Jordan Peele, one of the most prolific auteurs of the past decade, is returning to horror once again withNope. Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer star as OJ and Emerald Haywood, siblings who discover an unidentified flying object over their California ranch. With the help of a young tech salesman and an aging documentarian, the Haywoods attempt to capture footage of the UFO as the town and its residents begin to feel its wrath.
Nopeis set to become another huge hit for Peele as the filmwill likely gross well over$100 million domesticallywhen its theatrical run concludes. If you’re looking to experience films similar toNope, we’ve got you covered with a few sci-fi classics and horror staples.
Signs (2002)
Before Peele’sNope,M. Night Shyamalanwas the director best known for his supernatural stories and twist endings. Case in point,Signsis straight out of the Shyamalan playbook.
When a former priest discovers crop circles in his fields, his faith is tested when it becomes clear that extraterrestrials are real. The resulting story is something that you need to see in order to believe.
Signsis available to rent on all streaming platforms.
Independence Day (1996)
Nopecontains many societal themes that will garner a discussion, but in Peele’s words, it’s also a “big summer blockbusterthat you can enjoy whatever way you want.” Sticking with the theme of extraterrestrials and blockbusters, look no further thanIndependence Day.
Filled with exciting battle sequences and insane visual effects,Independence Dayis a satisfying summer blockbuster. PairingIndependence DaywithNopewould make for a great double feature.
Independence Dayis available to stream onHulu.
The Thing (1982)
One of the greatest sci-fi horror films isThe Thing, which coincidently just celebrated its 40th anniversary. John Carpenter’s cult classic follows a group of scientists who are stalked and preyed upon by the Thing, a shapeshifting alien that takes on the form of its victims.
The cat-and-mouse game is a technical achievement that stands the test of time. The film also features a standout performance from Keith David, who also plays a minor role inNope.
The Thingis available to stream onPrime Video.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
you’re able to’t discuss UFO movies and not haveClose Encounters of the Third Kindon the list. Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi classic tells the story of Roy Neary, a blue-collar worker from Indiana who witnesses a UFO, and seeks out answers to prove what he saw was real.
The film was praised for its visuals and its epic conclusion.Close Encounters of the Third Kindis a landmark achievement in cinema, resulting in its preservation in the National Film Registry.
Close Encounters of the Third Kindis available to rent on all platforms.
Get Out (2017)
When exploring Peele’s films, it’s never a bad idea to revisit his feature-length directorial debut, 2017’sGet Out. The horrifying tale of a black man discovering the unsettling truths about his white girlfriend and her family was a cultural phenomenon.
Get Outtackled racism, slavery, and modern liberalism while showcasing the horrifying evils of each theme. Plus, it’s an edge-of-your-seat thriller that still finds a way to surprise the audience five years later.
