The War of the Worlds (1953)

Gene Barry (TV's Bat Masterson) and Ann Robinson (TV's Fury) are among the humans intrigued when a meteor-like object crashes to Earth ... but its occupants are definitely not friendly. The assault on Earth is underway, and the Martian machines -- hovering "swan"-shaped vehicles of destruction -- are both beautiful and terrifying as they cut a relentless path of annihilation.