Let's take a trip back through the alien and UFO movies and television shows that helped define the 1980s.
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Release Date: May 21, 1980 While technically a space fantasy rather than a UFO film, The Empire Strikes Back introduced audiences to an incredible collection of alien species that expanded George Lucas' universe. The film starred Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian, and Frank Oz as the voice and puppeteer behind the legendary Yoda. The story follows the Rebel Alliance as it battles the Galactic Empire after the destruction of the Death Star. Luke seeks training from Yoda on the swamp planet of Dagobah while Darth Vader relentlessly pursues his enemies. The film's imaginative alien worlds and creatures helped inspire countless science-fiction projects throughout the decade.
Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986) Aliens Release Date: July 18, 1986 Although Ridley Scott's original Alien arrived at the tail end of the 1970s, James Cameron's Aliens became one of the defining science-fiction films of the 1980s. Sigourney Weaver returned as Ellen Ripley alongside Michael Biehn as Corporal Hicks, Bill Paxton as Hudson, Lance Henriksen as Bishop, and Carrie Henn as Newt. The film follows Ripley as she returns to LV-426 with a group of Colonial Marines to investigate a lost colony, only to discover an entire hive of deadly Xenomorphs. The Xenomorph remains one of cinema's most terrifying extraterrestrials and proved that alien stories could be both horror and action spectacles.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Release Date: June 11, 1982 No alien movie captured the hearts of audiences more than Steven Spielberg's beloved classic. Henry Thomas starred as Elliott, while Dee Wallace played his mother, Mary. Robert MacNaughton portrayed older brother Michael, and Drew Barrymore charmed audiences as little sister Gertie. The story centers on a gentle alien accidentally left behind on Earth. Elliott befriends the creature and helps him evade government agents while trying to find a way to contact his home planet. The phrase "E.T. phone home" became part of popular culture, and the film demonstrated that aliens could be compassionate and emotional rather than frightening.
The Thing (1982) Release Date: June 25, 1982 John Carpenter delivered one of the greatest science-fiction horror films ever made with The Thing. Kurt Russell starred as helicopter pilot R.J. MacReady, leading an ensemble cast that included Keith David, Wilford Brimley, Richard Masur, and Donald Moffat. Set in Antarctica, the film follows researchers who encounter a shape-shifting alien capable of perfectly imitating any living creature. As paranoia spreads, nobody knows who can be trusted. The movie initially struggled at the box office but eventually became a cult classic thanks to its groundbreaking practical effects and unforgettable creature designs.
Starman (1984) Release Date: December 14, 1984 Jeff Bridges earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of an alien visitor in John Carpenter's romantic science-fiction drama. Karen Allen starred as Jenny Hayden, a grieving widow who helps the extraterrestrial after he assumes the form of her deceased husband. The alien must travel across America to reach his rescue point while government agents pursue him. Along the way, Jenny learns that humanity may not be alone in the universe. Unlike many alien films of the era, Starman focused on compassion, understanding, and love rather than conflict.
Cocoon (1985) Release Date: June 21, 1985 Ron Howard's heartwarming fantasy introduced audiences to friendly aliens with extraordinary powers. The ensemble cast featured Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Steve Guttenberg, and Tahnee Welch. The story revolves around elderly residents of a retirement community who discover that a nearby swimming pool contains cocoons belonging to benevolent extraterrestrials. The aliens' life-giving energy restores the seniors' youth and vitality. The film won two Academy Awards and proved that alien stories could appeal to audiences of all ages.
Enemy Mine (1985) Release Date: December 20, 1985 This underrated science-fiction drama explored themes of friendship and understanding between different species. Dennis Quaid played human pilot Willis Davidge, while Louis Gossett Jr. portrayed the reptilian alien Jeriba Shigan, known as "Jerry." After crashing on a hostile planet, the two enemies must learn to work together to survive. Over time, they develop a profound friendship that transcends their differences. The movie remains a thoughtful examination of prejudice and humanity.
Flight of the Navigator (1986) Release Date: July 30, 1986 Disney combined family adventure with alien technology in this beloved classic. Joey Cramer starred as David Freeman, while Paul Reubens provided the voice of the wisecracking spacecraft MAX. After disappearing for eight years without aging, David discovers that he has become linked to an advanced alien spaceship. Together, they embark on an unforgettable journey filled with wonder and excitement. The film became a favorite among children growing up in the 1980s and showcased groundbreaking visual effects.
