The 1990s were an incredible decade for science fiction films. Movies like The Matrix, Gattaca, 12 Monkeys, Starship Troopers, Stargate, and the many Star Trek films really captured audiences’ imaginations with their visions of the future. And who could forget iconic films that defined the era, like Terminator 2, Jurassic Park, and a beloved disaster movie that’s coming to Netflix next month?
Released in 1996, Independence Day is director Roland Emmerich’s vision of an alien invasion and the fight for Earth. Interestingly, despite being German, Emmerich created a very American film, packed with patriotic themes, displays of military power, and a strong focus on the United States as a global leader.
While not directly government-sponsored, the movie Independence Day feels very much like the classic sci-fi films of the 1950s, which often celebrated American strength and determination. The famous speech given by Bill Pullman before the final battle is presented as a call for worldwide cooperation, but it really emphasizes the pride and courage of fighting for your nation.
Released on July 3, 1996, Independence Day quickly became a huge hit, earning $817 million and becoming the year’s highest-grossing film. The movie, starring Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, and many other popular actors, has since become a classic. Here’s what the movie is about:
The movie Independence Day begins with bizarre events happening all over the world – the sky suddenly lights up, and fear spreads through major cities. It quickly becomes clear that a powerful, destructive force has arrived, and it plans to wipe out humanity over the Fourth of July. The only chance for survival rests with a diverse group of people brought together by chance and extraordinary circumstances.
‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ Failed to Capture the Magic of the First Movie
20th Century Fox
It wasn’t a surprise when Independence Day got a sequel in 2016, called Independence Day: Resurgence. Director Roland Emmerich came back for it, but sadly, Will Smith wasn’t involved – he was busy filming Suicide Squad at the time. That meant the script had to be rewritten a lot, and honestly, it just didn’t quite capture the same energy as the first movie. It felt like things started to unravel during production, and the final result didn’t live up to the original, in my opinion.
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Despite not being as good as its sequel, the original Independence Day remains a fantastic sci-fi disaster movie, though it sometimes leans heavily into patriotic themes. You’ll be able to stream it on Netflix starting February 1, 2026.
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2026-01-18 03:32