National Alien Invasion Day

A group of diverse individuals wearing tinfoil hats, holding ray guns, standing in front of a starry night sky.. — National alien invasion day illustration

Get ready to don your tinfoil hats and prepare for the invasion - National Alien Invasion Day is here! This extraterrestrial extravaganza is a celebration of all things otherworldly, taking us on a journey beyond the stars. So grab your ray guns and let's dive into the fascinating history of this cosmic holiday.

When is Alien Invasion Day?

It's national alien invasion day on the 16th August.

The Origins of National Alien Invasion Day

Although alien invasions may seem like the stuff of science fiction movies, the concept of National Alien Invasion Day actually originated online. Back in the early days of the internet, a group of enthusiastic ufologists (that's UFO enthusiasts for the uninitiated) decided to create a day dedicated to the countless tales of extraterrestrial encounters. They believed that by spreading awareness and celebrating our potential intergalactic neighbors, we could foster a friendlier relationship with the unknown.

The first mention of National Alien Invasion Day can be traced back to August 16, 2015, when a small but enthusiastic online community shared their excitement for the event. What started as a niche gathering quickly gained popularity, and the idea of celebrating the possibility of extraterrestrial life resonated with people from all walks of life.

How to Celebrate National Alien Invasion Day

Celebrating National Alien Invasion Day can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Here are a few creative ways to show your extraterrestrial enthusiasm:

Host an alien-themed movie marathon and invite your friends over for a night of sci-fi fun.
Create your very own tin foil hat and wear it proudly to show your solidarity with fellow believers in the great unknown.
Throw an intergalactic costume party where guests can come dressed as their favorite aliens from movies, TV shows, or their wildest imaginations.
Explore the night sky with a telescope and try to spot any celestial visitors.

Did You Know?

In 2019, a national poll revealed that 42% of respondents believe aliens have already visited Earth. Whether it's due to compelling evidence or an overdose of sci-fi movies, the notion of extraterrestrial life continues to capture our collective imagination.

History behind the term 'Alien Invasion'

1898

First Mention

The term 'alien invasion' was first used in literature, specifically in H.G. Wells' science fiction novel 'The War of the Worlds.' Published in 1898, the novel depicts a Martian invasion of Earth and popularized the concept of extraterrestrial beings invading our planet. Wells' vivid and imaginative descriptions of the alien invasion set the foundation for the term to enter common usage.

1938

The War of the Worlds radio broadcast

In 1938, Orson Welles directed and narrated a radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel, The War of the Worlds. The broadcast was presented as a series of simulated news bulletins, describing a Martian invasion happening in real-time. The realistic nature of the broadcast caused panic among many listeners who thought the aliens were really invading. This event popularized the concept of an alien invasion and sparked a cultural fascination with extraterrestrial life.

1897

The Emergence of Science Fiction Literature

The term 'alien invasion' first emerged in the late 19th century with the rise of science fiction literature. In 1897, H.G. Wells published his renowned novel 'The War of the Worlds,' which depicted an invasion of Earth by Martians. This book introduced the concept of an extraterrestrial species invading our planet, captivating readers and setting the stage for future depictions of alien invasions in popular culture.

1897

First mention of a Martian invasion

In 1897, the concept of an alien invasion was first mentioned in popular culture. H.G. Wells, a British author, published his famous science fiction novel 'The War of the Worlds.' The book depicted a Martian invasion of Earth, captivating readers with its thrilling narrative and imaginative descriptions.

1898

The War of the Worlds

In 1898, H.G. Wells' science fiction novel, 'The War of the Worlds', was published. This classic work popularized the concept of an alien invasion. The novel follows the invasion of Earth by Martians, who exhibit advanced military technology and pose a significant threat to humanity. Wells' vivid descriptions of the invasion and its aftermath captured the imagination of readers and set the stage for future depictions of alien invasions in popular culture.

1871

First use of 'alien invasion'

The term 'alien invasion' was first used in 1871 in the context of science fiction. It appeared in the novel 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells, which depicted an extraterrestrial invasion of Earth. This iconic work popularized the concept and coined the term 'alien invasion' to describe scenarios where beings from another planet invade and conquer Earth.

1898

The War of the Worlds is published

In 1898, British writer H.G. Wells published the science fiction novel 'The War of the Worlds,' which depicted an invasion of Earth by beings from Mars. This popular novel introduced the concept of an alien invasion to mainstream culture, captivating readers with its detailed descriptions of destructive Martian war machines and the struggle of humanity against the extraterrestrial invaders.

