The 24 Best Alien Movies For Kids, Ranked

Kids love aliens for the same reason adults do: they’re weird, they’re funny, and they make
everyday life feel a little more cosmic. The tricky part for parents is finding
alien movies for kids that are fun, age-appropriate, and not going to cause
2 a.m. “there’s something in my closet” visits.

This ranked guide pulls from audience-voted lists (like Ranker’s “Best Alien Movies for Kids”),
critic roundups, and family-focused outlets such as Common Sense Media, CBR, and other
U.S.-based movie resources to spotlight family-friendly alien movies that
actually work for real kids and real living rooms.

How we ranked the best alien movies for kids

Before we beam down the list, here’s how these kid-friendly sci-fi movies earned
their spots:

• Age-appropriateness: Violence, language, and scariness were all considered, using guidance from parent-focused review sites and ratings.
• Positive themes: Friendship, empathy, courage, and curiosity about the universe scored major points.
• Rewatch value: If you can’t stand to watch it more than once, it didn’t make the top tier.
• Alien factor: Robots, creatures, and extraterrestrial visitors all count, as long as the story feels cosmic and kid-friendly.

Suggested ages are rough guidelinesalways check the specific rating and content descriptions
for your child.

The 24 best alien movies for kids, ranked

1. 1. WALL-E (2008)

   A lonely trash-compacting robot quietly cleaning up a ruined Earth accidentally becomes the
   hero of humanity. “WALL-E” is technically about robots, but it’s packed with off-world
   adventures, spaceships, and human-alien-robot interaction vibes that land it high on
   kid-friendly sci-fi lists.

   Why it’s great for kids: Minimal dialogue, tons of visual humor, and a surprisingly emotional story about caring for the planet and for each other.

   Best for ages: 6+ (younger kids enjoy the visuals; older kids get the deeper themes).

2. 2. Lilo & Stitch (2002)

   A lonely Hawaiian girl adopts what she thinks is a dog, only to discover he’s a chaotic,
   genetically engineered alien fugitive. The original animated Lilo & Stitch
   has become a classic example of a family-friendly alien movie, blending
   slapstick chaos with a heartfelt story about family (“ʻohana”).

   Why it’s great for kids: Big laughs, big feelings, and a strong message about found family and acceptance.

   Best for ages: 6+ (some mild peril but nothing most kids can’t handle).

3. 3. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

   The gold standard of alien movies for kids, this Spielberg favorite
   follows a boy who befriends a stranded alien and tries to help him get home before the
   adults catch on. It’s frequently cited as one of the best family-friendly sci-fi films ever
   made.

   Why it’s great for kids: It’s a pure emotional rollercoasterin the best wayabout loyalty, friendship, and saying goodbye.

   Best for ages: 8+ (younger kids may find some scenes intense).

4. 4. The Iron Giant (1999)

   A giant metal alien crashes in 1950s America and befriends a young boy who teaches him that
   he doesn’t have to be a weapon. Many kid-focused lists place The Iron Giant near
   the top thanks to its emotional depth and gentle approach to big themes.

   Why it’s great for kids: It’s both exciting and tender, with an unforgettable “you are who you choose to be” message.

   Best for ages: 8+ (some war and sacrifice themes).

5. 5. Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)

   When a meteorite turns a woman into a giant, she’s recruited into a secret team of “monsters”
   who have to defend Earth from alien invaders. DreamWorks’ goofy, high-energy movie regularly
   appears on lists of the best alien flicks for kids.

   Why it’s great for kids: Big action, big laughs, and zero real nightmare fuel.

   Best for ages: 7+.

6. 6. Megamind (2010)

   Two alien babies escape doomed planets and land on Earthone grows up to be a hero, the other
   a villain. Or so it seems. Megamind flips the superhero story on its head while
   still delivering colorful sci-fi fun and lots of alien tech.

   Why it’s great for kids: Smart jokes for adults, silly jokes for kids, and a surprisingly sweet message about second chances.

   Best for ages: 7+.

7. 7. Home (2015)

   A nervous alien named Oh is part of a bumbling species that invades Earth, but he ends up
   teaming up with a human girl to fix the mess they’ve made. This DreamWorks adventure is bright,
   bubbly, and very kid-focused.

   Why it’s great for kids: It’s all about friendship, forgiveness, and figuring out where you belong.

   Best for ages: 5+.

8. 8. Earth to Echo (2014)

   Think “E.T.” for the smartphone generation: a group of kids follow mysterious signals on
   their phones and discover a tiny robotic alien who needs help getting home. It’s a
   found-footage-style adventure that many critics highlight as an underrated family sci-fi
   movie.

   Why it’s great for kids: Bikes, best friends, secret missions, and a ridiculously cute alien.

   Best for ages: 9+ (a few tense chases).

9. 9. Planet 51 (2009)

   On this planet, the aliens are the locals and the human astronaut is the strange invader.
   Planet 51 flips the alien invasion idea on its head, turning it into a colorful,
   retro-style comedy that family and science outlets often recommend as an accessible space
   story for kids.

