Since ancient times, extraterrestrials or aliens have captivated the imagination of people worldwide. Artists across cultures have found inspiration in these mysterious beings and alien themes can be found in various artistic works, particularly due to the influence of pulp fiction stories. Today, however, the topic of aliens is not only confined to creative realms but also forms a subject of scientific debate. There are numerous documentaries and movies dedicated to the exploration of aliens, and for your viewing pleasure, we have compiled a list of the top 15 titles in no particular order. Here they are:
1. “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977)
2. “Independence Day” (1996)
3. “Signs” (2002)
4. “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951 and 2008 remake)
5. “Arrival” (2016)
6. “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996)
7. “Alien” (1979)
8. “Men in Black” (1997)
9. “District 9” (2009)
10. “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)
11. “The Thing” (1982)
12. “War of the Worlds” (1953 and 2005 remake)
13. “Starship Troopers” (1997)
14. “Predator” (1987)
15. “Cowboys & Aliens” (2011)
1. Ancient Aliens
Original Run: March 8, 2009 – present
Number of Episodes: 220
Kick-off our top picks for alien documentaries with “Ancient Aliens”. This series is built upon and influenced by the pseudoscientific ancient astronaut theory, which gained traction from Erich von Däniken’s book “Chariots of the Gods?” and Zecharia Sitchin’s “The 12th Planet”. According to these works, extraterrestrial beings allegedly visited Earth during ancient or prehistoric times, imparting civilization, architecture, and advanced technology to early human civilizations.
It’s often suggested that a significant portion, if not the entirety, of ancient human accomplishments in areas like language, mathematics, science, technology, and architecture – including structures like the Egyptian pyramids, Pumapunku, and Stonehenge – were influenced by extraterrestrial beings. Evidence for these encounters is said to be present in religious texts, ancient legends, and traditional stories from various faiths worldwide, such as Hinduism, Ancient Egyptian religion, Gnostic Christianity, Mormonism, among others.
The theory proposed also suggests that ancient civilizations were visited by extraterrestrials, and this is supported by linguistic remnants found across various languages worldwide. For instance, the roots of words like “Dagon”, “dragon”, “dog”, and “Danann” could potentially be linked to these visits. Similarly, the word “anu”, often meaning friend or visitor, appears frequently in many languages. These ideas are championed by alien enthusiasts and researchers, either through their research building a common cosmic understanding or via on-camera statements.
As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve come across numerous theories that suggest anatomically modern humans were engineered through genetic manipulation or are biologically related to extraterrestrial beings from ancient times – ideas like those championed by von Däniken and Sitchin. These intriguing hypotheses often take center stage in many documentaries I’ve watched.
2. Hangar 1: The UFO Files
Original Run: February 28, 2014 – June 26, 2015
Number of Episodes: 20
The documentary series titled “Hangar 1: The UFO Files” aired on H2 television network from February 28, 2014 to April 18, 2014, with Go Go Luckey Productions handling production. The second season was broadcasted on History channel on April 10, 2015. Each episode features UFO reports from the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), filmed at Hangar 12.
3. UFO Files
Original Run: July 5, 2004 – October 5, 2007
Number of Episodes: 46
titled “UFO Files“, is a TV series that ran from 2004 to 2007, focusing on reported UFO sightings. During its run, ufologists and UFO enthusiasts delved into celestial, terrestrial, or human events that might offer clues about potential extraterrestrial life. The show hails from the United States, where it was produced from 2004 to 2007. It spanned over 4 seasons and a total of 46 episodes. KPI Productions handled its production. The series premiered on July 5, 2004, on the US History Channel.
4. UFO Hunters
Original Run: January 30, 2008 – October 29, 2009
Number of Episodes: 39
UFO Hunters” is a television series broadcasted from 2008 to 2009 in the United States, focusing on claims of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). It was derived from the show Ghost Hunters. The main characters in this program are Bill Birnes, Jeff Tomlinson, and Pat Uskert. Throughout the series, the team investigates various accounts of UFO sightings.
For verification, the team looks for both solid evidence and circumstantial details to determine if the sighting seems genuine. The series was created in America from 2008 to 2009. It ran for a total of 3 seasons with a grand total of 39 episodes. Pilgrim Studios handled its production. The show made its debut on January 30, 2008, on the American History Channel.
5. Unsealed Alien Files
Original Run: 2011 – 2015
Number of Episodes: 82
The Unsealed Alien Files is a U.S. documentary series that explores documents concerning alleged encounters with aliens and UFOs, which have been made available to the public since 2011 thanks to the Freedom of Information Act. Each episode delves into foreign incidents like mass UFO sightings, supposed alien abductions, and government concealment. It also covers global news about aliens.
