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When Aliens Invade: 8 Great Invasion Movies

The alien invasion scenario is a common one in cinema – and for good reason. If movies are a mirror, reflecting social anxieties and regrets, then the alien invasion trope is one of the most adaptable allegories imaginable. For decades, filmmakers have used it to discuss military policies, fear of technology and concern over environmental abuses. Our scientific progress as a species, in conflict with the moral progress of our conscience, and our natural fear of change, are all to be found in the alien invasion movie. There are three main types of cinematic alien invasion – each serving a different purpose – although variations and combinations do occasionally appear. These are Occupation, Infiltration and Raid.

Mars Attacks! (1996)

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Taking a comic approach to the alien invasion movie, Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks! is based upon the controversial, short-lived Topps trading card series of the same name – originally released in 1962. The cards depicted Earth being invaded by evil Martians, who used torture and slaughter to wipe the planet clean. The film – written by Jonathan Gems – parodied B movies, and attracted an enviable cast, including Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Pierce Brosnan, Natalie Portman and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Skewering everything from Ed Wood’s back catalogue to Dr. Strangelove, Mars Attacks! works hard to strike a very specific tone and humour, while retaining an unsettling and scary atmosphere. Though it was released in the same year as the box office smash hit Independence Day, Mars Attacks! has found a larger audience in the years since it invaded cinemas.

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