From mischievous invaders to heartwarming intergalactic friendships, alien cartoon shows and movies have captivated audiences for decades, proving that some of the most profound stories come from beyond our world. These vibrant animated tales offer a unique lens through which to explore complex themes like empathy, belonging, and difference, all wrapped in visually boundless and often hilarious packages. If you're looking to journey through the cosmos from your couch, exploring worlds where extraterrestrials are heroes, villains, or just misunderstood neighbors, you've come to the right place.
At a Glance: Your Guide to Alien Adventures
- Diverse Depictions: Cartoons offer limitless ways to portray aliens, from adorable sidekicks to fearsome invaders, catering to all imaginative tastes.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Many alien cartoons, unlike mature sci-fi, are designed to be upbeat, optimistic, and often subtly teach important life lessons.
- Iconic Characters: You'll encounter beloved figures like Stitch, E.T., and even Megamind, whose alien origins drive their unforgettable stories.
- Beyond Earth: Explore narratives spanning from backyard encounters to epic space explorations and hidden alien communities on our planet.
- More Than Entertainment: These stories often address societal concerns, foster empathy, and encourage viewers to think about what it means to be "different."
Why Our Screens Keep Buzzing with Extraterrestrials
Cartoons provide an unparalleled canvas for depicting aliens. Without the constraints of live-action realism, animators can craft creatures and worlds that defy imagination, making them perfectly suited for younger audiences and families. These productions often lean into lovable extraterrestrials, maintaining an upbeat and optimistic tone, while clearly distinguishing between right and wrong. They frequently tackle societal concerns relevant to younger viewers – think acceptance, environmentalism, or the importance of family – all through the exciting lens of alien encounters. This healthy, often whimsical approach sets them apart from more mature sci-fi genres, making alien cartoons a beloved staple.
Must-See Alien Cartoon Movies: From Heartfelt Journeys to Galactic Giggles
Prepare for a cinematic tour through some of the most memorable alien adventures on the big screen. Whether you're in the mood for laughter, heartwarming tears, or thrilling action, these films offer a universe of options.
Heartwarming & Humorous Alien Encounters
These films often blend comedy with deep emotional cores, proving that friendship can blossom even across species.
- Lilo & Stitch (2002): A truly classic Disney tale, this film introduces us to Lilo, a lonely Hawaiian girl who adopts Stitch, an extraterrestrial engineered for destruction, mistaking him for a dog. What unfolds is a beautiful story about family ("Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten") and learning to care for others. Its popularity spawned three more franchise films, cementing its place as a beloved animated gem.
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982): Steven Spielberg's timeless masterpiece tells the story of Elliott, a young boy who discovers and hides an alien, E.T., left behind on Earth. Their strong, telepathic friendship leads to shared physical and emotional traits, making for an incredibly moving narrative about connection and sacrifice. It remains one of Spielberg's most beloved works.
- Home (2015): When the alien Boov relocate all humans to the Australian outback to make Earth their new home, an unpopular Boov named Oh (voiced by Jim Parsons) befriends human girl Tip. Together, they embark on a journey to find Tip's mother, teaching each other valuable lessons about family, friendship, and understanding. Featuring voices by Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Rihanna, it's a delightful adventure.
- Monsters vs. Aliens (2009): This DreamWorks Animation hit sees Susan transform into a giant after an asteroid containing Quantonium hits her on her wedding day. The US government forms a monster team, including Susan, to fight the nefarious alien Gallaxhar, who is obsessed with Quantonium. Voice talents like Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, and Rainn Wilson bring this highly regarded sci-fi story to life with wit and action.
- Megamind (2010): What happens when the villain wins? The brilliant alien Megamind (voiced by Will Ferrell) arrives on Earth and, due to early-life jealousy of his popular rival Metro Man, embraces his destiny as a supervillain. This DreamWorks Animation film cleverly flips the superhero genre on its head, offering a hilarious and surprisingly insightful look at identity and purpose. Ben Stiller, Brad Pitt, and Jonah Hill also lend their voices.
Action-Packed & Adventurous Alien Worlds
For those who love a good quest, a daring rescue, or an epic battle, these films deliver thrills with an alien twist.
- Space Jam (1996): In a unique blend of live-action and animation, the alien villain Swackhammer orders his collaborators to abduct the Looney Tunes for his theme park. The only way to settle their differences? A high-stakes basketball game, which sees aliens capturing Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes "borrowing" NBA players' talents. Danny DeVito voices the memorable Swackhammer.
- Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020): Fans of the beloved Disney series will rejoice in this feature-length adventure. Phineas and Ferb, alongside Dr. Doofenshmirtz, venture out to rescue Candace and Vanessa from alien abduction on Feebla-Oot, a planet controlled by the quirky Super Super Big Doctor. The film perfectly maintains the series' healthy, ridiculous, and sophisticated humor.
