Aliens tend to fall into two distinct camps: those who want to zap us with lasers, and those who want to be our cool new intergalactic BFFs.
While the world-invasion types tend to grab the headlines with stunts like demolishing popular tourist destinations (“Independence Day”) and vaporising the populace with death rays (“Mars Attacks!”, “War of the Worlds”), the friendly aliens who come in peace are more likely to embrace humanity for all its flaws. Indeed, the 12 extra-terrestrials below have almost invariably left the world better than they found it, whether it’s by saving the day, being an entertaining house guest, or expanding the fundamental limits of human consciousness.
So, as the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” remake lands in cinemas, we celebrate a dozen of pop culture’s most memorable alien visitors, ordered by the date they first made contact with the people of Earth. And we also bring a warning from the cosmos — you may have a close encounter with a plot spoiler or two.
Superman (aka Kal-El)
Few alien visitors have embraced Earth culture quite as readily as the son of Jor-El, who’s spent a large chunk of his superhero career espousing values of “truth, justice, and a better tomorrow” (formerly “the American way”). Thanks to the effects of Earth’s yellow sun on his Kryptonian physiology, Superman‘s enhanced strength, eye lasers, and ability to fly — not to mention his penchant for wearing his underwear outside his clothes — make him stand out from the crowd. Indeed, several recent stories (including the 2013 movie “Man of Steel”) have explored how the world regards an alien who acts as a self-appointed peacekeeper.
But despite his unwavering devotion to protecting those in need — ignoring that bit in “Superman III” when he grew designer stubble and went bad — you can’t help thinking he’d rather be settling down as Clark Kent, living out his happy-ever-after with Lois Lane.
Other friendly aliens from the DC stable include Supergirl, Martian Manhunter, and various members of the Green Lantern Corps.
Klaatu
- As seen in: “The Day the Earth Stood Still”
- Date of first contact: 1951
These days the poster for the original “The Day the Earth Stood Still” would probably be called out for false advertising. Giant robot Gort can be seen carrying a scantily clad woman while firing a laser from his eyes, recreating a scene that never actually happens in the movie.
Instead, Gort’s boss, Klaatu…
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