Aliens in the Attic: Hit or Flop? Cast & Streaming
If you’ve ever scrolled past a late-2000s family sci-fi comedy and wondered whether it’s worth a watch, you’re not alone. ‘Aliens in the Attic’, released in 2009, is one of those movies that pops up on streaming services and sparks curiosity about its box office, cast, and whether it’s actually connected to the ‘Alien’ franchise.
Budget: $20 million ·
Worldwide box office: $57.3 million ·
Rotten Tomatoes score: 25% ·
IMDb rating: 5.5/10 ·
Release date: July 31, 2009 ·
Runtime: 86 minutes
Quick snapshot
- $57.3 million worldwide (Box Office Mojo)
- Budget $20 million (Wikipedia)
- Not a financial flop (Box Office Mojo)
- Austin Butler in a teen role
- Carter Jenkins as lead
- Ashley Tisdale also stars
- No sequel produced
- No announced plans
Eight key facts at a glance, one pattern: the data tells a story of a modestly budgeted family film that performed adequately at the box office but struggled critically.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Director | John Schultz |
| Release date | July 31, 2009 |
| Runtime | 86 minutes |
| Genre | Science fiction comedy |
| MPAA rating | PG |
| Box office | $57.3 million |
| IMDb rating | 5.5/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes score | 25% |
Was Aliens in the Attic a hit or flop?
Box office performance
Against a budget of $20 million, the film grossed $57.3 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo (box office tracking service). Domestically it earned $25.2 million, and internationally $32.7 million. It opened in 3,108 theaters and ranked No. 5 in its opening weekend with about $8 million. While not a blockbuster, the film recouped its production cost and likely turned a small profit after home video.
Critical reception
Critics were not impressed. The film holds a 25% score on Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator) and a 5.5/10 on IMDb. Audience reception was slightly warmer, but the film was widely panned for its formulaic plot and juvenile humor.
Comparison to the Alien franchise
Despite the title, ‘Aliens in the Attic’ has no connection to the ‘Alien’ franchise. It is a standalone family comedy, not a sci-fi horror. The name is purely coincidental.
The pattern: The film performed adequately financially but failed to win over critics, a common fate for mid-budget family comedies in the late 2000s.
For a $20 million family comedy, ‘Aliens in the Attic’ did what it needed to do at the box office. But critical reception means it’s unlikely to be remembered as a classic.
Is Aliens in the Attic a Disney movie?
Production company and distribution
The film was produced and distributed by 20th Century Fox, which is now a subsidiary of Disney. However, it was not a Disney-produced film. The production companies are 20th Century Fox, Regency Enterprises, and Davis Entertainment. Disney acquired Fox in 2019, so the film’s catalog now sits under the Disney umbrella.
Is it available on Disney+?
In the United States, ‘Aliens in the Attic’ is not currently available on Disney+. However, it is streamable on Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia. Availability varies by region.
The catch: Disney owns the film but doesn’t treat it as a core Disney title. It’s more of a legacy acquisition, often left to third-party streaming deals.
What platform can I watch Aliens in the Attic?
Streaming services
In the US, the film is currently available on Netflix according to Netflix (streaming platform). It also appears on other services depending on region.
Rental and purchase options
For those who want to own a digital copy, the film is available for purchase or rent on Apple TV (digital store), Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu.
Why this matters: If you’re looking to watch ‘Aliens in the Attic’ tonight, check Netflix first. If it’s not there, rental options are widely available for a few dollars.
For subscribers, Netflix is the most convenient option. For everyone else, a $3.99 rental on Apple TV or Amazon is the fastest path to the film.
Are there Aliens in the Attic 2?
Sequel status
No sequel has been produced. Director John Schultz and the cast have not announced any plans for a follow-up. The film’s modest box office and poor critical reception make a sequel unlikely.
Possible future
Given Disney’s ownership of the property, a reboot or sequel is theoretically possible, but there is no evidence of any active plans. Users on Letterboxd (social movie platform) have discussed the idea, but nothing official.
The trade-off: While fans of the film might hope for more, the commercial and critical realities make a sequel a long shot. The film remains a one-off.
How old was Austin Butler when he filmed Aliens in the Attic?
Austin Butler’s age at release
Austin Butler was born on August 17, 1991. Filming took place in 2008, making him 16–17 during production. The film was released on July 31, 2009, just before his 18th birthday.
Other cast members’ ages
Ashley Tisdale was 24 at release, Carter Jenkins was 17, and Robert Hoffman was 28. The film features a mix of young actors and veteran comedians like Doris Roberts and Andy Richter.
The pattern: ‘Aliens in the Attic’ served as an early credit for Austin Butler, who would later become a star with ‘Elvis’ and ‘Dune: Part Two’. For fans tracking his career, this is a notable stepping stone.
What’s confirmed and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Worldwide box office: $57.3 million
- Director: John Schultz
- Release date: July 31, 2009
- No sequel produced
- Available on Netflix (US) as of 2025
What’s unclear
- Netflix availability in all regions
- Disney+ availability outside Indonesia
- Whether it is considered the worst Alien film (subjective)
- Budget ($20M per Wikipedia, $45M per IMDb)
- Austin Butler’s exact age during filming (calculated)
- Exact worldwide gross ($57.3M to $57.881M)
For fans of early-2000s family comedies, ‘Aliens in the Attic’ is a harmless watch with a few familiar faces. The clear takeaway: if you’re after a nostalgic 86-minute diversion, stream it on Netflix. For anyone hoping for a sequel, the numbers don’t support it.
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it.wikipedia.org, id.wikipedia.org, pt.wikipedia.org, sv.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, moviefone.com, couchpop.com, watch.plex.tv
Frequently asked questions
Who directed Aliens in the Attic?
John Schultz directed the film.
What is the runtime of Aliens in the Attic?
The film runs 86 minutes.
Is Aliens in the Attic suitable for kids?
It is rated PG and appropriate for most children. Common Sense Media (parental guide) recommends it for ages 8+.
Where was Aliens in the Attic filmed?
Filming took place in New Zealand.
How much did Aliens in the Attic cost to make?
The budget is estimated at $20 million.
What is the plot of Aliens in the Attic?
A family on vacation discovers that aliens have landed in their attic and plan to take over the world. The kids must fight back.
Who plays the lead role in Aliens in the Attic?
Carter Jenkins plays the lead role of Tom Pearson.
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