- Mars Needs Moms (2011): This inventive and heartfelt story follows Milo as he races to save his mother from Martians who kidnap her for their "nanny-bots." On Mars, he befriends a human (Gribble) and a renegade Martian (Ki), ultimately teaching the Martians compassionate parenting. Seth Green and Joan Cusack are among the voice cast in this humorous and innovative tale.
- Astro Kid (2019): After his spaceship crashes, 10-year-old Willy finds himself stranded on an unknown planet. Accompanied by Flash, a loyal dog-like alien, Willy explores this new world, encountering diverse species and monsters. His journey is one of self-discovery, proving his bravery against the odds.
- Planet 51 (2009): Imagine a planet populated by green humanoids resembling 1950s Americans. When human astronaut Captain Charles "Chuck" Baker lands on Planet 51, he suddenly becomes the "alien." He must befriend the locals to find a way back to Earth. Dwayne Johnson, Justin Long, and Gary Oldman lead the voice cast in this charming role-reversal comedy.
Unconventional & Critically Acclaimed Alien Stories
Sometimes the best alien stories challenge our expectations or offer a deeper commentary.
- The Iron Giant (1999): Set in 1957, this underappreciated animated film tells the story of Hogarth, a young boy who discovers a massive robot – an extraterrestrial super-weapon – in the woods. What follows is a moving narrative about unlikely friendship and the choice between destruction and peace. Voice actors include Jennifer Aniston, Christopher McDonald, and Vin Diesel, delivering a powerful message.
- Gremlins (1984): While perhaps not a "cartoon" in the traditional sense (it's live-action with animated creatures), Gremlins is an iconic 1980s comedy/horror film featuring alien-like creatures. A father brings home Gizmo, an adorable Mogwai created for peace. However, Mogwai are unstable; if fed after midnight or exposed to water, they reproduce quickly and transform into destructive "green troublemakers." It's a cult classic that taught us important rules about pet care!
- Chicken Little (2005): Based on "Henny Penny," this film sees Ace "Chicken Little" Cluck gain a "loser" reputation for claiming the sky was falling. A year later, he and his friends discover a genuine alien invasion. The film focuses on Ace's relationship with his father, portraying the aliens as non-threatening foes, offering a sweet message about belief and family. Zach Braff voices Chicken Little.
- My Favorite Martian (1999): This film (adapted from the classic TV series) stars Tim O’Hara, a news producer who encounters a Martian (Uncle Martin, voiced by Christopher Lloyd) after his spaceship crash-lands. They form a unique bond while evading a government corporation. It’s a film that's garnered appreciation over time for its charm and humor.
- Strange World (2022): Disney's visually stunning adventure introduces audiences to the Clades, a family of explorers, including Disney's first openly LGBTQ+ protagonists (Ethan, Searcher, Jaeger). They journey into a new, fantastical planet to find an energy source, confronting not only strange creatures but also reconciling generational differences. Splat, a bioluminescent creature, serves as Ethan's memorable companion.
- Coraline (2009): While not explicitly alien, the "Other Mother" and the inhabitants of the Other World possess otherworldly qualities that feel distinctly alien and unsettling. This stop-motion masterpiece follows Coraline Jones as she discovers a hidden door to a seemingly better parallel universe, only to find it harbors a dark, sinister secret. Its unique visual style and eerie atmosphere make it a stand-out for those who enjoy a darker fantasy.
- Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders (2000): The Mystery Inc. gang finds themselves in a desert town when their van breaks down, only to encounter real aliens and UFOs. Shaggy and Scooby befriend a nature photographer named Crystal, who might be more than she seems. This film combines the classic Scooby-Doo mystery with genuine sci-fi elements, adding a fun alien twist to their usual monster-of-the-week formula.
These films represent just a fraction of the incredible tales waiting to be discovered. If you're eager to explore more of what animation offers, you can Dive into Alien Cartoons for even more delightful adventures.
Beyond the Silver Screen: Popular Alien Cartoon TV Shows
The episodic format of television allows for deeper exploration of alien cultures, prolonged character development, and intricate plots. From aliens living secretly among us to epic galactic conflicts, these TV shows offer a long-form journey into the extraterrestrial.
Aliens Among Us: When They Live Next Door
Some of the most engaging alien stories happen right here on Earth, where extraterrestrials try to blend in – often with hilarious or dramatic results.
