Next month, fans of 1990s blockbusters can relive the excitement of Independence Day, the iconic alien invasion film, as it streams for free on Tubi. Released in 1996, Independence Day remains a quintessential sci-fi film, famous for its explosive action and unforgettable scenes of destruction. Directed by Roland Emmerich, the movie quickly became a cultural landmark, defining a new era of blockbuster filmmaking.
The story begins with the unexpected arrival of massive alien ships hovering over major cities around the globe. As the ships launch devastating attacks with powerful laser weapons, iconic landmarks, including the White House, are obliterated in some of cinema’s most memorable visuals. The film follows a group of unlikely heroes who come together to fight back against the alien invaders. A key twist, inspired by The War of the Worlds, sees humanity use a computer virus to disable the aliens, showcasing how “geeks” can save the day.
A Star-Studded Cast
Will Smith stars as Captain Steven Hiller, a charismatic fighter pilot and one of Earth’s last hopes against the alien onslaught. Jeff Goldblum plays David Levinson, a brilliant but eccentric scientist who discovers the aliens’ vulnerability. Bill Pullman rounds out the cast as President Thomas Whitmore, delivering a rousing speech that has become nearly as famous as the film’s explosive action scenes.
Critics widely praised the film’s groundbreaking special effects, high-octane action, and humor, which helped it become a massive box office success. While some noted the movie’s reliance on familiar blockbuster tropes and its predictable character arcs, the spectacle of large-scale destruction and Will Smith’s iconic line, “WELCOME TO EARTH!”, made it a fan favorite. On a budget of $75 million, the film went on to gross $817.4 million, making it the second highest-grossing film of all time at the time of its release, just behind Jurassic Park.
Independence Day will be available for free streaming on Tubi starting January 1.
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