Independence Day

PG-13

Released Jul 3, 1996

2h 25m

Sci-Fi

Adventure

Action

TRAILER

for Independence Day: Trailer 1

List

68%

Tomatometer

81 Reviews

75%

Audience Score

250,000+ Ratings

In the epic adventure film "Independence Day," strange phenomena surface around the globe. The skies ignite. Terror races through the world's major cities. As these extraordinary events unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that a force of incredible magnitude has arrived; its mission: total annihilation over the Fourth of July weekend. The last hope to stop the destruction is an unlikely group of people united by fate and unimaginable circumstances.

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Critics Consensus

The plot is thin and so is character development, but as a thrilling, spectacle-filled summer movie, Independence Day delivers.

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Duane Byrge

Hollywood Reporter

A sci-fi story constellation of the brightest star elements. With German director Emmerich at the helm, Independence Day soars as filmic uber-craft.

Jul 3, 2018

Full Review

Dave Kehr

New York Daily News

Sonnenfeld has directed with gusto and precision from a vaguely plotted but often hilarious screenplay, and his view of Manhattan as a holding pen for intergalactic refugees has the touch of authentic experience fundamental to all great comedy.

Jan 18, 2018

Full Review

Jami Bernard

New York Daily News

"ID4" presses all the current hot buttons with great efficiency which will make it hard to keep in mind that just because a movie kicks major butt doesn't mean it's good.

Jan 18, 2018

Full Review

Patrick Cavanaugh

The Wolfman Cometh

A defining experience for the '90s and set the formula for summer blockbusters, blending together bombastical action, heart, and humor.

Rated: 5/5

Sep 24, 2023

Full Review

Alison Gillmor

Winnipeg Free Press

Disaster master Roland Emmerich prefers his aliens hostile, hideous and prone to blowing up recognizable national landmarks.

Feb 27, 2023

Full Review

Sheila Reid

Women in the Life

If you see no other movie this summer, go see this one.

May 31, 2022

Full Review

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The Wandering D

An absolute classic. I did, however, watch the extended edition (9 more minutes of screentime!!) and it was a good choice to cut those 9 minutes. The theatrical is the way to go and I dearly love that one.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/19/24

Full Review

Allan C

Most people yearn for President Josiah Bartlet from THE WEST WING, but for me, I wish we had President Thomas Whitmore from INDEPENDENCE DAY. 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! Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid, Robert Loggia, Vivica A. Fox, James Rebhorn, and Harvey Fierstein save the world from aliens. That’s pretty much all you need to know. It’s a complete popcorn movie with zero pretensions, but if you haven’t ever seen this film, you need to find it and watch it right now. Also, it’s completely hilarious that Jeff Goldblum is SOOOOOO Jeff Goldblum no matter what movie he’s in. Even my kids who were forced to watch this on the Fourth of July enjoyed it (though they will deny that). Watch it now!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/07/24

Full Review

Andrew Blase O

I saw this in the theater the day it came out. I rewatched it recently, I didn’t recall it being very good. But the movie is worse than I remember. The dialogue is bad, the writing is bad, the acting is corny, the only good parts are with the scientist.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

07/06/24

Full Review

Julian Rex M

Although its emotional substance is very nearly nonexistent, Independence Day’s satisfying explosions, strong casting, and directional story firmly cement it as a classic.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/05/24

Full Review

Leti A

It’s so bad it’s good

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/05/24

Full Review

Brendan B

Action packed, most of the one liners are solid, the cinematography is great, and the special effects really hold up well. I was very entertained.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/04/24

Full Review

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Roland Emmerich

Director

Will Smith

Captain Steven 'Eagle' Hiller

Bill Pullman

President Thomas J. Whitmore

Jeff Goldblum

David Levinson

Mary McDonnell

First Lady Marilyn Whitmore

Judd Hirsch

Julius Levinson

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Independence Day: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In the epic adventure film "Independence Day," strange phenomena surface around the globe. The skies ignite. Terror races through the world's major cities. As these extraordinary events unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that a force of incredible magnitude has arrived; its mission: total annihilation over the Fourth of July weekend. The last hope to stop the destruction is an unlikely group of people united by fate and unimaginable circumstances.

Director: Roland Emmerich
Producer: Dean Devlin
Screenwriter: Dean Devlin, Roland Emmerich
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox, Centropolis Film Productions, Centropolis Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Violence|Sci-Fi Destruction)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 3, 1996, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 18, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $306.2M
Runtime: 2h 25m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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