Release CalendarDVD & Blu-ray ReleasesTop Rated MoviesMost Popular MoviesBrowse Movies by GenreTop Box OfficeShowtimes & TicketsIn TheatersComing SoonMovie NewsIndia Movie Spotlight
    What's on TV & StreamingTop Rated ShowsMost Popular ShowsBrowse TV Shows by GenreTV NewsIndia TV Spotlight
    What to WatchLatest TrailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsBest Picture WinnersBest Picture WinnersGolden GlobesEmmysSTARmeter AwardsSan Diego Comic-ConNew York Comic-ConSundance Film FestivalToronto Int'l Film FestivalAwards CentralFestival CentralAll Events
    Born TodayMost Popular CelebsMost Popular CelebsCelebrity News
    Help CenterContributor ZonePolls
For Industry Professionals
    AllTitlesTV EpisodesCelebsCompaniesKeywords
  • Advanced Search
Watchlist
Sign In

Independence Day

  • 19961996
  • ALAL
  • 2h 25min
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
548K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
583
39
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Independence Day (1996)
Home video trailer for this sci fi thriller
Play trailer2:27
8 Videos
99+ Photos
ActionAdventureSci-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.

IMDb RATING
7.0/10
548K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
583
39
  • Director
    • Roland Emmerich
  • Writers
    • Dean Devlin
    • Roland Emmerich
  • Stars
    • Will Smith
    • Bill Pullman
    • Jeff Goldblum
Top credits
  • Director
    • Roland Emmerich
  • Writers
    • Dean Devlin
    • Roland Emmerich
  • Stars
    • Will Smith
    • Bill Pullman
    • Jeff Goldblum
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 998User reviews
    • 207Critic reviews
    • 59Metascore
  • See production, box office & company info
    • Won 1 Oscar
      • 35 wins & 35 nominations total

    Videos8

    Independence Day
    Trailer 2:27
    Independence Day
    Independence Day
    Trailer 2:31
    Independence Day
    Jaws, Shreks, & Lion Kings: A Summer Blockbuster History
    Clip 7:23
    Jaws, Shreks, & Lion Kings: A Summer Blockbuster History
    Which Roles Did Will Smith Turn Down?
    Clip 2:27
    Which Roles Did Will Smith Turn Down?
    Independence Day
    Clip 1:35
    Independence Day
    Independence Day
    Clip 1:11
    Independence Day
    Bill Pullman on "The Sinner" and 'Independence Day' Secrets
    Video 3:08
    Bill Pullman on "The Sinner" and 'Independence Day' Secrets
    "Dates in Movie & TV History": July 4
    Video 2:42
    "Dates in Movie & TV History": July 4

    Photos356

    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)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Will Smith
    Will Smith
    • Capt. Steven Hilleras Capt. Steven Hiller
    Bill Pullman
    Bill Pullman
    • President Thomas J. Whitmoreas President Thomas J. Whitmore
    Jeff Goldblum
    Jeff Goldblum
    • David Levinsonas David Levinson
    Mary McDonnell
    Mary McDonnell
    • Marilyn Whitmoreas Marilyn Whitmore
    Judd Hirsch
    Judd Hirsch
    • Julius Levinsonas Julius Levinson
    Robert Loggia
    Robert Loggia
    • General William Greyas General William Grey
    Randy Quaid
    Randy Quaid
    • Russell Casseas Russell Casse
    Margaret Colin
    Margaret Colin
    • Constance Spanoas Constance Spano
    James Rebhorn
    James Rebhorn
    • Albert Nimzikias Albert Nimziki
    Harvey Fierstein
    Harvey Fierstein
    • Marty Gilbertas Marty Gilbert
    Adam Baldwin
    Adam Baldwin
    • Major Mitchellas Major Mitchell
    Brent Spiner
    Brent Spiner
    • Dr. Brakish Okunas Dr. Brakish Okun
    James Duval
    James Duval
    • Miguelas Miguel
    Vivica A. Fox
    Vivica A. Fox
    • Jasmine Dubrowas Jasmine Dubrow
    Lisa Jakub
    Lisa Jakub
    • Aliciaas Alicia
    Ross Bagley
    Ross Bagley
    • Dylanas Dylan
    Mae Whitman
    Mae Whitman
    • Patricia Whitmoreas Patricia Whitmore
    Bill Smitrovich
    Bill Smitrovich
    • Captain Watsonas Captain Watson
    • Director
      • Roland Emmerich
    • Writers
      • Dean Devlin
      • Roland Emmerich
    • All cast & crew
    See production, box office, & company info

    Storyline

    Edit
    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 placementfourth of julyalien fighter craftalien invasionsaving the world mission349 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • We've always believed we weren't alone. On July 4th, we'll wish we were.
    • Genres
      • Action
      • Adventure
      • Sci-Fi
    • Certificate
      • AL
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • 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

    User reviews998

    Review
    Top review
    8/10
    Stupid fun movie!
    The most ridiculous part of this movie is the stripper going work despite the enormous alien ship hovering over LA and widespread panic. The most believable part is the dudes sitting in the strip bar getting drunk despite the enormous alien ship hovering over LA and widespread panic. The rest? Just unbelievable stupid fun.
    helpful•8
    0
    • tybar
    • Mar 26, 2021

    FAQ15

    • How does the president of the United Sates of America NOT know about Area 51?
    • How is it the alien ships still look exactly like the one Area 51 has had since the 1950's?
    • What is 'Independence Day' about?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 3, 1996 (Netherlands)
    • 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

    Box office

    Edit
    • 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

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 2h 25min
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

    Related news

    The 10 Best Underrated Will Smith Characters
    The 10 Best Underrated Will Smith Characters
    Aug 14ScreenRant.com
    Lorde’s ‘Solar Power’ Launches to Number One on Apple Music Pre-Add Chart
    Lorde’s ‘Solar Power’ Launches to Number One on Apple Music Pre-Add Chart
    Aug 10Rollingstone.com

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    • IMDb Answers: Help fill gaps in our data
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    View list
    List
    IMDb's Fall 2021 Movie Guide
    See the full list
    View list
    List
    The Best Upcoming Sci-Fi & Fantasy Movies and TV
    See the full list

    Recently viewed

    You have no recently viewed pages
    Get the IMDb App
    • Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • IMDb Developer
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Interest-Based Ads

    © 1990-2021 by IMDb.com, Inc.