   Why it’s great for kids: It’s light, silly, and packed with visual gags and 1950s-style sci-fi nods.

   Best for ages: 7+.

10. 10. Flight of the Navigator (1986)

    A boy disappears and reappears eight years later without aging, then discovers a sleek alien
    spaceship with a wisecracking AI. This ‘80s classic shows up again and again in “best sci-fi
    for kids” lists.

    Why it’s great for kids: It feels like a time capsule of ‘80s adventure moviesfun, a little weird, but ultimately warm-hearted.

    Best for ages: 9+.

11. 11. Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001)

    When alien egg-worshippers abduct all the parents in town, boy genius Jimmy and his friends
    have to launch into space to rescue them. It’s noisy, cartoony, and tailor-made for younger
    kids who love gadgets and slapstick.

    Why it’s great for kids: Clever inventions, goofy aliens, and a big “kids can be brave, too” payoff.

    Best for ages: 6+.

12. 12. Escape from Planet Earth (2013)

    A famous blue alien astronaut is tricked into a rescue mission on a dangerous planetoursand
    ends up relying on his nerdy brother to save him. It’s a brightly animated, joke-heavy
    adventure often called out as a divisive but fun pick on kid-alien lists.

    Why it’s great for kids: Plenty of slapstick humor and sibling-bond themes.

    Best for ages: 7+.

13. 13. Elio (2025)

    Pixar’s Elio follows a lonely boy who accidentally becomes Earth’s representative to
    an intergalactic council when aliens mistake him for a leader. Early coverage highlights
    themes of belonging, friendship with odd aliens, and embracing who you are.

    Why it’s great for kids: Classic Pixar mix of emotional storytelling and imaginative alien designs.

    Best for ages: 8+ (based on early impressions).

14. 14. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

    Not every child is ready for the whole saga, but many family movie lists include the
    original Star Wars as a gateway space opera for older kids: aliens in cantinas,
    droids, spaceships, and a straightforward good-vs-evil story.

    Why it’s great for kids: It’s foundational sci-fi, and the Force-driven hero’s journey still hits.

    Best for ages: 9+ (blasters and battles, but stylized).

15. 15. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)

    The crew of the Enterprise time-travels to 1980s San Francisco to save Earth by rescuing
    whales. There are aliens, space travel, and environmental stakes, but it’s one of the
    lightest and funniest Star Trek films and regularly appears on “family-friendly
    alien movies” lists.

    Why it’s great for kids: It’s quirky, hopeful, and surprisingly easy to follow even if kids don’t know Trek lore.

    Best for ages: 9+.

16. 16. The Last Starfighter (1984)

    A teen who masters an arcade game is recruited by aliens to fight in a real interstellar war.
    It’s a retro favorite that often shows up alongside Flight of the Navigator in
    kid-friendly sci-fi roundups.

    Why it’s great for kids: Feels like every gamer kid’s ultimate fantasy.

    Best for ages: 10+ (mild space combat).

17. 17. Space Jam (1996)

    Technically this is a basketball movie, but the plot does involve alien theme-park owners
    kidnapping the Looney Tunes. It’s chaotic, silly, and deeply ‘90s in the best way.

    Why it’s great for kids: Cartoon physics, aliens, and sports all in one place.

    Best for ages: 6+.

18. 18. *batteries not included (1987)

    Tiny flying alien robots help a group of tenants save their building from demolition. Critics
    often describe it as a gentle, optimistic sci-fi story with lots of heart.

    Why it’s great for kids: It’s a cozy underdog story with adorable alien helpers.

    Best for ages: 9+ (some emotional moments).

19. 19. Explorers (1985)

    Three kids build a homemade spaceship after receiving strange dreams and signals… and end up
    meeting aliens with a surprising fondness for human pop culture. This one has a strong cult
    following among fans of “friendly alien” movies.

    Why it’s great for kids: It celebrates curiosity, tinkering, and big imagination.

    Best for ages: 10+.

20. 20. Mac and Me (1988)

    Famously odd and often described as an “E.T.” knockoff, Mac and Me follows a boy
    who befriends a stranded alien while dodging government agents. Despite its reputation, it
    still shows up in nostalgic discussions of kid-friendly alien films.

    Why it’s great for kids: Younger kids may enjoy the simple story and visual gags, even if the adults are just there for the camp factor.

    Best for ages: 7+.

21. 21. Lilo & Stitch (2025 live-action)

    Disney’s live-action remake revisits the original story of Lilo and her chaotic alien buddy,
    with new performances and updated visuals while staying close to the original family-centered
    plot.

    Why it’s great for kids: Offers a fresh take for kids who love live-action films but keeps the same core themes of family, grief, and connection.

    Best for ages: 7+.

