Ever since Ridley Scott first blasted the haunted house formula into deep space back in 1979, the Alien franchise has had a firm grip on our collective imaginations. It’s truly wild to think how a single Xenomorph, dripping with style and whatever else oozes from its mouth, could kick off such a sprawling saga of brooding atmosphere, strong female leads, and eye-covering gore, all wrapped up in grotesquely magnificent set designs originally envisioned by H.R. Giger.
For nearly 50 years, the “Alien” franchise has been terrifying, thrilling, and fascinating audiences, proving that the galaxy’s most lethal adversary is a force to be reckoned with. From its claustrophobic horror beginnings to action-packed epics and mythological prequels, this universe has expanded in truly epic ways, even spawning the popular new Hulu series, Alien: Earth, which critics are calling “intellectually intriguing, visually fabulous, and one of the most outstanding entries in the Alien saga.”
Now, if you’re anything like us, you probably have a soft spot for every single entry, even the ones that made you scratch your head a little. While it’s true that the “Alien” saga can be wildly uneven, at its best, it delivers some of the most unforgettable moments in sci-fi horror history. So, buckle up, because we’re taking you on a journey through some of the most iconic alien movies, starting with the ones that made us squint a bit, and building up to the absolute masterpieces that still scare the bejesus out of us!
1. **Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)**Oh, boy, where do we even begin with ‘Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem’? This movie truly has the “dubious honour of being seen by no one” because, as the saying goes, “it’s so ruddy dark.” Seriously, you’ll find yourself wondering if your TV’s contrast settings have gone completely off-piste trying to figure out what’s actually happening on screen.
This “hyper-violent but ultimately tedious extraterrestrial outing” tried to up the ante on gore and intensity from its predecessor, but honestly, it just couldn’t make up for its confusing editing and overly dark visuals. The concept of Aliens and Predators clashing is a recipe for badass fight scenes, but here, it often comes “at the cost of strong storytelling and likable characters.”
It mainly delivers a few action sequences, but even those are swallowed by the gloom. The plot sees a Predator ship crash near a town in Colorado, unleashing a deadly Predalien hybrid – “yes, really” – and a lone Predator, known as Wolf, dispatched to clean up the mess. You’re left with “full of characters you don’t care about getting mangled in the ensuing kerfuffle,” which isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement.
Ultimately, “these two legendary sci-fi monsters deserved far better, truly.” ‘Requiem’ just felt like a missed opportunity that failed to bring fresh ideas to the table, and it’s one that many fans, ourselves included, are still pretty ambivalent about.
2. **Alien: Resurrection (1997)**Putting ‘Alien: Resurrection’ this low doesn’t mean we hate it, but it definitely feels like a movie that “could’ve been so much better.” Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the director of ‘Amelie,’ and Joss Whedon, the writer of ‘Avengers Assemble,’ trapped within the confines of a traditional sci-fi horror franchise? The results were as wild as you might expect.
This fourth entry in the Alien saga felt “tonally inconsistent and unmemorable,” a “sci-fi romp that feels strangely hollow.” Set 200 years after Ripley’s ultimate sacrifice in ‘Alien 3,’ her clone, Ripley 8, now “spliced with Alien Queen DNA,” awakens on a space research vessel. There, she uncovers grim experiments aimed at growing Xenomorphs as bioweapons. Seriously, didn’t anyone read the memo on this?
The biggest sticking point for many, including us, is that “Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) shouldn’t have been cloned at all.” Plus, the claim that Weyland-Yutani no longer exists in 2381 felt like a strange narrative choice, undercutting an organization central to the first three movies. The film “almost plays like a dark comedy, but one that doesn’t quite land the way it should,” mixing forced humor with a “very brown colour palette.”
However, it’s not all doom and gloom! We quite enjoy the “techno-gothic aesthetic and its immersive, grotesque effects sequences.” The intense underwater scene is “easily the coolest scene,” and the double kill is one that “stays etched in my mind.” But even with these highlights, Ripley becoming less relatable due to her Xenomorph DNA and the weak plot logic mean that we’re still recommending you “leave Alien Resurrection in cryostasis for all eternity.”
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3. **Alien vs. Predator (2004)**Okay, we know, we know — a Paul W.S. Anderson film that isn’t at the very bottom of the ranking? Hear us out! ‘Alien vs. Predator’ might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but you’ve got to “kudos to AVP for at least swinging for the fences in this crossover.” It’s here because we genuinely enjoyed seeing Xenomorphs square off against Predators, and watching “the chaotic action unfold.”
