On World UFO Day, celebrated every July 2, people gather to watch mysterious objects under the sky.

The event is observed to commemorate the famous Roswell UFO incident in 1947. At the time, farmers in Roswell, New Mexico reported hearing a crash. The residents later recovered the wreckage of what is believed to be the crash site of a UFO.

The simple idea of the holiday is to spread awareness about unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and encourage governments to declassify their files.

This year, the holiday comes on the heels of the highly anticipated U.S. Intelligence report on UFO sightings, which concluded that most of them could not be explained.

People can observe the event by going outside and watching the skies for UFOs or perhaps by reading about some mysterious UFO sightings. Some may even throw a "Welcome to Earth" themed party, wherein the guests can dress up as aliens.

Another simple but fun way to observe the event is to have a movie marathon. Whether one has watched them before or not, sitting down to watch UFO and alien movies can get anyone interested and excited for the event.

Here are some films you may want to add to your list. (Courtesy: History, the University of Manitoba (UM) and Country Living)

"Alien"

What better to begin a movie marathon about UFOs and aliens than the 1979 movie starring Sigourney Weaver as the iconic Ripley. With its tagline "In space, no one can hear you," this classic is said to be among the scariest space monster movies made.

"Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

This 1977 movie showcases a UFO experience that completely changes a man's life. Notable for its attention to detail, the movie even presents some scenes that are said to be taken from actual witness narratives.

"Men In Black (M.I.B.)"

Those doing the marathon with their families can't go wrong with the 1997 flick starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. As a film about a secret organization that polices alien activity, this movie is certainly perfect for the occasion.

"The Day the Earth Stood Still"

Said to be one of Hollywood’s earliest depictions of UFOs, this 1951 movie was an adaptation of the 1940 short story "Farewell to the Master" by Harry Bates. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War era, this film is said to be a story of hope and peace and showcases society's response to things perceived as a threat.

"Independence Day"

Independence Day goes beyond a UFO sighting and showcases a full-blown attempt at an alien invasion. Those looking for an action-packed film that's also perfect for the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations may want to add this to their movie list.

"E.T."

After a thrilling and action-packed movie marathon, enthusiasts can wind down and finish it off with this award-winning Steven Spielberg classic about a friendship between a human boy and an extraterrestrial.

An image from of US military pilot's sighting of an "unidentified aerial phenomena" that some think is evidence of UFOs
An image from of US military pilot's sighting of an "unidentified aerial phenomena" that some think is evidence of UFOs DoD / Handout
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