There's something timeless about movies that pair curious kids with beings from beyond the stars. Whether it's an alien with a glowing finger or a giant robot with a heart of gold, these stories hit us right in the feels, usually because they're not really about aliens. They're about being seen, being loved, and belonging.
So, if Lilo & Stitch (2025) tugged at your heartstrings, here are five cute alien movies that do the same, with a side of adventure. And all of them are perfect for the whole family to enjoy together.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
When a gentle alien is stranded on Earth, a lonely boy named Elliott discovers him hiding in his backyard. What starts as a secret friendship quickly becomes an emotional bond as Elliott helps E.T. navigate the human world and evade the government agents hot on his trail. Their connection transcends language, species, and fear, culminating in one of the most iconic farewell scenes in cinema history. The best thing about E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial isn't the flying bike or E.T.'s glowing finger. It's the emotional rawness it taps into. Director Steven Spielberg zooms in on the childhood experience along with the loneliness, the magic, and the messy beauty of loving someone enough to let them go.
The Iron Giant (1999)
In a small American town during the Cold War, a young boy named Hogarth stumbles upon a giant robot that crash-landed from space. Despite being built for destruction, the Giant is gentle and curious, quickly forming a deep bond with Hogarth. But paranoia spreads fast, and soon, the government is determined to eliminate what it sees as a threat. As tensions rise, the Giant must decide what kind of being he wants to be—a weapon or protector. The Giant's struggle to define himself feels very relevant today. The Iron Giant is a story about choice over programming and compassion over fear. And Brad Bird's direction gives us a robot with more soul than most live-action characters.
Aliens in the Attic (2009)
In a quiet Michigan vacation home, a group of kids stumble upon four pint-sized aliens planning a full-scale invasion. While the adults remain clueless, the kids take it upon themselves to fight back, using clever tricks, makeshift weapons, and a whole lot of sibling teamwork. What makes Aliens in the Attic special isn't just the action or silly humor. It's how it empowers kids to be the heroes without turning them into mini-adults. The film keeps things light and chaotic, but there's an underlying message about responsibility and the idea that courage doesn't always come in a grown-up package. It's goofy, yes, but surprisingly earnest about what kids are capable of when no one's watching.
Treasure Planet (2002)
Teen rebel Jim Hawkins discovers a mysterious map leading to the legendary Treasure Planet. Joining a crew aboard a solar-powered space galleon, he heads out on a dangerous adventure across the universe. Along the way, he forms a complicated father-son bond with cyborg cook John Silver, who might not be as trustworthy as he seems. Betrayals, space pirates, and coming-of-age revelations follow. Treasure Planet is more than a story about an angsty teen. It's about finding your own path, redefining family, and believing you're worth something, even when the world writes you off. And honestly, this one deserved way more love than it got on release.
Home (2015)
Home tells the story of a quirky alien named Oh and a resourceful human girl named Tip, who team up after his species invades Earth. Together, they go on a road trip across the globe, learning about friendship, trust, and what home really means. Oh is an outcast among his own kind, and Tip is determined to reunite with her mother. As they evade capture and unravel the mistakes of Oh's people, their unlikely bond becomes the key to changing both their worlds. While wrapped in bright colors, the story is about finding friends in unexpected places and challenging assumptions. It's a sweet, strange buddy comedy that reminds us that belonging is just about being seen.
Where To Watch Cute Alien Movies Like 'Lilo & Stitch' Online
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