1897

The Great Airship Scare

In 1897, a wave of sightings and reports of strange flying objects spread across the United States. People claimed to have seen mysterious airships in the sky, sparking fears of a possible invasion. These sightings, known as 'The Great Airship Scare,' created a buzz in the media and captured the public's imagination. Although these sightings were later debunked as misidentifications or hoaxes, they marked the beginning of the fascination with potential alien invasions.

1938

Orson Welles' 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast

On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles conducted a dramatic radio broadcast adaptation of 'The War of the Worlds.' The radio play presented the story as a series of realistic news bulletins, causing mass panic among listeners who believed that an actual alien invasion was taking place. This incident showcased the power of mass media and its ability to influence public perception.

1938

The War of the Worlds radio broadcast

On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles directed a radio adaptation of 'The War of the Worlds' as part of the series 'The Mercury Theatre on the Air.' The realistic radio drama, presented as a series of news bulletins, caused panic among some listeners who believed the fictional invasion was real. The broadcast demonstrated the power of the media to influence public perception and added to the cultural impact of the term 'alien invasion.'

1938

Orson Welles' Radio Broadcast

One of the most iconic moments in the history of the term 'alien invasion' occurred in 1938. Orson Welles, through his Mercury Theatre on the Air, aired a radio adaptation of 'The War of the Worlds.' The broadcast was presented as a series of news bulletins, which many listeners mistook for a real alien invasion. Panic and hysteria broke out as people believed Earth was being attacked. This event not only showcased the power of radio media but also intensified the public fascination with the idea of an alien invasion.

1938

Orson Welles' 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast

In 1938, Orson Welles directed a radio drama adaptation of H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds.' The broadcast was presented as a series of realistic news bulletins, leading many listeners to believe that a real alien invasion was underway. This infamous radio event in the United States caused widespread panic and solidified the 'alien invasion' concept in popular culture, associating it with fear and uncertainty.

1953

The War of the Worlds film adaptation

In 1953, the novel The War of the Worlds was adapted into a film directed by Byron Haskin. The movie showcased impressive special effects for its time, depicting large Martian war machines and their destructive capabilities. This film further solidified the idea of an alien invasion as a thrilling and terrifying concept in popular culture.

1928

Modern Interpretation

The idea of alien invasions gained further popularity in the 1920s and 1930s due to pulp science fiction magazines, such as 'Amazing Stories.' These publications often featured thrilling stories about invaders from other worlds, giving rise to the modern interpretation of alien invasion. The term became associated with both fear and fascination, captivating readers with the notion of advanced civilizations descending upon Earth.

1938

The War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast

One of the most famous incidents relating to the concept of alien invasions occurred on October 30, 1938, during a radio drama adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel, 'The War of the Worlds.' Produced by Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre on the Air, the broadcast simulated a Martian invasion, presented as a series of news bulletins. Due to the realistic nature of the drama, many listeners believed the story was real, causing panic and confusion. This event heightened public fascination with the possibility of an alien invasion and further solidified the term 'alien invasion' in popular culture.

1938

Orson Welles' Radio Broadcast

On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles' radio adaptation of 'The War of the Worlds' caused panic and confusion among listeners. The realistic radio play, presented as a series of news bulletins, convinced many people that an actual alien invasion was taking place. Despite disclaimers before and during the broadcast that it was a work of fiction, the public reaction demonstrated the power of media to shape perceptions and fuel mass hysteria.

1953

War of the Worlds film adaptation

In 1953, the first major film adaptation of 'The War of the Worlds' was released, directed by Byron Haskin. The movie brought the terrifying Martian invasion to life on the big screen, further popularizing the concept of extraterrestrial invasions and capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide.

1947

Roswell Incident

One of the most well-known events associated with the term 'alien invasion' is the alleged UFO crash near Roswell, New Mexico. In 1947, reports of a crashed flying saucer sparked intense speculation and conspiracy theories about extraterrestrial contact. While officially explained as a weather balloon, the incident fueled public interest in the possibility of real alien invasions and solidified their place in popular culture.

1950s

The Golden Age of Science Fiction

The 1950s were considered the Golden Age of Science Fiction, and alien invasion stories became a prominent theme in literature, films, and comics during this period. Science fiction writers such as Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, and Robert A. Heinlein popularized the concept of hostile extraterrestrial beings invading Earth. This era contributed to the growth of the term 'alien invasion' as a recognized trope in science fiction, capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide.

1950s

Cold War paranoia and UFO sightings

During the 1950s, amidst the Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, there was a rising interest in unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Numerous UFO sightings were reported, leading to public fascination with the idea of extraterrestrial beings visiting Earth. The fear of an alien invasion blended with the anxieties of the time and fueled the creation of science fiction movies and literature centered around hostile extraterrestrials.

