With the release of the positively received Alien: Romulus, which since writing this article has made over $280 million from just a $80 million budget, lets rank, from worst to best, the entire Alien franchise dating back to Ridley Scott’s genre-defining masterpiece back in 1979!
WARNING SPOILERS!
All images courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
7. Alien Resurrection (1997)
What was meant to redeem the franchise after Alien3s controversial ending what left fans bewildered, Resurrection resurrects our beloved Ripley. This, however, doesn’t change the fact that this movie leaves viewers with mixed feelings, especially as this is Sigourney Weaver's last appearance in the franchise.
Two hundred years after Alien3, A group of scientists clone our favourite Alien-killer with the hope they can breed the ultimate weapon. This sounds interesting on paper, but when executed falls completely flat.
6. Alien3 (1992)
Talking about Alien3, what a disaster straight off the bat! With multiple writers and multiple reshoots, there was clearly no clear plan throughout production. There are some redeeming moments to be found here but the choice to get rid of Newt and Hicks in the first few minutes is baffling and a disrespect to what came before.
5. Prometheus (2012)
Everything about this prequel is great! I would argue that if it wasn’t part of the franchise, it would be classed as one of the best sci-fi films to ever be produced.
With Ridley Scott back in the director's chair, and with people's interest of knowing more about the origins of the Xenomorph, this was a film many fans were excited for.
Prometheus is a story about the origins of mankind on Earth, leading a group of explorers to the darkest parts of the universe. The cast in this film was exceptional, with Michael Fassbender giving viewers one of the best performances as David.
4. Alien Covenant (2017)
Five years after Prometheus, Ridley Scott brought us Alien Covenant, another hugely underrated film in the science fiction genre.
Ridley continues to increase the scale and intensity of his films, providing us with one of the most ambitious movies in the franchise. Fassbender, this time, delivers TWO great performances, battling against each other in themes, solidifying himself as an icon in this franchise.
3. Alien Romulus (2024)
After seven years without an Alien film, Fede Alvarez takes us back to basics with the latest entry in the franchise.
One of the most visually striking films of the year with some of the most magnetic shots seen in the franchise. Alvarez gives us the style of the original film whilst adding his own flare making it THE ideal Alien film. The score here is horrifying and compliments the intensity perfectly. The characters in this film are a great addition but the major standout is David Jonsson who absolutely excels.
Go watch it in cinemas whilst you still can!
2. Aliens (1986)
Like a lot of other sequels from the 1980s (Terminator 2 and Empire Strikes Back), Aliens is a sequel that many prefer over the original!
James Cameron expertly delivers and expands this universe by giving us this amazing sci-fi action epic that rules from start to end! The cast are all brilliant additions alongside the amazing Ripley.
The climactic ending is one of the most badass endings of all time! “Get away from her, you bitch” will forever be one of the greatest lines in movie history.
1.Alien (1979)
Of course, in first place, we have Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi horror masterpiece. Alien is a masterful blend of horror, thriller, and science fiction. 45 years later and nothing has come close! This movie gave audiences the first look at the Xenomorph, the face-hugger, Ellen Ripley, and that iconic chest-burster scene! Cinema at its finest.