Alien Nation is a 1988 American science fiction film directed by Graham Baker and produced by Gale Anne Hurd, Richard Kobritz and Bill Borden. The storyline was based on a screenplay written by Rockne S. O'Bannon. It stars James Caan, Mandy Patinkin, Terence Stamp, and Kevyn Major Howard. The film depicts the integration of aliens settling in Los Angeles, much to the dismay of the local population. Released in 1988, the motion picture takes place in 1991. The film's plot is a buddy cop theme, with some detours into science fiction.

The filmakers also introduced some sociological ideas, such as the effects of illegal immigration, discrimination and racism; as the aliens try to interact and fit in with human society. The aliens have enlarged spotty craniums, two hearts, can consume only raw food and are sensitive to seawater which acts like an acid on their skin. Over the course of the film, their slavery past is alluded as they are genetically modified for slave labor.

Alien Nation premiered in theaters nationwide in the United States on October 7, 1988, grossing $25,216,243 in domestic ticket receipts. The film earned an additional $6,938,804 in business through international release to top out at a combined $32,155,047 in gross revenue. The film was met with mixed critical reviews before its initial screening in cinemas, and was considered a moderate financial success after its theatrical run. The popularity of the film's concept spawned a television series in 1989, and five television movie sequels during the 1990s, in an attempt to continue the character development surrounding the fictional alien culture.