The premise is simple yet intriguing: an expedition team scouring an ancient Antarctic ruin discovers they are essentially “sacrificial lambs in a hunt between the titular Alien and Predator.” It’s a classic setup for monster mayhem, and for a 2000s movie, it actually features “impressive practical and monster effects.” The action, surprisingly, “at least has gravitas and effort.”
Yes, the narrative is weak, and “most of the characters feel like cardboard cut-outs with the ability to walk and talk,” but the sheer spectacle is hard to deny. The film is arguably “one of the most memorable entries in the franchise (more so the “Predator” franchise),” largely due to its commitment to the crossover premise. The climactic team-up between heroine Lex and the veteran Predator Scar is a “neat little touch that harkens back to the original AVP comic book.”
Despite its “janky scenes, some so-so scripting, and a criminal lack of blood,” ‘Alien vs. Predator’ is a “strictly by-the-numbers affair that looks half decent and good for lazy Sunday viewing without the need for your neurons firing.” You might forget most of it by curtain up, but for 90 minutes, it’s a wildly entertaining dose of “visceral intensity” that embraces its “wouldn’t it be cool if…?” moments.
4. **Alien: Covenant (2017)**‘Alien: Covenant’ was quite the conversation starter upon its release, dividing critics and audiences alike. Some praised its “return to horror roots and Michael Fassbender’s dual performance,” while others found its characters uncompelling and its tone inconsistent. Personally, we lean towards enjoying this ride, even with its bumps along the way.
This film stands as a “technically competent but flawed hybrid of the original Alien movies” trying to weave in the grand themes of creation and Greek mythology introduced in ‘Prometheus.’ However, this ambitious “mishmash strays far from touching Mount Olympus,” often falling flat in its execution of story and character development. You’ll find yourself enduring some “entirely predictable yet overly pompous dialogue” that makes certain characters feel disposable.
However, ‘Covenant’ truly shines as “one of the darkest “Alien” movies,” and arguably “one of the most compelling,” largely thanks to Michael Fassbender. His intricate dual performance as the androids David and Walter is undeniably the movie’s defining element, holding your attention even when the plot stumbles. There are viscerally intense action sequences and Xenomorphs that are “as aggressive and intimidating as ever,” ensuring you’re still on the edge of your seat.
While “far from a masterpiece” and certainly “doesn’t come close to matching the brilliance of the original “Alien,”” ‘Alien: Covenant’ still makes for a “solid, worthwhile entry in the franchise.” Just be prepared to overlook its patchy narrative as it attempts to juggle being both a sequel to ‘Prometheus’ and a prequel to the 1979 classic. And yes, there’s that “freaky Fassbender on Fassbender flute playing” scene that you definitely won’t forget.
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5. **Alien 3 (1992)**Some might raise an eyebrow at ‘Alien 3’ being this low on our list, and we get it – it’s definitely “a controversial take.” Following the original ‘Alien’ and its action-packed sequel ‘Aliens’ must have felt like filling Herculean boots. This third installment famously “languished in development hell with a multitude of attached writers and directors,” eventually landing in the lap of David Fincher, who has since disowned the movie.
Despite its troubled production, we still think ‘Alien 3’ is “a solid “Alien” movie that plays out like a badass prison thriller.” The plot sees Ripley’s escape pod crash on Fiorina 161, a desolate prison planet, where she finds herself confronting a Xenomorph threat alongside a group of inmates. “Worse still, there’s the threat of another Alien Queen, and evil megacorp Weyland-Yutani is on its way” to exploit the situation.
One of our major gripes, though, is the “shocking deaths at the beginning,” which felt like “a slap in the face” and arguably made ‘Aliens’ “feel a little less impactful.” Additionally, the movie heavily leaned on CGI over practical effects, making the Xenomorphs appear “jarring when they sprint across walls” and often “devoid of heft and presence.”
However, there’s a silver lining! We highly “urge you to watch the Assembly Cut” of ‘Alien 3.’ This extended, unpolished work is “regarded as superior to the theatrical release” because it restores key scenes that give the story more coherence and develops characters in a more meaningful way. It genuinely transforms Ripley’s final adventure, offering a far more satisfying conclusion than the theatrical cut.
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6. **Prometheus (2012)**Now we’re really getting into the juicy stuff! ‘Prometheus’ might not immediately look like a typical “Alien” movie, but trust us, “it certainly captures the franchise’s signature trait: humans making catastrophically poor choices around aliens.” Ridley Scott’s return to the universe, this quasi-prequel, is a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience, even if it leaves you with more questions than answers.
The film’s “visuals and art direction were stunning, from the gorgeous planetary scenes to the ominous Engineer set designs.” The cast, including Noomi Rapace, Idris Elba, and Charlize Theron, deliver strong performances, with “Michael Fassbender lend[ing] a creepy yet captivating performance as the enigmatic android David.” Scott expertly builds suspense, gradually escalating it into “intense, all-consuming horror” that’s both thrilling and occasionally nauseating.
