Alien in the Attic: Ca t, Streaming & Sequel Statu
There’s a special charm in family sci‑fi comedies that manage to be both silly and heartwarming. The 2009 film Aliens in the Attic delivers exactly that: a summer vacation turns into an intergalactic showdown when the Pearson kids discover tiny aliens with mind‑control powers hiding in their vacation home’s attic.
Release year: 2009 ·
Runtime: 86 minutes ·
IMDb rating: 5.4/10 ·
Genre: Science fiction comedy ·
Director: John Schultz
Quick snapshot
- Released in 2009 (Apple TV)
- Runtime: 86 minutes (Wikipedia)
- Cast includes Carter Jenkins, Ashley Tisdale, Austin Butler (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Theatrical release: July 31, 2009 (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Streaming release: November 25, 2015 (Flicks Australia)
The table below lays out five key data points from the film’s official record.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Release year | 2009 |
| Runtime | 86 minutes |
| IMDb rating | 5.4/10 |
| Genre | Science fiction comedy |
| Director | John Schultz |
For a film that barely grossed $25.2 million at the U.S. box office, Aliens in the Attic has enjoyed a surprisingly long digital shelf life – a testament to the staying power of lightweight family fare on streaming services.
What is the movie Aliens in the Attic about?
What is the plot?
- The Pearson family heads to their lake house in Creek Landing, Michigan, for a summer vacation. Teenager Tom Pearson (Carter Jenkins) wants to impress the girl next door, while his younger siblings just want to have fun. When the children discover four tiny aliens hiding in the attic, they must defend the house and the adults, who have been mind‑controlled by the invaders. The family vacation turns into a sci‑fi battle for the home.
- TV Guide (entertainment listings site) summarises the premise as “a summer vacation in Creek Landing, Michigan, where children discover alien invaders in the attic”.
- The film was shot in Auckland, New Zealand, which doubled for the Maine setting, according to Flicks Australia (streaming guide).
Who directed it?
- John Schultz directed the feature, as noted by Wikipedia. Schultz is known for family‑friendly comedies including Like Mike and The Honeymooners.
When was it released?
- The film opened in wide theatrical release on July 31, 2009 (Rotten Tomatoes). It was released on streaming platforms on November 25, 2015 (Rotten Tomatoes).
- MPAA rated it PG for language, action/violence, and some suggestive humor (Rotten Tomatoes).
The PG rating makes it accessible for younger viewers, but the reliance on slapstick and thin plot (as the Rotten Tomatoes critics’ consensus notes) means older audiences may find it flat. That trade‑off explains its modest critical reception but steady streaming numbers.
“Aliens in the Attic offers a few laughs for younger viewers, but its thin plot and reliance on slapstick will leave older audiences cold.”
— Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
“a summer vacation in Creek Landing, Michigan, where children discover alien invaders in the attic”
— TV Guide
Where can I watch Aliens in the Attic?
Is it on Netflix?
- Yes, as of 2025 the film is available on Netflix in several regions. No official Netflix announcement has been made for every country, but major markets like the U.S. and UK carry it. (TV Guide lists Netflix among available platforms.)
Is it on Disney+?
- No. Aliens in the Attic is not currently listed on Disney+ in any major territory. The title is distributed by 20th Century Fox (now owned by Disney), but Disney+ has not added it as of mid‑2025. Streaming rights remain with Netflix and rental services.
Can I rent it?
- Absolutely. The film can be rented or purchased from Apple TV (U.S. listing available at Apple TV), Amazon Prime Video (TV Guide), and Fandango At Home. In Australia, Flicks Australia reports availability on YouTube, Stan, Apple TV Store, and Prime Video Store.
The pattern: Netflix covers subscribers who want no‑extra‑cost access, while renting gives flexibility to any household without a subscription. The implication is regional variation – Australian viewers have more options than U.S. viewers, where the rental market is dominant.
Who is in the cast of Aliens in the Attic?
Who played the twins?
- Real‑life siblings Henri Young and Regan Young portrayed the twins Art and Lee Pearson, according to Wikipedia.
Who is Jake?
- Austin Butler played Jake, the boyfriend of Bethany Pearson. Butler is now widely known for his roles in Elvis and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Rotten Tomatoes confirms the casting.
Who is the main kid?
- Carter Jenkins played Tom Pearson, the eldest of the Pearson children and the film’s central protagonist. Ashley Tisdale (of High School Musical fame) played Bethany Pearson, and Kevin Nealon portrayed the dad’s friend. The voice cast included Josh Peck, J.K. Simmons, Thomas Haden Church, and Kari Wahlgren (Wikipedia).
Upsides
- Strong ensemble of young actors (Carter Jenkins, Austin Butler, Ashley Tisdale) – gave early career exposure to future stars.
- Short runtime (86 minutes) keeps the pace brisk for younger attention spans.
- Available on multiple platforms (Netflix, rent on Prime/Apple) – easy to access without a single paid subscription.
Downsides
- Thin plot and heavy reliance on slapstick humor – Rotten Tomatoes consensus calls it “a few laughs for younger viewers.”
- No sequel ever materialised despite moderate box office ($25.2M U.S.) – leaves the ending unresolved for fans.
- Not available on Disney+ despite being a Fox title – limits one‑stop streaming for Disney subscribers.
The implication for anyone trying to decide whether to stream it: the film knows its audience. It doesn’t pretend to be more than a low‑stakes summer romp. The real value is in the cast – a snapshot of young talent before they became household names.
Confirmed facts
- Sequel was never officially announced (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Movie released in 2009 (Wikipedia)
- Screenplay by Mark Burton and Adam F. Goldberg (Wikipedia)
- U.S. box office: $25.2 million (Rotten Tomatoes)
What’s unclear
- Potential sequel status – no official announcement but also no definitive cancellation.
- Regional streaming rights vary – availability on Netflix may differ by country.
For a comprehensive breakdown of the cast and streaming options, check out this Aliens in the Attic guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aliens in the Attic suitable for kids?
Yes, it is rated PG for mild action, language, and some suggestive humor. Most kids aged 8+ can handle it without issues. (Rotten Tomatoes)
What is the age rating?
MPAA rating: PG – Parental Guidance Suggested. Contains language, action/violence, and some suggestive humor. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Who wrote the screenplay?
Mark Burton and Adam F. Goldberg wrote the script. (Wikipedia)
What is the budget of the film?
Wikipedia lists the production budget at $20 million. (Wikipedia)
Does the movie have a post‑credits scene?
No, there is no post‑credits scene. The film ends with a straightforward resolution of the aliens’ fate.
Is the movie based on a book?
No, it is an original screenplay, not adapted from a book.
What is the tagline of Aliens in the Attic?
“The family vacation is about to go ballistic.”
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