- Resident Alien (Syfy/USA Network, 2021-2025): Based on a comic book, this dark comedy follows an alien (Alan Tudyk) sent to Earth to wipe out humanity. After crashing, he assumes the identity of Dr. Harry Vanderspiegle and, surprisingly, begins to develop human feelings. The catch? Only a nine-year-old boy can see his true, terrifying form. It's a brilliant blend of sci-fi, mystery, and comedy.
- Roswell (The WB/UPN, 1999-2002) and Roswell, New Mexico (The CW, 2019-2022): Both series, based on the "Roswell High" books, explore the lives of human-alien hybrids hiding their powers and true identities in Roswell, New Mexico. The original follows three such individuals destined to save their home planet, navigating relationships with humans. The remake features similar characters in different versions, facing a sinister alien presence that threatens to expose them.
- Mork & Mindy (ABC, 1978-1982): A classic spin-off from "Happy Days," this sitcom stars the legendary Robin Williams as Mork, an alien from Ork sent to Boulder, Colorado, to study human behavior. Living with Mindy, Mork's often naive and hilarious observations on Earth customs lead to his discovery of human emotions.
- 3rd Rock From The Sun (NBC, 1996-2001): This highly acclaimed comedic series features an extraterrestrial research team who assume the roles of a human family (led by Dick Solomon, played by John Lithgow) to study our society. The irony and humor stem from their increasingly complicated involvement in human lives, often misinterpreting basic customs with side-splitting results.
- Alien Nation (Fox, 1989-1990): Adapted from the 1988 movie, this procedural drama is set two years after a UFO crash-landed, carrying a race of formerly enslaved aliens who now live as immigrants on Earth. Human detective Matt Sikes partners with alien George Francisco, using their unique perspectives to solve crimes, while the show deftly comments on themes of discrimination and integration.
- Lightning Point (Network Ten, 2012) / Alien Surf Girls (US/UK): Two alien girls from Lumina, Zoey and Kiki, crash-land in Australia, losing their spaceship. With the help of human friend Amber, they try to blend in, questioning their desire to return home as they discover the joys of Earth life – especially surfing.
- People of Earth (TBS, 2016-2017): Journalist Ozzie Graham investigates alien abductions and finds himself joining a support group for abductees. He soon uncovers an alien race secretly living among humans with plans for conquest, and some defecting aliens who seek human help to expose them. It's a quirky, ensemble comedy with a surprising heart.
The Invasion Begins: Facing the Extraterrestrial Threat
These shows plunge us into scenarios where humanity confronts alien invaders, from subtle infiltration to full-scale war.
- Falling Skies (TNT, 2011-2015): Set six months after a devastating alien invasion, this series follows a group of human survivors known as the "Second Mass" as they fight back against the invaders. Eventually aided by another alien race, the series delves into the invaders' motives, weaknesses, and the cost of war.
- V (ABC, 2009-2011): A remake of the classic 1984 series, "V" introduces the "Visitors," an alien race who arrive claiming peace and offering advanced technology in exchange for resources. FBI agent Erica Evans discovers their true intent: a secret infiltration for a full planetary takeover. A rebel group, the "Fifth Column," forms to stop them, comprising both humans and defecting Visitors.
- Colony (USA Network, 2016-2018): Set in a dystopian Los Angeles under the control of mysterious alien "Hosts," this series explores a city walled off a year after the invasion. The Bowman family navigates this new reality, with husband Will forced to collaborate with the occupation and wife Katie secretly joining the resistance, exchanging information to save humanity.
- The X-Files (Fox, 1993-2002, 2016-2018): A monumental cultural phenomenon, this series follows FBI agents Fox Mulder (a firm believer in extraterrestrials and government conspiracies) and Dana Scully (a steadfast skeptic and scientist) as they investigate paranormal phenomena. Over its run, they uncover a vast government conspiracy involving alien existence and collaboration, spawning films and revivals.
- First Wave (Space/Sci-Fi Channel, 1998-2001): This series offers a more subtle alien infiltration storyline. Cade Foster, a security specialist, becomes the target of an alien experiment by the Gua, who are hiding among humans as part of their "first wave" to enslave humanity. Cade escapes and, with allies, works to prevent their devastating "second wave."
- Invasion (Apple TV+, 2021-present): This global alien invasion story unfolds through the eyes of five ordinary people from different parts of the world, each grappling with the sudden, inexplicable events and struggling to survive. It's a compelling look at humanity's fragmented response to an overwhelming threat.
- Taken (Sci-Fi Channel, 2002): A powerful ten-episode miniseries narrated by Dakota Fanning, "Taken" chronicles three families (Keys, Crawfords, Clarks) from 1944 to 2002, detailing their multi-generational involvement with aliens, abductions, and a deep government conspiracy. The narrative culminates in the creation of Allie Keys, a human-alien hybrid with extraordinary abilities.
