Memorable Movie Aliens

Memorable Movie Aliens: The Good, the Bad, and the Really, Really Ugly

By Paul Asay

We are not alone.

That's what we've always suspected, anyway. Millennia before anyone strung barbed wire around Area 51, we believed that strange creatures sometimes stopped by earth for a visit. Sometimes we've considered them as angelic beings, dropping by to teach us lessons, offer words of warning, or share a bowl of soup—just to make sure we're treating guests as we ought. Other times we see them as sinister demons lurking in forests, under bridges, or in the dark recesses of our imagination, ever eager to steal our kids, possess our bodies, and generally make our lives miserable.

In honor of the latest cinematic extraterrestrial invasion to hit earth—DreamWorks' "Monsters vs. Aliens"—here are the 11 most memorable extraterrestrial visitors. Some are nice, some are nasty: We'll rank them by how much danger they present. If they snag a "3" or below, they're reasonably safe to invite over for dinner. If they rate an "8" or above, chances are you'll be the main course.