanding first-contact story.
Uforia(1980) . Sadly underrated story of a checkout clerk who thinks she’s been chosen by aliens to carry their message of peace to the masses. She attracts quite a following, and there’s lots of resemblance to Elmer Gantry. But then it seems the government is taking her seriously for some reason...
The UFO Incident (TV) (1975) . A teleplay of The Interrupted Journey. Wonderful low-key and believable performances by Estelle Parsons and James Earl Jones as Betty and Barney Hill. A thoughtful portrayal of the “grandaddy” of all UFO abductions.
Earth Versus the Flying Saucers (1956) . One of the best saucer movies of the 50s. Excellent special effects for its time, including the frequently-seen stock footage of plastic model saucers flying over Washington, D.C.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) . A classic even beyond ufology, when Klaatu’s saucer hovers over Washington, it creates absolute chaos, despite good intentions. A story of hope dashed by our inherent xenophobia.
Hangar 18 (1980) . Probably the true forerunner of the X-Files. When a saucer collides with a NASA vehicle, it’s all quickly hushed up because it’s election time. Can the heroic astronauts find the saucer in time? Aliens = good. Government = bad.
Communion (1989) . Very strange film which is more a character study of Whitley Streiber, with Christopher Walken going over the top to portray absolute dissociation and paranoia when aliens seem to be haunting his entire life.
Fire in the Sky (1993) . Yes, I know I panned this movie when it first came out. (But Tracy Torme and I have made up since then.) The last half hour of the film is just plain silly, but leading up to it, showing how UFO investigations unfold, is admittedly well-presented and thoughtful.
The Brother From Another Planet (1984) . The UFO is seen only at the beginning, but the story of an alien dealing with the reality of Earth as a fish out of water again underlines our xenophobia. This low-budget film gets my vote as a touching, yet powerful statement about our society.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
Recent comments
1 day 7 hours ago