Since the beginning of sci-fi’s presence in the film world, aliens have been represented through costumes. As opposed to special effects and other smoke and mirrors, the physical costumes designed for aliens are intricate and ultimately add a lot to their films. Arguably, the most famous aliens in sci-fi films are nothing more than sophisticated costumes.
Costume design is a brilliant and often overlooked aspect of filmmaking, especially in the sci-fi realm of movies. The costumes behind some of the most iconic space aliens in all of sci-fi history deserve just as much love as any computer-generated cosmic being.
7 Chewbacca
The Star Wars universe is home to some of the most iconic alien costumes in the history of film. It’s hard to narrow it down, especially from the original trilogy. Perhaps, the most famous alien from the original series is none other than Chewbacca, Han Solo’s partner in crime and the most famed of the Wookies.
Chewbacca’s costume got better with each film, but the hairy beast always looked like an oversized alien dog, which is why audiences love him so much. Chewbacca’s detailed costume is as symbolic as his distinguished yell.
6 The Predator
An awesome alien design for a seriously dangerous alien hunter, the Predator is an iconic alien costume from 80s sci-fi cinema. Decked out with all the latest in alien gadgets and high-tech weapons, the Predator is the hulking figure who hunts humans for sport.
The distinguished mandibles are just the tip of the iceberg, as this alien ninja uses its unique body structure to its advantage against its prey. The costume itself is impressive even to this day, especially since the series has continued to add entries into its extensive franchise.
5 The Aliens From Scary Movie 3
Not the most advanced alien costume in film history, but they fit the bill. These goofy grays are a parody of the stereotypical alien seen in pop culture, but their silliness is what makes them so memorable.
Also, voice acting legend Tom Kenny provides the voices for the aliens, and he nails the role as always. The costumes might look like some shoddy backstage prop, but that seems to actually work pretty well for a film like Scary Movie 3.
4 Admiral Ackbar
Another legendary costume from the original Star Wars trilogy, Admiral Ackbar is most remembered for his iconic, “it’s a trap” line, but his costume is what really seals the deal. From the spacesuit to the lizard-like head, Ackbar is an essential part of The Last Jedi, for which he only appears for a few minutes. Still, fans can’t seem to get enough of this lovable military commander.
His appearance is easily one of the best parts of the movies, and he has since gone on to become one of the most iconic background characters in the series. The unique alien costume is really what makes him such a fun figure in the Star Wars universe.
3 They Live Aliens
What if the aliens could look and talk like actual humans? That’s the central focus of the John Carpenter 80’s classic, They Live, in which a drifter discovers that a special pair of sunglasses allow him to see aliens hiding in plain sight.
The alien costumes are pretty hideous but perfectly matched for the creepy vibes. Their faces are bluish with piercing eyes and despite wearing human clothes, they seem anything but. These costumes have worked their way into pop culture and are instantly recognizable for any 80s sci-fi buffs.
2 Jojo The Klownzilla
The Killer Klowns from Outer Space were mostly made from molds crafted by some of the top special effects artists of the 80s, but the big bad klown at the end was in fact a costume. The biggest klown of them all was actually played by one of the film’s creators, Charles Chiodo. This goliath of a clown matches up with the other freaky clowns, especially with its rubbery-looking face. Combined with the film’s surreal special effects, Jojo is a force to be reckoned with and one of the highlights of 80s special effects. Jojo the Klownzilla remains an ode to the possibilities of costume design in sci-fi films.
1 Xenomorph
One of the most iconic and scariest aliens in the history of cinema, the Xenomorph alien is the titular star of the Alien series. Drawing inspiration from the unsettling art of H.R. Giger, the Xenomorph is as creepy as it is dangerous.
The detailed design of the head and the tongue is especially disturbing, not to mention the slimy residue that covers the alien is downright gross. The Xenomorph costume has been changed a bit since the alien was first introduced in 1979, but the principle still remains the same. As do the many many rows of razor-sharp teeth.