10 Alien Movies Where We Wish the Aliens Had Won

1. "War of the Worlds" (2005)

There's nothing like a Steven Spielberg epic to kick things off. While this film was a visual masterpiece, with its earth-shattering special effects and high octane action sequences, we found ourselves intrigued by the mysterious invaders. These tripodal titans brought down their wrath with chilling efficiency, turning Earth's defenses into rubble. Their technological prowess and destructive capability were jaw-droppingly terrifying, yet also fascinating. Even though Tom Cruise's desperate struggles as Ray Ferrier were captivating, there was something about the ruthless elegance of the alien onslaught that had us secretly rooting for the invaders. If we're going down, let's go down spectacularly, right?

2. "Independence Day" (1996)

Okay, yes, the rallying speech from President Thomas Whitmore (Bill Pullman) was inspiring, but let's get real. The aliens in this film had a level of panache that was downright admirable. With their city-sized spaceships and advanced weaponry, these extraterrestrial invaders made a grand entrance that screamed style. They brought humanity to its knees in a matter of hours, proving that they meant business. Admit it, part of you admired their audacity and wished to see more of what they could do. Sure, the heroic human resistance led by Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum was thrilling, but the silent, relentless invaders held a morbid allure that was hard to resist.

3. "Mars Attacks!" (1996)

In a twist of alien invasion plots, Tim Burton's "Mars Attacks!" presents us with aliens that are comically merciless, rather than ominously threatening. These invaders are as merciless as they are ridiculous, annihilating Earth's defenses while giggling their heads off. Their joyous cruelty and utter lack of empathy make them a guilty pleasure to watch. As they turn humans into skeletons and topple iconic landmarks, you can't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. It's as if the Joker decided to direct an alien invasion – chaotic, horrifying, but strangely entertaining. Despite the film's heroic resistance, we can't deny that a part of us wished to see what more the Martians could do if they had won.

4. "District 9" (2009)

"District 9" presents a unique take on the alien invasion plot. Instead of aggressive invaders, the aliens in this film are refugees stranded on Earth, marginalized, and subjected to horrific living conditions. The real monster of the movie becomes apparent – it's humanity's fear and prejudice. We end up empathizing with the "prawns," who only wish to go home. The transformation of Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley), who starts as a cog in the oppressive machine and ends up as a champion for the aliens, makes us root for these extraterrestrials even more. In this case, an alien victory would be a triumph of compassion and justice over hate and fear.

5. "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982)

Steven Spielberg hits the list again with one of his most iconic films. E.T. isn't the invading kind of alien; he's the adorable, glowing finger kind. However, the threat of being dissected by government scientists makes humans the antagonists of this story. From the moment E.T. makes his famous phone call, we're cheering for him to escape Earth and return home. With a whopping 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, it's clear that audiences worldwide empathized with this charming extraterrestrial's plight.

6. "Predator" (1987)

This 1987 cult classic introduces us to an alien being that's a whole lot scarier than the muscle-bound soldiers it's hunting. This is one movie where you can't help but respect the antagonist – the Predator, an extraterrestrial trophy hunter. Despite our hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger, in all his machismo, the Predator outmatches him in stealth, strength, and even the cool factor. By the film's end, you almost wish to see the Predator victorious, just for the sheer awe of its prowess. With a box office gross of $98.3 million, it seems many fans shared this guilty fascination.

7. "Signs" (2002)

"Signs" puts forth a much more intimate take on the alien invasion trope. The story revolves around a family coping with grief and the sudden appearance of crop circles that signal an impending alien invasion. Although the movie focuses on the Hess family's struggle, the aliens lurking in the background pose an intriguing mystery. Their stealthy approach and the looming threat they represent create a chilling atmosphere of dread. Despite the unsettling threat, there's something appealing about the otherworldly intelligence working silently in the background. You might have found yourself wishing to learn more about these enigmatic invaders, even if that meant they won.

8. "Avatar " (2009)

In James Cameron 's epic "Avatar," it's the humans who are the invaders, aiming to exploit the idyllic planet of Pandora for its resources. The film presents the Na'vi, an indigenous alien species, in such an appealing light that you can't help but root for them against the greedy human corporations. Seeing their harmonious existence with nature and their struggle against colonial exploitation, we're more than happy to see the aliens take the win. This sentiment seems to have resonated with moviegoers, given the film's monumental box office earnings of $2.8 billion.

9. "Starship Troopers" (1997)

"Starship Troopers" is a unique blend of military science fiction and satirical commentary on fascism. The human soldiers might be the protagonists, but there's an argument to be made that the arachnids of Klendathu, the alien bugs they fight, aren't the real villains. The bugs only retaliate when their planet is bombarded by human forces. As the film progresses, we realize that the supposedly democratic human society isn't all that different from the bugs they're fighting.

10. "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951)

A golden oldie to wrap up our list, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" turns the table on the classic alien invasion trope. Here, the extraterrestrial visitor, Klaatu, comes with a warning about humanity's violent ways rather than an intention to conquer. His ultimatum? Live in peace, or be destroyed as a threat to other civilizations. When humanity reacts with fear and hostility, you can't help but think we might deserve to be put in our place. While the 2008 remake starring Keanu Reeves doesn't quite capture the original's appeal, the 1951 version holds a respectable 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.