6. ΞX+RΛNORMΛL El Origen
Original Run: March 21, 2007 – present
Number of Episodes: 11 seasons
The show “ΞX+RΛNORMΛL” is a Mexican television program that explores the mysterious, supernatural, miraculous, and paranormal. Hosted by Samantha Arteaga, it follows the investigations led by Joe Herrera, supported by experts in the field such as Octavio Elizondo (metaphysics specialist and harmonizer), Miriam Verdecía (harmonizer), Luisa Cárdenas (medium and seer), and previously Laura Rivas (paranormal investigator and spiritualist).
In my role as a paranormal investigator, I delve into the unknown across various locales, not just within Mexico, but also in regions where eerie phenomena or unexplained events take place – be it ghostly apparitions, paranormal occurrences, or incidents classified as demonic possessions according to local beliefs. My work is renowned among Spanish-speaking audiences across Latin America, serving as a trusted authority on all things paranormal. I am warmly received in Mexico, the United States, Guatemala, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Honduras, Costa Rica, Peru, and Colombia, where my findings are eagerly awaited and highly respected within the esoteric community.
7. In Search of…
From April 17, 1977 to March 1, 1982, from October 4, 2002 to November 22, 2002, and from July 20, 2018 to September 14, 2018, this span covers a total of 166 episodes.
I delved into a multitude of diverse subjects, encompassing the unexplained realm like UFOs, Bigfoot, and Nessie; mysteries surrounding missing individuals such as Anna Anderson, Duchess Anastasia, Jack the Ripper, Butch Cassidy, Amelia Earhart, Jimmy Hoffa, and D.B. Cooper; pivotal historical events like Abraham Lincoln’s assassination; enigmatic cults led by figures like Pastor Jim Jones; intriguing locations including the Bermuda Triangle and Easter Island; mysterious sea vessels such as the Mary Celeste and the RMS Titanic; and vanished cities, for instance, the Roanoke Colony.
At the start of each program, a warning about the program’s subject matter was given due to the sensitive nature of the topics being discussed. The production featured interviews, photomontages, and film recordings narrated by Leonard Nimoy. The tone was more informative than instructive, yet the background music added an element of intrigue and tension.
1. Nimoy’s fame (resulting from his portrayal of Mr. Spock on the Star Trek TV show) made him beloved in certain groups. Nimoy was intrigued when the topic of Vincent van Gogh came up. It was often said that Van Gogh was insane, but Nimoy found proof that he had epilepsy instead. The series spawned six follow-ups in various books exploring topics like lost civilizations, extraterrestrials, magic, witchcraft, unusual occurrences, myths, and beastly creatures.
2. Nimoy’s popularity (owing to his character as Mr. Spock from Star Trek) won him affection among certain communities. Nimoy was intrigued when the subject of Vincent van Gogh arose. It was commonly believed that Van Gogh was mentally ill, but Nimoy uncovered proof that he experienced epilepsy. The series gave rise to six spin-offs in various books dealing with themes such as ancient cultures, aliens, enchantments, sorcery, mysterious occurrences, legends, and monstrous creatures.
3. Nimoy’s popularity (as a result of his role as Mr. Spock on the series Star Trek) made him well-liked among certain groups. Nimoy was intrigued when the discussion turned to Vincent van Gogh. It was often claimed that Van Gogh was mad, but Nimoy found evidence suggesting he suffered from epilepsy instead. The show led to six subsequent installments in various books about vanished civilizations, extraterrestrial beings, magic, witchcraft, oddities, myths, and monstrous creatures.
8. Paranormal Witness
The original timeline was from September 7, 2011 to November 27, 2013, and then from August 26, 2015 to October 26, 2016. In total, there were 64 episodes aired during this period.
The show ran for two periods: firstly from September 7, 2011 to November 27, 2013, and then again from August 26, 2015 to October 26, 2016. There were a total of 64 episodes broadcast during these two runs.
Paranormal Witness is an American documentary series airing on the Syfy network, featuring individuals who claim to have encountered paranormal occurrences. The show intertwines interviews with these individuals and dramatized reenactments of various events. It first aired on September 7, 2011, and due to its popularity among viewers, the producer opted to renew it for a second season consisting of twelve episodes in August 2012, followed by a third season of twenty episodes in June 2013.
9. Enquête sur le monde invisible
Original Release: September 30, 2002
Running Time: 87 minutes
In a land where nature is raw and untamed, Iceland’s society nurtures hidden connections with a mysterious population – the elves. Many of its inhabitants have reported sightings of ghosts, encounters with aquatic beasts, or interactions with angels and extraterrestrials. This gripping exploration poses a profound query: might we not be the only intelligent life in the cosmos?