However, ‘Prometheus’ may be remembered just as much “for its truly bizarre character decisions” – like scientists inexplicably jabbing at wild xenofauna or other perfectly competent characters running directly in the path of a downed spaceship instead of, you know, to the side. It aims for depth by focusing “more on raising big questions than providing answers,” often leaving “more shrugs and question marks than before” by its conclusion.
Despite its narrative weaknesses, ‘Prometheus’ remains “a solid sci-fi horror movie.” Its stunning visuals and striking special effects are powerful enough to distract you from some of these flaws, keeping you utterly captivated for a good chunk of the movie. And that birthing scene? Let’s just say “that birthing scene is something else…” and it definitely sticks with you long after the credits roll.
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7. **Alien: Romulus (2024)**Talk about a fresh breath of acid-blooded air! ‘Alien: Romulus’ has officially taken the troubled franchise back to its roots, and honestly, it’s nothing short of a triumph. As the author mentioned, it’s not just a favorite of 2024 but one of their favorites ever, and we totally get why. From the very first scene, with its spine-chilling quiet of deep space, you just know you’re in for an absolute treat.
Director Fede Álvarez has truly created an effective, claustrophobic, and laser-focused thrill ride through another xenomorph-haunted house. The visuals are a feast for the eyes, with every frame bathed in moody blues, reds, and oranges, all contributing to a dark, gritty aesthetic full of rain and cosmic dread. Plus, the impressively gooey practical effects for the Xenomorphs? Chef’s kiss! It truly feels exactly like the franchise should.
We also have to give a massive shout-out to Cailee Spaeny, who absolutely shines as Rain Carradine, a young woman just trying to escape her dreary life. Her dynamic with David Jonsson’s glitchy android brother, Andy, is fantastic, and Rain herself “evokes shades of Ripley from the original movie.” This film is packed with inventive ideas and genuinely terrifying sequences, including a heart-pounding pursuit against a facehugger horde and a hybrid monstrosity that will definitely haunt your dreams.
While it does feature a few “cringy (and somewhat excessive) references to previous movies,” this is an almost perfect sci-fi horror experience. ‘Romulus’ is an “enjoyable victory tour of the Alien films’ greatest hits,” injecting “some fresh acid blood” into one of cinema’s most iconic horror franchises. Critics agree, praising it for “Honoring its nightmarish predecessors while chestbursting at the seams with new frights of its own.”
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8. **Aliens (1986)**Alright, buckle up, because here we are with a sequel that not only matched but arguably surpassed its legendary predecessor! James Cameron, in his absolute genius, completely shifted the franchise’s focus with ‘Aliens,’ transforming it into a high-octane, war-like spectacle. But here’s the kicker: it still preserved that nail-biting, fear-laden atmosphere that made the original movie so effective. Oh, and did we mention it triples the Xenomorphs? You’re welcome.
As our expert puts it, ‘Aliens’ is “the definition of pure sci-fi action goodness, mixed with elements of true horror.” The adrenaline rush you get from watching it, even after countless viewings, is seriously unmatched. The story is so gripping, the characters are incredibly well-developed, and the narrative flows seamlessly, making it a truly immersive experience.
Sigourney Weaver, bless her heart, once again proves why she’s the absolute heart of this franchise. Her performance as Ripley is nothing short of iconic, further fleshing out her character and giving her immense emotional clout with the introduction of Newt. This relationship brings a powerful maternal drive to Ripley, pushing her to take on an Alien Queen, an entire town of Xenos, and a terrifying “nope-basket of alien eggs.”
Cameron’s vision delivers a bombastic and thrilling movie, chock-full of mesmerizing characters, groundbreaking practical effects, and some of the most electric dialogue and zingers that fans are still quoting nearly four decades later. Seriously, who can forget “Get away from her, you BITCH!”? It’s timeless, and it rightfully stands as “one of the best movies ever made.” A special shout-out has to go to the late, great composer James Horner for his electric score, which perfectly elevates every heart-pounding action sequence!
Even after all these years, “the sound of that motion tracker still scares the bejesus out of us.” ‘Aliens’ truly packs “a much more visceral punch” than its predecessor, delivering relentless action while still featuring a “typically strong performance from Sigourney Weaver.” It’s an ensemble actioner that set the blueprint for countless films to follow, and for that, we salute it!
