Attack the Block, 2011

A cult classic that put John Boyega on the map, Attack the Block is an incredibly British (and incredibly funny) sci-fi flick about an extraterrestrial invasion of a South London council estate. Brilliantly, Attack the Block asks and answers the question: what would a group of young kids trying to prove their street cred do when an alien pops up on the block and attacks one of them? And if they manage to kill it (spoiler: they do) what do they do after that? Bring it to their weed dealer, of course (played, hilariously, by Nick Frost).

Attack the Block only gets more absurd from there, but cleverly weaves a strong emotional thread through the alien action, deftly handled by Boyega in his first-ever movie role. If you’re looking for a thoroughly enjoyable, fast-paced romp through South London complete with icky alien blood, Attack the Block is a must-see. — Alyssa Mercante