Independence Day

19961996
PG-13PG-13
2h 25min

Independence Day (1996)

Home video trailer for this sci fi thriller

Play trailer2:27

Action Adventure Sci-Fi

The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive.The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive.The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive.

See production, box office & company info

See more at IMDbPro

Won 1 Oscar
- 35 wins & 35 nominations total

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Independence Day

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"Dates in Movie & TV History": July 4

"Dates in Movie & TV History": July 4

Independence Day (1996)

Jeff Goldblum and Will Smith in Independence Day (1996)

Bill Pullman in Independence Day (1996)

Independence Day (1996)

Behind the scenes photo from the bonus materials on the

Behind the scenes photo from the bonus materials on the

Behind the scenes photo from the bonus materials on the

Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook at an event for Independence Day (1996)

Harry Connick Jr. and Jill Goodacre at an event for Independence Day (1996)

Billy Crystal and Janice Crystal at an event for Independence Day (1996)

Faye Dunaway at an event for Independence Day (1996)

Arsenio Hall at an event for Independence Day (1996)

On July 2nd, communications systems worldwide are sent into chaos by a strange atmospheric interference. It is soon learned by the military that a number of enormous objects are on a collision course with Earth. At first thought to be meteors, they are later revealed to be gigantic spacecraft, piloted by a mysterious alien species. After attempts to communicate with the aliens go nowhere, David Levinson, an ex-scientist turned cable technician, discovers that the aliens are going to attack major points around the globe in less than a day. On July 3rd, the aliens all but obliterate New York, Los Angeles and Washington, as well as Paris, London, Houston and Moscow. The survivors set out in convoys towards Area 51, a strange government testing ground where it is rumored the military has a captured alien spacecraft of their own. The survivors devise a plan to fight back against the enslaving aliens, and July 4th becomes the day humanity will fight for its freedom. July 4th is their Independence Day... —Gustaf Molin <gumo@hem2.passagen.se>

product placement fourth of july alien fighter craft alien invasion saving the world mission 351 more

Taglines
- We've always believed we weren't alone. On July 4th, we'll wish we were.
Genres
Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
- Rated PG-13 for sci-fi destruction and violence
Parents guide

Trivia
According to producer/co-writer Dean Devlin, the U.S. military had agreed to support the film by allowing the crew to film at military bases, consulting the actors who have military roles, etc. However, after learning of the Area 51 references in the script, they withdrew their support.

Goofs
(at around 2 mins) The opening scene in which the mothership passes the moon heading toward earth, the earth is shown with the southern hemisphere facing the sun - an indication of mid-winter in North America, not July.

Quotes
[the President briefs the pilots before the final attack]
President Thomas Whitmore: Good morning.
[PA doesn't work. Turns it on]
President Thomas Whitmore: Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. "Mankind." That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the night!" We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!
[crowd cheers]

Crazy credits
Frank Bollinger, originally from the art department is credited as "Alien Supervisor" because he wasn't member of the union, so he wouldn't be allowed to work in that department.

Alternate versions
An extended version of the film contains ca. 8 minutes of extended/additional footage bringing it to 153 minutes total. The scenes include:
The first dialogue between President Whitmore and Constance Spano was extended.
A few sentences were added in the scene as Whitmore proposes to go to DefCon 3.
The first added scene is a dialogue between David Levinson and a colleague at the TV station. He explains that an unknown signal is responsible for the bad TV broadcasting and that he may be able to block this signal.
In the next extended scene Russell Casse meets his son after he was released from prison.
Up next the dialogue between Jasmine and Tiffany in the strip club was extended.
Then there is an extended dialogue between David and his father on the way to the White house. Right after this is an added scene in which David is searching for the number of Constance's handy.
Another added scene features David and his father in the oval Office. The father is talking about the persons who visited this office. Actors, football players and now himself...
Right after Jasmine found the truck, there is an added scene in which the illness of Russell's youngest son is described.
The next added scene features Jasmine as she drives the truck and some survivors through the destroyed city.
Later in Area 51 there is an added scene in which David Levinson and Dr. Brakkish Okun go into the alien spacecraft. Here the Doctor explains some of the alien technology.
As Captain Steven Hiller arrives with the alien visitor, a scene was added in which Russell asks for a doctor for his ill son.
The last extended scene shows Russell's daughter establishing a new friendship while the fight rages above Area 51.

Connections
Edited into Hollywood Burn (2006)

Soundtracks
It's the End of the World As We Know It
Written by Bill Berry (as William Berry), Peter Buck, Mike Mills (as Michael Mills) & Michael Stipe
Performed by R.E.M.
Courtesy of I.R.S. Records

Top review

8/10

Just a good bit of fun!!

I don't usually comment on this, I don't like to portray a movie as being good or bad just on my opinion, as everyone has their own tastes and needs when it comes to cinema. But god damn, why do so many people hate this film.

Firstly, this is not a serious film, it has never happened nor will it ever. This film is just damn good fun to watch...the explosions, the suspense, the cheesy one-liners...its not trying to tell you that aliens are coming to blow the s**t of of us...its entertainment. To all the people here that have said this is the worst movie ever...you guys need need to watch more movies, because if this is the worst movie ever then im Santa clause! To put it simply, this is 2 and a half hours of fun filled, edge of the seat (occasionally have a laugh) action...and nothing else.

Why cant people just enjoy a independence day for what it is (as mentioned above)...not why its improbable etc etc etc we all know that duh! This film is entertaining, full stop!! and thats all its supposed to be.

helpful•126

44

stedmpy
Jan 14, 2010

Release date
- July 3, 1996 (United States)
Country of origin
- United States
Official sites
- 20th Century Studios (United States)
- Official Facebook
Language
- English
Also known as
- ID4
Filming locations
- Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, USA
Production companies
- Twentieth Century Fox
- Centropolis Entertainment
See more company credits at IMDbPro

Budget
- $75,000,000 (estimated)
Gross US & Canada
- $306,169,268
Opening weekend US & Canada
- $50,228,264
- Jul 7, 1996
Gross worldwide
- $817,400,891

See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

Runtime
- 2h 25min
Color
- Color
Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1

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