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9. **Alien (1979)**And here we are, at the top of the heap, the one that started it all: Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien.’ This movie isn’t just a classic; it’s the undisputed champion, the true winner that reigns supreme in our hearts! Its premise is deceptively simple: a crew on a spaceship gets picked off one by one by an unknown, lethal threat. But oh, how brilliantly that formula works in the horror format, proving its enduring power across the entire franchise.
Just imagine this: impressive visuals for its time, chilling practical effects, and a recipe for terror that’s so perfect it’s almost criminal. The author admits to seeing the chestburster scene at a ridiculously young age, and instead of scarring them for life, “it sparked a fascination that grew into a full-blown obsession with the franchise.” Talk about a positive outcome from pure cinematic shock!
What really grabs you on a rewatch of ‘Alien’ is its masterful pacing. Those first 45 minutes? Pure, deliberate buildup, a slow and careful unfolding of dread. It’s this meticulous tension that makes the terror that erupts in the second half feel exponentially more intense and absolutely terrifying. You’re literally on the edge of your seat, holding your breath!
The crew of the commercial starship Nostromo, on their way back to Earth, investigates a distress signal from a mysterious alien vessel. What they find—a nest of eggs, one of which unleashes a deadly creature—turns their ship into “a terrifying hunt for survival.” The film creates a cold, claustrophobic, and intense atmosphere right from the outset, with its stunning set and sound design.
It helps that the creature itself blends so seamlessly into the environment, appearing minimally, making its horrific kills all the more impactful. It’s one of “the best-designed movie monsters ever,” with its grotesque aesthetic and a modus operandi that carries unsettling connotations. And while the entire cast is fantastic, it’s the “emergence of warrant officer Ellen Ripley, one of the greatest heroes ever committed to celluloid, that propels Alien into legendary status.” This is a modern classic, blending “science fiction, horror and bleak poetry into a seamless whole.”
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10. **The Thing (1982)**Now that we’ve explored the very best of the Alien universe, let’s step outside for a moment and celebrate another absolute masterpiece that redefined sci-fi horror: John Carpenter’s ‘The Thing.’ This film, released in 1982, didn’t immediately find its audience when compared to blockbusters like ‘E.T.’ and ‘Aliens.’ But let us tell you, its appreciation has absolutely skyrocketed over time, and it’s now rightfully regarded as “one of the best alien movies ever made.”
Based on John W. Campbell Jr.’s novella, ‘Who Goes There?’, this flick throws American pilot R.J. Macready (played by the legendary Kurt Russell) and his team of researchers into the ultimate nightmare scenario at an isolated Antarctic research station. They encounter a creature with an utterly terrifying ability: it can “imitate any life form.” Think about that for a second—anyone could be “the Thing”!
What starts with the creature absorbing some sled dogs quickly escalates into pure paranoia as the team realizes this shapeshifting menace can morph into any living thing, including one of them. The tension is almost unbearable as the team slowly turns on one another, desperate to uncover the real threat amongst themselves. It’s a masterful blend of paranoia and groundbreaking special effects that still holds up today.
With a stellar cast including Kurt Russell, Keith David, and A. Wilford Brimley, ‘The Thing’ offers “a tense look at the threat of extraterrestrial life on humanity” and the brutal lengths people will go to in order to survive. For classic horror vibes, it stands as a timeless masterpiece that will leave you questioning everyone and everything long after the credits roll.
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11. **E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)**After all that blood, guts, and chilling paranoia, sometimes you just need a heartwarming story that reminds us of the wonder of extraterrestrial life, right? And for that, we give you ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,’ a movie that has truly defined a generation’s cultural exploration of alien phenomena. This isn’t about running for your life; it’s about friendship, discovery, and a lovable alien who just wants to go home.
This timeless classic, also released in 1982, offers a completely different, yet equally captivating, encounter with life beyond Earth. It’s “a heartwarming tale” where a young boy befriends a lost alien, creating an unbreakable bond that transcends worlds. It captures the imagination with its portrayal of innocence, empathy, and the extraordinary in the everyday.
‘E.T.’ proved that alien movies don’t always have to be about terror and destruction. They can be about connection, understanding, and the magic of a truly out-of-this-world friendship. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones that touch our hearts the most.
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And there you have it, folks! From the divisive to the downright spectacular, we’ve journeyed through some of the most unforgettable alien movies ever to grace our screens. Whether you’re craving claustrophobic horror, adrenaline-pumping action, or a tear-jerking tale of intergalactic friendship, this list has you covered. These films, especially our top picks, have not only pushed the boundaries of sci-fi and horror but have also reshaped how we think about life beyond Earth. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to re-experience these out-of-this-world cinematic gems. Happy viewing, and remember, in space, no one can hear you scream… or cheer! Get ready to hit play on these worthy watches and let the cosmic adventures continue!
