The iconic blockbuster Independence Day, which set the bar for big-budget films, is set to grace our screens on E4 tonight.

Released in 1996, Independence Day is a thrilling sci-fi action adventure featuring Will Smith, Bill Pullman and Jeff Goldblum. The plot revolves around a small band of humans who must thwart an alien invasion intent on eradicating mankind, culminating in a nail-biting climax over the Fourth of July weekend.

The film was a colossal box office hit, solidifying Will Smith’s status as one of the most bankable stars of the 90s and early 2000s. With global earnings of a staggering $817.4 million, it became the highest-grossing film of 1996 and the second highest-grossing film ever at the time, trailing only Jurassic Park.

The brainchild of director Roland Emmerich, the concept for Independence Day reportedly emerged while he was promoting another of his films, Stargate, after being asked about his belief in extraterrestrial life.

But it wasn’t just audiences who adored the film. It bagged two Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/one-best-blockbusters-ever-made-36448600″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

Nearly three decades on, Independence Day continues to resonate with fans, earning a 75 percent approval rating on the film review aggregator site, Rotten Tomatoes.

One fan said: “A defining experience for the ’90s and set the formula for summer blockbusters, blending together bombastical action, heart, and humor.”

Another added: “”Independence Day,” then and now, remains the epitome of a stand-up-and-cheer movie.”

Whilst a third wrote: “A sci-fi story constellation of the brightest star elements. With German director Emmerich at the helm, Independence Day soars as filmic uber-craft.”

A further admirer noted: “It may be film-making by numbers, but the numbers are the right ones, and they fall into place with a satisfying clunk. This is everything a blockbuster should be.”

Yet critics proved far less generous towards the summer spectacular, awarding it merely a 69 per cent approval rating on the platform.

One reviewer said: “The term “mind-numbing” has never been more appropriate, since sitting through Emmerich’s proceedings, gaps in logic and all, wears down on the viewer until their brain all but shuts down.”

Another added: “It’s an utter slog, and there’s nothing worse to say about a movie whose entire, solitary purpose in life is to provide mindless, violent escapism.”

A third wrote: “A loathsome, soulless husk of a garbage movie – a bad movie then, and it’s a bad movie now.”

Whilst another said: “One quarter of a very decent albeit cliche alien invasion film, and three quarters an unwatchable adventure film.”

But we’ll leave it up to you to make up your mind. Independence Day is airing on E4 at 6.15pm on December 27.

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