Critters (1986) Release Date: April 11, 1986 Not all 1980s aliens were friendly. The cult horror-comedy introduced audiences to the ravenous Krites, furry extraterrestrial creatures with an insatiable appetite. The film starred Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, Billy Green Bush, and Scott Grimes. It also featured shape-shifting alien bounty hunters pursuing the escaped creatures to Earth. The movie blended horror, comedy, and science fiction, spawning multiple sequels and earning a loyal fan base.
Predator (1987) Release Date: June 12, 1987 One of the most iconic alien hunters in movie history arrived during the summer of 1987. Arnold Schwarzenegger led the cast as Dutch, accompanied by Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Sonny Landham. The story follows an elite military team operating in the Central American jungle that discovers it is being hunted by a technologically advanced extraterrestrial warrior. Predator quickly became one of cinema's greatest science-fiction villains, combining mystery, brutality, and honor into a memorable character.
They Live (1988) Release Date: November 4, 1988 John Carpenter delivered a unique blend of science fiction, satire, and social commentary. Roddy Piper starred as drifter John Nada, with Keith David portraying Frank Armitage and Meg Foster as Holly Thompson. After discovering special sunglasses, Nada realizes that Earth has secretly been infiltrated by alien beings who manipulate humanity through advertising, consumerism, and political control. The film's famous line—"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass"—became legendary, and its themes remain relevant decades later.
Mac and Me (1988) Release Date: August 12, 1988 Often compared to E.T., this family film told the story of a stranded alien called MAC, which stood for Mysterious Alien Creature. Jade Calegory played Eric Cruise, a young boy who befriends the extraterrestrial. Christine Ebersole and Jonathan Ward rounded out the cast. Though critically panned, the movie developed a cult following and remains one of the most recognizable family science-fiction films of the decade.
ALF (1986–1990) Original Air Date: September 22, 1986 Television found tremendous success with everyone's favorite wisecracking alien. The sitcom starred puppeteer Paul Fusco as the voice and performer behind ALF, alongside Max Wright as Willie Tanner, Anne Schedeen as Kate Tanner, Andrea Elson as Lynn, and Benji Gregory as Brian. ALF, whose real name was Gordon Shumway, came from the planet Melmac. After crash-landing into the Tanner family's garage, he became a permanent houseguest while hiding from government authorities. The show's humor, heart, and unforgettable title character made it one of the most beloved sitcoms of the era.
V (1983–1985) Original Miniseries Air Date: May 1, 1983 One of the decade's most ambitious science-fiction events, V imagined an alien invasion unlike any other. The cast included Marc Singer as Mike Donovan, Jane Badler as Diana, Faye Grant as Julie Parrish, Michael Ironside as Ham Tyler, and Robert Englund as Willie. The Visitors arrive on Earth appearing human and promising peace. Eventually, humanity learns that the aliens are reptilian creatures with plans to exploit Earth's resources and population. The original miniseries became a cultural phenomenon and spawned a sequel and weekly television series.
Out of This World (1987–1991) Original Air Date: September 17, 1987 This family sitcom blended comedy with science fiction. Maureen Flannigan starred as Evie Garland, a teenager who discovers that her father is an alien from the planet Antareus. Using inherited powers such as freezing time, Evie navigates the challenges of adolescence while keeping her extraterrestrial heritage secret. The show became a staple of syndicated television during the late 1980s.
The Twilight Zone Revival (1985–1989) Original Air Date: September 27, 1985 The revived version of The Twilight Zone continued the franchise's tradition of exploring extraterrestrial mysteries and UFO encounters. Many episodes featured alien invasions, first-contact scenarios, and cosmic morality tales. The series attracted a remarkable collection of actors, including Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Shelley Duvall, and Fred Savage. The anthology format allowed writers to examine humanity's relationship with the unknown from countless perspectives.
The 1980s gave us every kind of extraterrestrial imaginable. Some wanted friendship. Others wanted conquest. Some were adorable, while others haunted our nightmares. From E.T. and ALF to Predator and The Thing, these films and television shows reflected our hopes, fears, and endless curiosity about what might exist beyond our world. Decades later, their influence remains undeniable. Modern science-fiction still borrows ideas, characters, and storytelling techniques that first captured audiences during this remarkable decade, a time when looking to the stars meant anything was possible.
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