All the 'Alien' movies ranked, as debate still rages about #1 spot
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The iconic 'Alien' franchise, which made its debut in 1979, is gearing up to release its seventh installment under 20th Century Studios.
This is the perfect opportunity to revisit the earlier films and experience once again the suspense and thrills that made the series legendary.
With 'Alien: Romulus' just days away from its release, picking the best films in the franchise can be challenging. To help you out, we've ranked all the movies from worst to best.
This will help you choose the most popular films and enjoy a nostalgic journey before heading to the theater to experience the latest addition.
8. 'Alien vs Predator: Requiem' (2007)
'Alien vs Predator: Requiem' stands out as the most disappointing film in the franchise. The plot is virtually non-existent, the characters lack depth, and the poor lighting makes it difficult to follow the action.
The movie introduces a new Alien-Predator hybrid called a Predalien, but it's not enough to save it. Both iconic creatures are reduced to generic slashers, making the movie a lackluster experience not worth your time.
In short, the film delivers only mindless violence with little substance. It holds a dismal 12% rating on the Tomatometer and an average audience score of 30% on Rotten Tomatoes. It's a low point for both the 'Alien' and 'Predator' franchises.
7. 'Alien vs Predator' (2004)
'Alien vs Predator' just barely surpasses its sequel, 'Requiem', by a slim margin. The concept of Xenomorphs battling Predators should be exciting but falls short, diminishing both creatures.
Although the cast features notable names like Lance Henriksen, their talents are underutilized due to weak dialogue. However, the special effects remain strong, and the film successfully captures the iconic look of both the Alien and Predator.
The movie is mostly dull and lacks scares, making it a missed opportunity with wasted potential. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has an average audience score of 39% and a 22% Tomatometer score.
6. 'Alien Resurrection' (1997)
'Alien Resurrection' is the weakest of the main Alien films, though it visually outshines some of the later entries. A troubled production led to a disappointing ending, frustrating writer Joss Whedon and limiting director Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s vision.
The film, set 200 years after 'Alien 3', features a cloned Ripley with Xenomorph DNA. While the concept is intriguing and offers some tense moments and gore, the film is disjointed and lacks consistent tension.
It’s an interesting idea that ends up feeling surprisingly dull and unmemorable. It is rated 55% on Rotten Tomatoes.
5. 'Alien: Covenant' (2017)
'Alien: Covenant' had potential with a strong cast including Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, and Billy Crudup under the direction of Ridley Scott.
However, it fell short of expectations, receiving a 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 55% as the average audience score.
The film often defies logic, swinging from dull to ridiculous, and lacks consistency. While fans may appreciate the callbacks to earlier 'Alien' lore, the characters are underdeveloped.
4. 'Alien 3' (1992)
'Alien 3', once seen as a disappointment, deserves a second look. The film, with its strong cast members such as Sigourney Weaver, Charles S Dutton, Charles Dance, and Lance Henriksen tells an intriguing story despite a heavy focus on chase scenes.
The new, faster Alien might not be as creepy as the original, but it’s still effective. Despite diverging from David Fincher's original vision, the film is a unique and darkly compelling entry in the 'Alien' series.
3. 'Prometheus' (2012)
Starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, and Guy Pearce, 'Prometheus' is worth revisiting. Set at the end of the 21st century, the spaceship Prometheus explores space and encounters the Alien creature.
It balances horror and gore well and features strong performances, despite some shaky dialogue. While not the franchise's best, it adds depth with its exploration of themes like Greek mythology, religion, and AI.
'Prometheus' doesn't always hit the mark, but it leaves a lasting impression and plenty to discuss.
2. 'Alien' (1979)
Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and Veronica Cartwright starrer ' Alien', the first film of the franchise, is a slow-burn masterpiece.
With just one Alien, it shows how terrifying a single creature can be. The tension builds as the crew faces unexpected horrors, making this the scariest in the series. Its deliberate pace helps you grasp the gravity of the situation and understand the crew's plight.
Even over 40 years later, its focus on unseen threats keeps it timeless. 'Alien' is a true classic, blending horror and suspense perfectly. It has a stellar rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.
1. 'Aliens' (1986)
With the highest rating of 94% from audience and critics on Rotten Tomatoes, this one stands out as the best in the franchise. While some may argue that the 1979 original is superior, 'Aliens' offers a faster pace and more action-packed experience.
Starring Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, and Lance Henriksen, the film is directed by James Cameron.
The film has memorable wisecracks, intense action, and an unforgettable showdown with the Alien Queen. Its impressive visual effects, sharp dialogue, and strong themes, especially Ripley's strength, make it stand out.
How to stream 'Alien: Romulus'?
Directed by Fede Álvarez, 'Alien: Romulus' features Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, and Spike Fearn. The film is set between the events of 'Alien' (1979) and 'Aliens' (1986).
The film will release theatrically on August 16, 2024 To watch online, fans will have to wait for at least three more months.
'Alien: Romolus' is expected to arrive on Hulu by the end of 2024.
'Alien: Romulus' trailer