With the UK National Archives recently releasing new files on UFO sightings and the launch of the spectacular alien-invasion thriller Skyline on DVD and Blu-Ray on Monday, we take a look at some of the most recent Hollywood interpretations of our extra-terrestrial friends and the methods used to resist their attacks.
Mars Attacks (1996)
The visitors: Bulbous-headed Martian pranksters shooting every human in sight with laser guns.
The defence: Drown them out with Tom Jones records!
Independence Day (1996)
The visitors: Plate-shaped spaceships confuse everyone by parking above America’s biggest cities -.and then start blowing up any building of vague historical significance.
The defence: Nominate the US president to blow them up in a fighter jet. Simples.
Starship Troopers (1997)
The visitors: Advanced, intergalactic bugs decide to attack earth. Presumably because they’re bored.
The defence: Send clean-cut teenagers in Nazi uniforms to the oversized cockroaches’ planets….with guns, lots of guns.
Signs (2002)
The visitors: Countryside loving invaders with artistic tendencies and razor blades for fingers.
The defence: Er... Just throw some water at them apparently.
War Of The Worlds (2005)
The visitors: Mega spaceships from a super advanced civilization, pulverizing the world’s population with a powerful laser.
The defence: Develop a common cold and sneeze vigorously in their direction.
Cloverfield (2008)
The visitors: A Godzilla-like creature single-handedly destroying New York City, specifically targeting the young and annoying.
The defence: Videotape your friends being ripped apart and run in the opposite direction.
Skyline (2010)
The visitors: Gigantic light beaming vessels from outer-space filled with giant, brain-hungry monsters
The defence: DON’T LOOK UP!
Skyline descends onto DVD & Blu-Ray 21 March 2011