“Independence Day” (1996) is a landmark science fiction disaster film directed by Roland Emmerich and written by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich. The film features an ensemble cast including Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, and Margaret Colin.

The story unfolds as a series of massive alien spacecraft arrive on Earth, positioning themselves above major cities around the world. The aliens launch a coordinated attack, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The film’s central narrative follows a group of characters as they grapple with the alien invasion and work together to thwart the extraterrestrial threat.

Key figures include Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith), a fighter pilot who becomes a hero in the fight against the invaders; David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum), a computer expert who discovers the aliens’ weakness; and President Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman), who leads the nation through the crisis and delivers a memorable rallying speech.

“Independence Day” is renowned for its spectacular visual effects, including the iconic scenes of alien spacecraft obliterating landmarks like the White House and the Empire State Building. The film combines thrilling action sequences with a patriotic and optimistic tone, capturing the spirit of resilience and unity in the face of global catastrophe.

Released on July 3, 1996, the film was a major box office success and received generally positive reviews for its entertaining and grandiose depiction of an alien invasion. Its impact on the science fiction and disaster genres is significant, cementing its place as a classic of 1990s cinema. The film also spawned a sequel, “Independence Day: Resurgence,” released in 2016.