The War of the Worlds (1953)

Even though it changes much — including moving events from Victorian Britain to modern-day California — the US made version of H.G. Wells' famous novel is still recognisably War of the Worlds, with whole scenes and certain important themes firmly in place. Unsurprisingly, American concerns pervade, with commentary on other nations left to a nameless narrator (Cedric Hardwicke).
The alien 'tripod' design got changed for financial and logistical reasons. but the result is fortuitously unforgettable. The eerie green glow, sound effects and unsettling music add additional threat to an iconic and overwhelmingly dramatic menace that's equipped with a devastating killer heat ray.
In general the pacing is excellent, but the ending is abrupt. The film's biggest shortcoming, however, is its closing affirmation, which could've easily added a lingering ambiguity but instead feels like tacked on societal pandering.

4 unsympathetic intellects out of 5