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.
A massive alien mothership enters Earth's orbit, remaining stationary and signaling the start of the invasion.
Communications and satellite systems worldwide begin malfunctioning due to alien interference.
Alien ships launch attacks simultaneously on major cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C., causing widespread destruction.
World leaders and military forces unite to form a global defense coalition against the alien threat.
Captain Steven Hiller captures an alien fighter ship in Los Angeles and crashes it, gaining critical knowledge about the alien technology.
Scientists at Area 51, led by David Levinson, discover a computer virus can disrupt the alien shields.
David Levinson uploads the virus into the alien mothership's system to disable their defensive shields.
Earth's forces launch a coordinated counterattack, leading to the destruction of all alien ships and saving humanity from extinction.
Humanity celebrates the defeat of the alien invasion and the survival of Earth on Independence Day.