Galactic Grand Adventures: Exploring the Cosmos with Aliens
For those who dream of distant stars and diverse alien civilizations, these shows take us on journeys far beyond our solar system.
- The Orville (Fox/Hulu, 2017-2022): Created by and starring Seth MacFarlane, this series is a loving homage to classic Star Trek, set in the 25th century. The USS Orville, an exploratory vessel commanded by Captain Ed Mercer, features a diverse human and alien crew who visit various parts of the galaxy, encountering new races and civilizations with a blend of comedy, drama, and social commentary.
- Lost in Space (Netflix, 2018-2021): A thrilling revival of the 1965 series (which itself was a reimagining of "The Swiss Family Robinson"), this show follows the Robinson family. Selected to colonize Alpha Centauri, their journey takes an unexpected turn when an alien spacecraft attack forces them to crash-land on an unknown planet, where they face intense survival challenges.
- Stargate Atlantis (Sci Fi Channel, 2004-2009): Part of the expansive "Stargate" franchise, this series follows Major Sheppard and his team as they explore the Pegasus Galaxy via the Stargate. Their mission focuses on the myth of Atlantis, a lost city of an ancient human race, and confronting a powerful ancient enemy that now threatens Earth.
- Star Trek: Discovery (CBS/Paramount+, 2017-2024): The seventh "Star Trek" series, set roughly a decade before "Star Trek: The Original Series," follows the USS Discovery and its crew. Initially embroiled in a war between the Klingon army and the United Federation of Planets, the series later undertakes missions involving new adversaries, time travel, and exploration of uncharted territories.
- The Mandalorian (Disney+, 2019-2023): The first live-action series in the "Star Wars" universe, set after the fall of the Empire. Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), a lone Mandalorian bounty hunter, is hired to retrieve a mysterious creature known as Grogu ("Baby Yoda"). However, he chooses to protect Grogu, embarking on a quest to return him to his kind, leading to unforgettable adventures across the galaxy.
- The Expanse (Syfy/Amazon Prime Video, 2015-2022): Based on the acclaimed novels, this series is set a hundred years in the future, where humanity has colonized the solar system, forming three powerful factions: the UN, the Martian Congressional Republic, and the Outer Planets Alliance. War is imminent as protagonists unravel a vast conspiracy that could prevent escalating tensions across the solar system.
- Defiance (Syfy, 2013-2015): This unique sci-fi western drama is set in a post-apocalyptic future Earth, where various alien races (the Votanis Collective) have co-existed with humans for decades. Joshua Nolan, a war veteran, becomes sheriff of Defiance, a town striving for peace amidst cultural clashes and political intrigue, all while investigating conspiracies related to his adopted alien daughter, Irisa. It even had a companion video game.
The Enduring Appeal of Alien Stories
Why do these stories, whether cartoon or live-action, continue to resonate so deeply with us? Perhaps it's the boundless potential for imagination, the exploration of "the other" that helps us understand ourselves better, or the thrill of encountering the unknown. Alien narratives allow creators to comment on contemporary issues – whether it's xenophobia, environmentalism, or the search for identity – often more effectively than purely human-centric stories. They provide a safe space to grapple with big ideas, offering both escapism and profound introspection.
Choosing Your Next Alien Adventure
With such a vast universe of options, how do you pick your next alien-themed show or movie?
- Consider the Age Group: For younger viewers, stick to films like Lilo & Stitch, Home, or Phineas and Ferb. For older teens and adults, shows like Resident Alien, The Expanse, or The X-Files offer more complex themes.
- What's Your Mood? Craving laughs? Try 3rd Rock From The Sun or Megamind. Looking for drama and action? Falling Skies or The Mandalorian might be your pick. For a heartfelt story, E.T. or The Iron Giant are perfect.
- Do You Prefer Movies or Series? Movies offer a contained story, while series allow for long-term commitment to characters and plot development.
- Think About Your Preferred Alien Dynamic: Do you want aliens who are friends, foes, or simply misunderstood strangers? Each category offers distinct narrative flavors.
No matter your preference, the world of popular alien cartoons and shows is rich with stories waiting to be discovered.
Beyond the Screen: The Impact of Alien Stories
The popularity of these shows and movies goes beyond mere entertainment. They inspire scientific curiosity, encourage critical thinking about diversity and acceptance, and even influence real-world discussions about space exploration and the potential for extraterrestrial life. By presenting aliens in diverse roles – from terrifying invaders to beloved companions – these narratives broaden our perspectives and remind us that the universe is far larger and more mysterious than we often imagine.
So, queue up your next cosmic adventure and prepare to be transported to worlds both familiar and utterly alien. The journey promises to be out of this world!