The Surprising Reasons Why So Many Movies Are About Aliens

The fascination with aliens in the world of cinema is evident in every genre, from the blockbuster action films to the intimate sado-masochistic horror movies. The prevalence of alien themes in popular culture is a testament to the enduring human interest in the unknown. In this article, we explore the reasons behind why there are so many movies about aliens, addressing the cultural, psychological, and industry factors that contribute to this widespread fascination.

Every single character in the popular Star Wars franchise is not from Earth and not even from this galaxy. This trend is not unique to Star Wars; numerous movies and books feature alien life forms. However, let’s delve into the reasons why these alien-themed stories dominate the landscape of cinema.

1. Alien Culture and Relatability: People crave relatability, even in extraterrestrial narratives. A strictly alien story with a completely different culture is challenging to write and comprehend. Therefore, most alien cultures are modeled after or closely resemble human culture. This relatability enhances the audience's engagement and makes the stories more interesting and accessible.

Psychological theories and hypotheses provide insights into why humans persist in focusing on alien life forms in films and literature.

2. Abnormal Psychological Hypothesis: Some individuals have a specific preference for sado-masochistic horror involving aliens. This niche interest may not be as widespread as the general audience that enjoys alien-themed movies, but it does exist.

3. Developmental Psychological Hypothesis: Many humans are inherently afraid of the unknown. This fear can be traced back to childhood and persists into adulthood. Horror films, including those with alien themes, exploit these deep-seated fears.

4. Adolescent Hypothesis: Many boys enjoy the thrill of their girlfriends or partners jumping into their arms for comfort when they are scared by a horror movie. The alien theme can create an early fascination with the concept of otherness and the unknown, potentially inspiring a lifelong interest in space and extraterrestrial life.

The horror film industry also plays a significant role in the proliferation of alien-themed movies. Specific hypotheses and industry trends explain the success and prevalence of these films.

5. Horrifying Alien Cultures and Subcultures: Some movie studios and filmmakers seek to create a cult horror movie to entertain a subculture of alienated and isolated individuals. This market niche, while not mainstream, does exist and contributes to the diversity of horror films.

6. Friendly Alien Thesis: A common hypothesis is that moviegoers desire to explore a friendly alien thesis, contrasting with hostile extraterrestrial themes. Films like “Paul,” “E.T.,” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” aim to present aliens as benevolent beings. On the other hand, older films such as “War of the Worlds,” “Independence Day,” and “Super Troopers” depict hostile, threatening aliens.

Another intriguing hypothesis is the counterintelligence hypothesis, which posits that some of these films may serve as a covert means to divert official attention away from sensitive topics or to hide information.

Conclusion: The popularity of alien-themed movies is not merely a matter of relatability or fascination with the unknown but a complex interplay of psychological factors, niche markets, and broader cultural trends. Whether driven by psychological curiosity, market demand, or covert intentions, the enduring allure of alien life forms continues to captivate movie enthusiasts around the world.