10. The Day The Earth Stood Still
20th Century FoxSure, it isn't exactly the most subtle reference in the world, but there's still a chance you missed it because you were too busy getting pumped about the White House getting blown up (and don't worry, we completely understand why you might feel like that, given that it's arguably the best thing ever committed to celluloid). At one point in the movie, then, during a scene wherein some children are watching the television within the confines of an RV, you can briefly glimpse a clip from the classic '50s sci-fi B-movie The Day The Earth Stood Still playing on their set - a clear nod from Emmerich that Independence Day is
supposed to be cheesy and fun, people, so don't take it too darn seriously, okay? Of course, Emmerich's film owes allegiance to tons of movies across the span of the sci-fi canon, but it shares a lot of its DNA with The Day The Earth Stood Still - if only for its willingness to cast aliens as bad guys willing to stop at nothing to make Earth suffer for its sins.