World UFO Day is today (July 2nd) and as a librarian with a passion for classic horror films, I though it would be fun to celebrate the occasion with some of my favorite classic Science Fiction chillers. The titles on this list all have one thing in common: they feature some sort of creature from space. From man-eating vegetables to spacemen, and giant blobs to giant robots, we have a little bit of everything on this list!
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Humanity is shocked when the alien Klaatu and his giant robot, Gort, arrive at the United States capital with some chilling news. Interplanetary powers have been observing Earth, and have determined that humanity has become too violent and destructive to be left alone. Klaatu issues an ultimatum: either the earth must live peacefully or the entire planet will be destroyed as a threat to other planets.
The Man from Planet X (1951)
A small group of scientists are observing the orbit of a strange planet that is moving very close to Earth. The scientists are thrilled but nervous when a visitor from this strange planet arrives on Earth, seeking to make contact. But, what are his intentions?
The Thing (1951)
A team of researchers in Antarctica discover a strange craft frozen in the ice, along with it’s humanlike occupant. But, when they take the creature into the station to thaw him out, he’s revealed to be a monstrous being with a taste for human flesh.
It Came From Outer Space (1953)
After a meteor crashes near a small desert town, an amateur stargazer and his girlfriend discover that something is horribly wrong with their friends and neighbors, who appear to be replaced by emotionless copies of themselves.
The Phantom from Space (1953)
An asteroid crashes on earth, bringing with it a strange occupant. But, how can earth’s scientists track down a space man who is completely invisible without his protective suit?
This Island Earth (1955)
The world’s greatest scientists, including Dr. Cal Meacham are called together for a top secret research project. During the course of their interactions, they learn that the men who hired them are not of this earth, but are in fact aliens from the planet Metaluna.
Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956)
Aliens make contact with an earth scientist, asking that he help them to set up a meeting with all the world leaders so that they can take over the planet without causing a panic.
Forbidden Planet (1956)
A starship crew investigates while a planetary colony suddenly went silent. When they arrive, they discover only two survivors and a robot, as well as secrets which were meant to stay buried.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
No one will believe a small town doctor who returns from a trip out of town to discover that everyone is being replaced by emotionless, alien copies that hatch out of strange seed pods.
The Blob (1958)
A crashed meteor brings with it a strange jelly-like creature that turns out be a ravenous alien life form that is rapidly growing and devouring everything (and everyone) in sight.
