Hollywood's Alien Narratives Span Decades

As government disclosure of UFO files looms, movies have long shaped public perceptions of extraterrestrial life

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:24pm

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From the 1950s onward, Hollywood has produced a steady stream of films depicting aliens and UFOs, shaping public perceptions of intelligent life beyond Earth. As the U.S. government faces calls to release secret files on extraterrestrials, experts say the science fiction genre reflects our own fears and biases about how we might interact with alien civilizations.

Why it matters

The public's understanding of the possibility of extraterrestrial life has been heavily influenced by decades of alien-themed movies, which have ranged from friendly encounters to hostile invasions. As the government considers disclosing more information, these fictional narratives could either prepare the public or amplify existing anxieties.

The details

Hollywood quickly latched onto the 1947 Roswell incident, where authorities initially identified debris as a 'flying disc' before backtracking. Within a few years, films like 'The Flying Saucer' hit theaters, kicking off a wave of low-budget alien movies. More prominent films like 1951's 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' depicted aliens as benevolent beings warning humanity. Over time, the genre has expanded to include both friendly and hostile alien encounters, with movies like 'Signs,' 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' and 'Predator' showcasing a range of extraterrestrial narratives.

  • The 1947 Roswell incident sparked the initial wave of alien-themed movies in the 1950s.
  • In 2025, the documentary 'The Age of Disclosure' detailed government knowledge of intelligent life outside of humans.
  • In 2026, President Donald Trump announced plans to release secret government files related to UFOs and extraterrestrials.

The players

Priscilla Wald

A professor at Duke University who teaches a class about science fiction and film.

Timothy Gallaudet

A retired Navy Rear Admiral who believes the public can handle the revelation of intelligent life from outer space.

Steven Spielberg

A renowned filmmaker who has directed several iconic alien-themed movies, including 'E.T. The Extraterrestrial' and 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.'

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What they’re saying

“Hollywood has basically been preparing the public for this. I think people can handle it. It does, of course, depend on what information is released (by the government).”

— Timothy Gallaudet, Retired Navy Rear Admiral

“My question is always, 'Well, what is that fear really about?' It seems to me it's a reflection on who we are, that we're projecting onto aliens the way we treat each other. So, the aliens are coming down, they want to conquer us, they're violent. Who does that sound like? It sounds like us.”

— Priscilla Wald, Professor

What’s next

The U.S. government is expected to release previously classified files related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life in the coming months, which could further shape public perceptions and understanding of the topic.

The takeaway

Hollywood's long history of alien-themed movies has deeply influenced how the public envisions the possibility of intelligent life beyond Earth. As the government prepares to disclose more information, these fictional narratives could either prepare the public or amplify existing anxieties about making contact with extraterrestrials.