1969

Moon landing

The Apollo 11 mission successfully landed on the moon on July 20, 1969. This historic event not only marked a major milestone in human space exploration but also increased public interest in the possibility of encountering extraterrestrial beings. The moon landing fueled the imagination and speculation about potential alien civilizations and the potential for their interference in human affairs.

1953

The War of the Worlds Film Adaptation

In 1953, the first film adaptation of 'The War of the Worlds' was released. This sci-fi classic, directed by Byron Haskin, portrayed a large-scale invasion of Earth by Martian tripods armed with devastating heat rays. The film combined thrilling action sequences with state-of-the-art special effects for its time. It further solidified the image of alien invasions as a popular overarching theme in science fiction cinema.

1953

The Silver Screen Spectacle

In 1953, the science fiction film 'The War of the Worlds' was released, providing a visual representation of an alien invasion. Directed by Byron Haskin, the movie showcased groundbreaking special effects for its time. It portrayed the destructive power of alien technology as large Martian war machines devastated cities. This film not only popularized the concept of an alien invasion but also became a classic in the genre, setting the stage for future alien invasion movies.

1950s

Sci-fi films propel the concept

During the 1950s, the concept of alien invasion gained further momentum through science fiction films. Movies like 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' (1951) and 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' (1956) captivated audiences with their thrilling portrayals of extraterrestrial invasions. These films reflected societal anxieties of the Cold War era and the fear of the 'other,' solidifying the 'alien invasion' trope as a prevalent theme in popular culture.

1977

Release of Star Wars

In 1977, George Lucas released the iconic film Star Wars. The movie introduced audiences to a vast, imaginative universe filled with different alien species and intergalactic conflicts. Star Wars' immense success contributed to the overall fascination with aliens and alien invasions, shaping the science fiction genre for years to come.

1977

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

In 1977, director Steven Spielberg released the iconic science fiction film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' The movie portrayed a peaceful alien encounter, contrasting the earlier narratives of hostile invasions. It captured the public's imagination and showcased a more positive perspective on extraterrestrial life. 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' further popularized the concept of alien visitations and sparked renewed interest in the existence of intelligent life beyond Earth.

1996

Independence Day Blockbuster

One of the most significant moments in the popularization of the term 'alien invasion' came in 1996 with the release of the blockbuster film 'Independence Day.' Directed by Roland Emmerich, the movie depicted a massive alien fleet invading Earth on July 4th, aiming to destroy humanity. 'Independence Day' became a worldwide sensation, grossing over $800 million at the box office and cementing the idea of an alien invasion as a thrilling and intriguing concept in mainstream culture.

1978

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Steven Spielberg's 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' was released in 1977. The film showcased the encounter between humans and benign extraterrestrial beings. While not presenting a traditional invasion narrative, it demonstrated the fascination with the unknown and the possibility of peaceful interactions with alien lifeforms. 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' influenced subsequent portrayals of aliens in popular culture, expanding the concept of 'alien invasion' beyond hostile scenarios.

1977

Release of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'

In 1977, Steven Spielberg released 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' a sci-fi film that showcased a more benign and awe-inspiring perspective of alien contact. While not overtly an invasion, the film further popularized the fascination with extraterrestrial life and introduced the idea of peaceful encounters between humans and aliens, expanding the narrative possibilities for the 'alien invasion' concept.

1977

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Steven Spielberg's 1977 film, 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' further propelled the concept of alien invasions in popular culture. The movie depicted friendly extraterrestrial beings making contact with humanity, opening up the possibility of more diverse narratives around alien encounters. The phrase 'alien invasion' gained even more traction as a commonly recognized term, encompassing both benevolent and hostile extraterrestrial interactions.

1977

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

In 1977, Steven Spielberg's science fiction film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' was released. The film depicted alien contact and communication with humans, presenting a more nuanced portrayal of extraterrestrial visitors. It showcased the awe and curiosity associated with encounters with intelligent beings from other worlds, broadening the perception of alien invasions in popular culture.

1953

War of the Worlds Broadcast

On October 30, 1938, a radio dramatization of H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds' aired on CBS radio. Directed by Orson Welles, the broadcast caused widespread panic as listeners mistook the fictional account for a real news report. This event marked a significant milestone in the cultural impact of the term 'alien invasion,' demonstrating its ability to evoke fear and stir mass hysteria.