22. 22. Galaxy Quest (1999)

    A washed-up sci-fi TV cast gets mistaken for real space heroes by desperate aliens and dragged
    into a real interstellar conflict. While made for adults, it’s often recommended for older
    kids who like space adventures and meta-humor.

    Why it’s great for kids: It’s a hilarious love letter to sci-fi fandom with surprisingly wholesome alien allies.

    Best for ages: 11+ (some language and peril).

23. 23. Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020)

    Candace is abducted by seemingly friendly aliens, and her brothers have to blast off and save
    her (and possibly the galaxy). CBR and other outlets call it one of the standout animated alien
    adventures for kids.

    Why it’s great for kids: Fast-paced, joke-packed, and already familiar if they love the show.

    Best for ages: 7+.

24. 24. Cocoon (1985)

    A group of seniors discover that the mysterious “pods” in a swimming pool belong to aliens and
    that contact with them restores their youth. It’s more about aging and mortality than space
    battles, but it’s frequently mentioned among “friendly alien” movies that older kids can watch
    with grandparents.

    Why it’s great for kids: Best for tweens/teens ready for thoughtful themes about life, death, and compassion.

    Best for ages: 11–12+.

How to choose the right alien movie for your kid

Even within this list of best alien movies for kids, not every title fits every
age. A few quick filters can help:

• Age and sensitivity: A fearless 10-year-old might handle space battles just fine, while a sensitive 7-year-old might prefer cuddly robots and goofy aliens.
• Content level: Check ratings and parent guides for language, intensity, and emotional themes before you press play.
• Message: Many of these movies are sneaky life lessons about empathy, friendship, environmentalism, or courage. Decide what you want to reinforce right now.
• Energy level: Some films (like WALL-E) start very quiet, while others are full-throttle chaos from minute one. Match the vibe to your kiddo’s mood.

Final thoughts: Family movie night, but make it cosmic

The right alien movie can do a lot more than keep kids busy for 90 minutes. The best
family-friendly alien movies help kids imagine life beyond Earth, practice
empathy for beings who look nothing like them, and even learn to think critically about how
humans treat each other and our planet.

Whether you start with a gentle classic like E.T., a high-energy romp like
Monsters vs. Aliens, or an emotional robot story like WALL-E, you’re not just
picking a movieyou’re opening a little window to the universe. Snacks optional, but strongly
recommended.

Real-world experiences: What alien movies for kids feel like at home

Reading lists of alien movies for kids is one thing; actually watching them with
real, wiggly children is another. In practice, family movie night tends to look less like a serene
cinema and more like mission control with popcorn. Someone’s always asking a question, someone
else has to go to the bathroom at the most dramatic moment, and at least one kid will loudly
announce, “If an alien landed here, I’d totally keep it” halfway through.

One of the most common “parent reviews” of films like E.T., The Iron Giant, and
Lilo & Stitch is that grown-ups end up crying harder than the kids. That’s actually a
good sign. These movies work because they tap into universal feelings: being lonely, wanting a
friend, feeling misunderstood, or trying to be brave when everything is changing. Kids relate to
the main characters, while adults quietly recognize their own childhoods (and maybe feel a tiny
pang about the passage of time).

Another practical observation: kids often latch onto the friendship between human and
alien much more than the special effects. A tiny robot in Earth to Echo, a destructive
fluffball like Stitch, or a hulking metal guardian like the Iron Giant all become stand-ins for
“that weird friend who gets me.” You’ll hear kids debate whether they’d rather hang out with Echo,
Stitch, or E.T., but underneath the argument is a deeper question: “Who would accept me exactly as
I am?” Movies give them a safe way to explore that.

Parents also report that alien movies spark surprisingly thoughtful conversations after the
credits roll. A child might ask why people in the story were afraid of the alien, why the military
reacted the way it did, or why grown-ups didn’t listen to the kids. Those are perfect moments to
talk about fear of the unknown, empathy, and how we treat outsiders in real life. Sci-fi can make
big topicsprejudice, environmental damage, warfeel easier to process because they’re wrapped in
an entertaining, clearly fictional package.

On a lighter note, these kid-friendly sci-fi movies are also fantastic creativity
boosters. After watching Planet 51 or Jimmy Neutron, don’t be surprised if your
living room turns into a spaceship launched from a pile of couch cushions, or if somebody starts
designing “alien translators” out of cardboard. Lean into it: give them paper, markers, and some
tape and ask, “OK, if an alien landed in our backyard, what would we show them first?” You’ll get a
window into what your kids think matters most about Earthand about your family.

The key to making these movies a positive experience is not just choosing the right title, but
also framing the experience. For younger kids, that might mean watching in daylight, pausing to
explain scarier moments, or reminding them that the characters are safe. For older kids, it could
mean talking about symbolism, stereotypes, or how aliens in movies often stand in for “outsiders”
in real life. Either way, an evening with aliens can end with a child who feels a little braver, a
little more curious, and a lot more eager to ask, “What else is out there?”