Independence Day (1996)

Independence Day (1996) is a sci-fi action film directed by Roland Emmerich. On July 2, an alien mothership enters Earth’s orbit and deploys saucers over major cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. U.S. Marine Captain Steven Hiller and his unit, known as the Black Knights fighter squadron based in MCAS El Toro, are called back to defend Los Angeles. His girlfriend Jasmine Dubrow decides to flee with her son Dylan. Meanwhile, retired combat pilot Russell Casse sees this as vindication for the alien abduction he claimed ten years ago. In New York City, technician David Levinson discovers a countdown hidden within global satellite transmissions that indicates a coordinated attack from the aliens. With assistance from his ex-wife, White House Communications Director Constance Spano, David and his father Julius make their way to the Oval Office where they brief President Thomas Whitmore.

He quickly orders evacuations of the targeted cities in the U.S., but it is too late. The saucers unleash their destructive beams, obliterating each city and taking countless lives. Whitmore, along with the Levinsons and a select few, manage to escape on Air Force One. Meanwhile, Jasmine, Dylan, and their dog Boomer seek refuge in an inspection alcove within a tunnel until the carnage subsides. As counterattacks are launched against the invaders on July 3rd, their force fields prove impenetrable. The human fighter squadrons and military bases are no match for the swarms of shielded alien fighters launched from each saucer. Even Captain Hiller falls victim to this overpowering force as he valiantly attempts to lure an enemy fighter into the Grand Canyon before ejecting from his plane.