Viewers have always been drawn to stories where humanity is outgunned but refuses to back down. These films remind us that when the chips are down, we can be brave, even if we're staring straight into the eyes of something not of this Earth. And when it comes to large-scale alien blockbusters, few titles resonate with this theme as much as the Independence Day series.
This franchise gave us landmark-smashing mayhem, rousing speeches, and fighter jets taking on spaceships the size of continents. If you're ready to revisit or discover this sci-fi saga for the first time, here's how to watch all the Independence Day movies in order.
Independence Day (1996)
The story begins on July 2, when a series of massive alien ships appear in the skies above major cities across the globe. What starts out as an awe-inspiring event quickly spirals into a coordinated annihilation as entire cities like Los Angeles are destroyed in seconds. The film follows hotshot pilot Captain Steven Hiller, MIT-educated satellite engineer David Levinson, the President of the United States, and a ragtag group of survivors trying to unite humanity against an overwhelming extraterrestrial threat. As the world teeters on collapse, it all comes down to a bold plan to a computer virus into the alien mothership.
This movie is a time capsule of '90s blockbuster magic, dramatic and unapologetically patriotic. But what makes Independence Day work is its balance of spectacle and character. Will Smith's charisma is off the charts, Jeff Goldblum brings just the right amount of quirky logic, and Bill Pullman delivers what might still be the greatest fictional presidential speech in cinema history. It's fun, but it's also smart enough to keep you hooked from start to finish.
Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
Set 20 years after the original, Independence Day: Resurgence picks up in a world that's rebuilt and rearmed using salvaged alien tech. Earth has established a unified global defense force, and while the scars of the first invasion remain, humanity seems ready for anything until, of course, a second, even more devastating alien force arrives. This time, the mothership hovers over the Atlantic Ocean, with plans to drain the planet's core of valuable resources. A new generation of heroes, led by defense pilot Jake Morrison, teams up with returning veterans to save Earth one more time. Only now, the fight stretches beyond the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, lightning didn't strike twice. Resurgence tries to go bigger in of complexity, but it lacks some of the charm that made the original so memorable. The action is good, and there are a few very cool scenes, but the emotional core feels thin. It's not a complete misfire, though. There are a lot of fun and nostalgic callbacks buried under the rubble. So, if you're already on board for the ride, it's totally worth watching.
What's Next For The Independence Day Franchise?
In 2016, the future of Independence Day looked like it was gearing up for warp speed. Director Roland Emmerich had plans for a third (and even fourth) chapter, teasing an intergalactic adventure that would take Earth's fight straight to alien territory. He hinted that the story would follow the same group of younger characters, set a year or two after Resurgence, with a tighter turnaround between films.
But after the sequel's lukewarm reception and Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox, that momentum hit a wall. Producer Dean Devlin has since distanced himself from any concrete plans, and with no updates in years, the franchise is firmly parked in limbo. For now, it seems Independence Day 3 may stay grounded. But in Hollywood, never say never.
Where To Watch All 'Independence Day' Movies In Order
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