On May 10th, 1996, an extraordinary event unfolds as Earth encounters an immense fleet of flying saucers from Mars. The President of the United States, James Dale, steps up to speak to the American populace amidst mounting tensions. While General Decker is eager to declare war, General Casey counters by pointing out the lack of firm evidence suggesting the aliens have hostile intentions. Scientific advisor Donald Kessler argues that any advanced civilization would not resort to barbarism. Simultaneously, Jerry Ross, Dale's Press Secretary, finds himself embroiled in scandal due to questionable personal choices.
In the heart of this unfolding drama, talk show host Nathalie Lake and her boyfriend, news reporter Jason Stone, strive to leverage the situation by interviewing Kessler on May 11th. Their conversation takes an unexpected turn when a Martian transmission interrupts them, revealing Kessler's unspoken feelings for Nathalie.
As the Martians gear up for their landing near Pahrump, Nevada, on May 13th, responses pour in from all corners of the nation. Among those reacting are donut shop worker Richie Norris, his brother Billy-Glenn - now a soldier ready to serve, the flamboyant casino mogul Art Land and his climate activist wife Barbara, as well as ex-boxer Byron Williams and his family. Billy prepares to enlist while Richie faces family responsibilities, and Barbara believes in the Martians' mission to save the Earth.
Faced with the hawkish advice of General Decker, President Dale makes a pivotal decision to welcome the Martians as dignitaries, commanding General Casey to do the honors. Meanwhile, Billy-Glenn joins the soldiers accompanying Casey. The government introduces translation technology to bridge communication, but the situation swiftly deteriorates when the Martian ambassador's message of peace is undermined by a careless act involving a ray gun. This triggers a violent encounter, resulting in chaos, the deaths of Casey, Jason, and Billy-Glenn, and the abduction of Nathalie and her chihuahua, Poppy.
Kessler persuades Dale to allow the Martians an opportunity to address Congress following a formal apology. However, the Martians are soon revealed to be conducting cruel experiments on their captives, including the infamous head-swapping with Nathalie. Dale, reluctant to resort to nuclear options despite General Decker's insistence, survives an attack disguised as a beautiful woman sent by the Martians.
As the invasion escalates, major cities suffer massive assaults, claiming First Lady Marsha's life during an attack on the White House, where young Cedric and Neville bravely defend the President. In Las Vegas, Barbara hastens to escape with a group onto Art's private plane, while Richie prioritizes rescuing his grandmother from a retirement home, heroically leaving his parents behind.
In a desperate turn of events, the Martians' vulnerability to a classic yodel prompts a solution, resulting in their downfall as humans join forces to blast their ears with "Indian Love Call." After the bloody confrontation, several heroes emerge: Richie and his grandmother earn honors, while Byron returns home to reunite with his family. In a surprising twist of fate, Barbara and her group find safety, showcasing the indomitable spirit of humanity against all odds.