10. Out of the Blue
Original Run: 2003
Number of Episodes: 95 minutes
Moving forward in our list of top alien documentaries ever made, we find “Out of the Blue”. This 2003 documentary delves into the UFO phenomenon and was first aired on the Sci-Fi Channel on June 24, 2003. The film was created by American director James Fox. Narrated by Peter Coyote, it presents evidence from interviews with scientists, eyewitnesses, high-ranking government and military personnel, suggesting that some unidentified flying objects might be of extraterrestrial origin. It also implies that secrecy and mockery are often used to conceal the truth about UFOs.
In 2009, a follow-up titled “I Know What I Saw” was published, produced for a special on History Channel. This work by James Fox further explores the testimonies presented in “Out of the Blue,” and includes accounts of new alleged UFO sightings that occurred after its publication.
11. The Phenomenon
Original Run: October 6, 2020
Number of Episodes: 100 minutes
The Phenomenon”
Description: Released in 2020, this American documentary explores the UFO enigma, delving into over seven decades of research and sightings. The movie offers a comprehensive perspective, produced by James Fox, Marc Barasch, and CE3 film. Distributed by 1091 media, it features Peter Coyote as narrator. Its premiere took place on October 6, 2020.
12. Arthur C. Clarke’s Mysterious World
Original Run: September 2 – November 25, 1980
Number of Episodes: 13
The documentary series titled “Arthur C. Clarke’s Mysterious World” was created and presented by Arthur C. Clarke himself. A total of thirteen episodes were produced. The skull made of crystal that appears in the opening credits is a distinctive feature, featuring various extraordinary elements such as a spirit photograph and a fork allegedly bent using psychokinesis. Additionally, the series includes music composed by Alan Hawkshaw.
The initial airing of this television show took place in September 1980 on British channels. It had two subsequent series: “Arthur C. Clarke’s World of Strange Powers” in 1985 and “Arthur C. Clarke’s Mysterious Universe” in 1994. Arthur C. Clarke provided his thoughts on the topic of each episode, which were filmed in Sri Lanka. The overall narrator was Gordon Honeycombe.
13. Sightings
Original Run: October 17, 1991 to December 23, 1998; April 17, 1992 to September 11, 1997
Number of Episodes: A total of 114 episodes were aired
Linda Moulton Howe, an acclaimed TV producer and documentary filmmaker with Emmy Awards under her belt for science and environmental programs, was the initial idea creator and lead producer of the original special that aired on Fox TV, produced by Paramount. Her expertise in these subjects stems from her Emmy-winning show titled A Strange Harvest, which aired on KMGH-TV in May 1980 and explored the global mystery of animal mutilations, a phenomenon linked to extraterrestrial biological entities according to law enforcement.
14. Encounters
Original Run: June 24, 1994 – January 23, 1996
Number of Episodes: 18
Unveiling the Unseen: Reality Uncovered”
This is an hour-long TV series that delves into true accounts of extraordinary, paranormal occurrences. Each episode features a presenter (John Marshall) and a team of correspondents who share anywhere from three to four such stories per show. Topics range from UFO sightings, mysterious crop circles, exorcism tales, prophecies, clairvoyance, reincarnation, and other unexplained phenomena. The series adopts a news/documentary film style, presenting the narratives through interviews with witnesses and dramatic recreations of the events as detailed in these testimonies. Post-presentation, the host and reporters engage in discussions about their reactions to these extraordinary stories.
Originally airing on Fox, Encounters primarily served as a summer substitute for other series and filled gaps in the schedule. It first premiered at 8:00 pm on Fridays during the summer of 1994, with occasional broadcasts without a consistent schedule afterward. Towards its end, Steven Williams from The X-Files took over as host from John Marshall in the last three episodes. Two of these episodes were aired in November 1995, and the series concluded on January 23, 1996.
15. Unidentified: Inside America’s UFO Investigation
Original Run: May 31, 2019 – August 22, 2020
Number of Episodes: 14
The History Channel television show, titled “Unidentified: Inside America’s UFO Investigation,” was said to have revealed classified government projects centered around the examination of unusual aerial phenomena, commonly known as Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).
The show featured Luis Elizondo, a previous military counter-intelligence officer and head of the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, along with Christopher Mellon, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence in the U.S. government. During the series, Elizondo shared that he left his position due to growing exasperation because the authorities were not giving adequate attention to UFOs, which he perceived as posing a significant risk to national security.
Well, we’ve reached the conclusion of our top-notch collection of intriguing alien documentaries throughout history. I trust you discovered a captivating pick for your viewing pleasure!
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2025-05-31 19:46