1996

Independence Day

The blockbuster film 'Independence Day', directed by Roland Emmerich, was released in 1996. This action-packed sci-fi extravaganza depicted a large-scale and destructive alien invasion of Earth. The film's captivating visuals and thrilling storyline made it a massive hit, further cementing the concept of an alien invasion in modern popular culture. 'Independence Day' became a benchmark for future alien invasion movies and sparked renewed interest in the genre.

2020

Extraterrestrial Pop Culture Phenomena

Today, the term 'alien invasion' has become deeply ingrained in popular culture, transcending literature and film. It has influenced various forms of entertainment, including video games, TV shows, and even conspiracy theories. The unique concept of an extraterrestrial species threatening human existence continues to captivate imaginations and inspire creative works across different mediums. From classic depictions to innovative adaptations, the term 'alien invasion' remains a fascinating part of our cultural lexicon.

1977

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

The release of Steven Spielberg's blockbuster film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' in 1977 further solidified the term 'alien invasion' in popular culture. The film popularized the idea of friendly encounters with extraterrestrial beings, showcasing a new perspective on alien arrival. It emphasized curiosity and wonder rather than aggression, challenging the traditional notion of aliens solely as invaders.

1996

Blockbuster success of 'Independence Day'

'Independence Day,' directed by Roland Emmerich and released in 1996, became a blockbuster hit. The film depicted a large-scale alien invasion and human resistance. With its groundbreaking visual effects and thrilling action, 'Independence Day' rejuvenated the popularity of 'alien invasion' narratives, becoming a cultural touchstone for the genre.

1996

Independence Day blockbuster

The year 1996 saw the release of the blockbuster film 'Independence Day,' directed by Roland Emmerich. The movie showcased a large-scale alien invasion and the united efforts of humanity to resist and ultimately triumph over the extraterrestrial threat. 'Independence Day' became a cultural phenomenon and solidified the association of action-packed, epic battles with the term 'alien invasion'.

1996

Independence Day

'Independence Day,' a blockbuster science fiction film directed by Roland Emmerich, was released in 1996. This film showcased a large-scale alien invasion and became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $800 million worldwide. 'Independence Day' solidified the concept of alien invasions as a spectacular and visually stunning spectacle in modern cinema. The success of the film propelled the term 'alien invasion' into mainstream popularity, firmly establishing it as a cultural reference for extraterrestrial-themed stories.

1996

Independence Day

The blockbuster film 'Independence Day,' directed by Roland Emmerich, was released in 1996. The movie portrayed a large-scale alien invasion threatening humanity's existence. With its groundbreaking visual effects and gripping storyline, 'Independence Day' became a massive success, solidifying the concept of alien invasions as a significant theme in science fiction. It remains one of the highest-grossing alien invasion films of all time.

1996

Independence Day blockbuster

Independence Day, directed by Roland Emmerich, was released in 1996 and became a worldwide box office hit. The film depicted an aggressive alien invasion with massive spaceships that destroyed major cities. Its immense popularity further ingrained the idea of an alien invasion in popular culture, becoming a defining reference for the genre.

2011

Alien invasion in popular gaming

Video games, too, have contributed to the cultural impact of 'alien invasion.' Games like 'Halo,' 'Gears of War,' and 'XCOM: Enemy Unknown' have unarguably influenced the way people perceive and interact with the concept of alien invasions. The interactive nature of gaming has allowed players to immerse themselves in thrilling extraterrestrial battle scenarios, enhancing the overall fascination and popularity of the term.

21st century

Continued popularity and diversification

In the 21st century, the term 'alien invasion' has become deeply ingrained in popular culture. It has inspired countless books, films, television series, and video games, exploring various scenarios of extraterrestrial encounters. From the thrilling battles depicted in 'District 9' to the mysterious invasion in 'Arrival,' the concept of alien invasions continues to captivate audiences worldwide and serves as a reflection of our shared fascination with the unknown.

2005

War of the Worlds film adaptation

Steven Spielberg directed a modern adaptation of The War of the Worlds in 2005, starring Tom Cruise. This film incorporated modern visual effects to convey the massive destruction caused by the alien invaders. The movie reintroduced the concept of an alien invasion to a new generation and reaffirmed the enduring appeal of the theme.

2005

Launch of 'War of the Worlds' remake

The release of Steven Spielberg's remake of 'War of the Worlds' in 2005 reignited interest in the original story and the 'alien invasion' concept. Starring Tom Cruise, the film showcased modern visual effects and intensified the fears and chaos associated with an extraterrestrial attack. This film adaptation reminded audiences of the enduring power and relevance of the 'alien invasion' genre.