The science fiction film 'Independence Day,' directed by Roland Emmerich and starring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum, was released in theaters.
The film became a major box office hit, grossing over $800 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1996.
Plans and development for the sequel to 'Independence Day' began, aimed to continue the story of alien invasion and human resistance.
The sequel to the original film, 'Independence Day: Resurgence,' was released, continuing the story 20 years after the initial alien invasion.