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.
- Won 1 Oscar
- 35 wins & 35 nominations total
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAccording 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 creditsFrank 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 versionsAn 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.
- ConnectionsEdited into Armageddon in Effect (2008)
- SoundtracksIt's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)
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
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.
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Día de la independencia
- Filming locations
- Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, USA(Alien Crash, RV Caravan)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- 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
- Runtime2 hours 25 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1