Our 15 Favorite Movie and TV Aliens of All Time
Aliens have been part of media, fiction and stories ever since some of us dared to look up and dream. It’s likely that there are other life forms in outer space, and it’s unlikely we’ll ever meet them. So all we have is tales to fill our need to meet these mysterious beings, and the ones we’ve come up with over the years are incredible.
From lovable visitors to relentless predators, these characters helped define science fiction across generations. These are our favorite movie and TV aliens of all time, chosen for their unforgettable designs, personalities, and the lasting impact they had on audiences.
The Xenomorph (Alien)
Few movie monsters have ever matched H.R. Giger’s terrifying creation. The Xenomorph’s biomechanical design, relentless hunting instincts, and unforgettable life cycle turned it into one of science fiction’s greatest cinematic villains.
The Predator
Unlike a mindless killer, the Predator follows its own warrior code and hunts worthy opponents. Advanced technology, intimidating design, and mysterious culture have kept the Yautja among science fiction’s coolest extraterrestrials for decades.
Marvin the Martian (Looney Tunes)
Armed with an impossibly polite voice and dreams of destroying Earth, Marvin the Martian became one of Looney Tunes’ most enduring characters. His calm demeanor, Roman-inspired helmet, and endless clashes with Bugs Bunny make him an unforgettable cartoon alien.
The Doctor (Doctor Who)
Technically a Time Lord from Gallifrey, the Doctor has spent decades saving civilizations with intelligence instead of brute force. Constant regeneration allows the character to reinvent themselves while remaining television’s most iconic extraterrestrial hero.
Chewbacca (Star Wars)
Han Solo’s loyal Wookiee co-pilot rarely needs subtitles to communicate. Fierce in battle yet endlessly dependable, Chewbacca has become one of the most recognizable and beloved aliens in film history.
The Thing
John Carpenter’s shape-shifting organism remains one of horror’s most disturbing creations. Its ability to perfectly imitate living beings turns paranoia itself into the monster, making every character question who can be trusted.
The Heptapods (Arrival)
These seven-limbed visitors aren’t invaders, since they challenge humanity to rethink communication itself. Their nonlinear perception of time and beautifully strange language make them among the most intellectually fascinating aliens ever put on screen.
Stitch (Lilo & Stitch)
Experiment 626 begins as a chaotic force of destruction before discovering friendship and family. Equal parts adorable and dangerous, Stitch became one of Disney’s most successful and enduring extraterrestrial characters.
Alf
Crash-landing into suburban America, Gordon Shumway quickly became sitcom royalty. His sarcastic humor, enormous appetite, and constant wisecracks made ALF one of television’s funniest alien visitors.
The Na’vi (Avatar)
James Cameron’s towering blue inhabitants of Pandora aren’t just visually impressive. Their spiritual connection to nature and richly developed culture helped make them one of modern cinema’s most memorable alien civilizations.
The Daleks (Doctor Who)
Pepper-pot bodies hide some of television’s most ruthless villains. The Daleks’ unwavering hatred, chilling battle cries, and centuries-long rivalry with the Doctor have cemented them as sci-fi legends.
The Klingons (Star Trek)
What began as Cold War antagonists evolved into one of science fiction’s richest fictional cultures. Honor, combat, politics, and tradition transformed the Klingons into far more than simple alien warriors.
The Martians (Mars Attacks!)
Tim Burton’s Martians are gleefully chaotic invaders whose oversized brains, skeletal bodies, and incessant “Ack! Ack! Ack!” turned them into instant cult icons. Equal parts hilarious and horrifying, they’re among cinema’s most entertaining alien antagonists.
The Yip Yips (Sesame Street)
These lovable blue Martians may not star in blockbuster films, but generations grew up laughing at their confused attempts to understand everyday Earth objects. Sometimes the funniest aliens are also the simplest.
Roger (American Dad!)
Disguises, outrageous personalities, and complete moral unpredictability make Roger unlike any other television alien. Every episode seems to introduce another bizarre alter ego, turning him into the show’s endlessly entertaining wildcard.