The original Alien movie appeared on screens back in 1978, and launched the decades spanning career of Sigourney Weaver. Over the past 4 1/2 decades the franchise has spawned a total of 9 movies, and an upcoming tv show, that includes the 2 AVP crossover movies. Like any long lived movie francise it has of course had its ups and downs. Some movies have been markedly better than others while others have fallen flat, and in my opinion some have been more entertaining then the mass give them credit for.
Today I will be giving you a run down of my personal thoughts and opinions on the different movies. I have recently come off of an Alien movie marathon. As every single one of them can be found currently on the same streaming platform. Well, all except the newest movie, Alien: Romulus. I have seen it, but as of writing this it has yet to come to streaming. I will be talking about them in order of when they came out, and giving them a score out of 10.
These are of course all my own opinion, and you may disagree with my ranking or the reasons behind my ranking. Of course that’s fine everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If you’d like you can give me your own rankings down below in the comments. I’d be happy to hear what you think. All I ask is you be respectful of others opinions if they differ from your own. Let’s go ahead and dive right in.
Alien
8/10
I would rank the original Alien solidly in 2nd place. It is a masterpiece of a first movie, and it’s clear how it was able to spawn such a long running franchise. Alien mastered science fiction horror, combining atmospheric tension, groundbreaking visual design, and an unforgettable antagonist. The film’s minimalist storytelling allows for a slow build of dread, which pays off in terrifying fashion as the Xenomorph hunts the crew of the Nostromo. Scott masterfully utilizes the claustrophobic setting of the spaceship, turning it into a haunted house in space. The iconic creature design also adds to the film’s sense of unease, creating an alien being that is both terrifying and beautiful in its grotesqueness. Sigourney Weaver’s performance as Ellen Ripley, a strong and resourceful heroine, further cemented Alien as a milestone of the horror genre.
However, the film’s slow pace and sparse character development hold it back slightly from a perfect score. The supporting characters, while serviceable, often feel underwritten, serving as fodder for the Xenomorph rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. Additionally, the film’s suspense can feel almost too drawn out at times, potentially losing viewers who prefer faster-paced action. It’s an 8/10 for its bold vision, technical brilliance, and the way it expertly blends sci-fi and horror into a truly unsettling experience.
Aliens
9/10
I am firmly in the camp that the Aliens sequel is by far the more superior of the Alien movies. James Cameron’s Aliens (1986) takes the foundation laid by its predecessor and builds an even more intense and action-packed experience, solidifying it as one of the greatest sequels ever made. While Alien was a slow-burn horror, Aliens shifts into a high-octane war movie, with Ripley returning to battle not just one Xenomorph, but an entire hive. The film expertly balances tension with explosive action sequences, creating an exhilarating ride that elevates the franchise. Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley is even more developed, transforming into a fearless warrior and maternal figure. Cameron’s ability to blend character-driven storytelling with spectacular action set pieces makes Aliens a relentless yet emotional experience.
While Alien relied on atmosphere and minimalism, Aliens succeeds by expanding the universe and giving the audience more to latch onto, including the fascinating dynamics between Ripley, the Colonial Marines, and the Xenomorphs. The pacing is tight, and the character development is more robust, with memorable figures like Hicks, Hudson, and Bishop adding layers to the story. Cameron also deepens the mythos of the Xenomorphs, particularly with the introduction of the terrifying Alien Queen. Though some might miss the haunting, isolated horror of the original, Aliens is superior in its ability to evolve the series while delivering thrills and memorable moments. It’s a near-perfect blend of science fiction, action, and horror, earning it a solid 9/10 for its ambitious scope and masterful execution.
Alien 3
3/10
Alien 3 directed by David Fincher in his feature film debut, is widely regarded as the low point of the Alien franchise, and for good reason. The decision to kill off Newt and Hicks off-screen before the film even begins was not only a cruel blow to fans but also undermined the emotional core built in Aliens. This choice felt disrespectful to the characters and their arcs, setting a bleak and disappointing tone right from the start. The film’s setting, a grimy and featureless prison planet, feels claustrophobic in the worst way, and the plot meanders without the tight focus or pacing of its predecessors. The Xenomorph itself, rendered in poor early CGI, lacks the menace it once had, making the horror elements feel uninspired and repetitive.
Ripley’s tragic end, throwing herself into a furnace to prevent the birth of the Alien Queen, feels almost symbolic of the franchise’s near-demise. While Sigourney Weaver gives her all in another strong performance, the movie’s somber tone, lack of compelling new characters, and muddled execution overshadow her efforts. The studio interference and production troubles are well-documented, and the film ultimately feels like a rushed and incoherent entry in a franchise that deserved much better. With its bleak atmosphere and frustrating narrative choices, Alien 3 earns a 3/10, as it nearly derailed a beloved series and failed to live up to the legacy of its iconic predecessors.
Alien Resurrection
6/10
Alien: Resurrection is often criticized as a low point in the franchise, but I would argue it deserves more credit for embracing its chaotic, almost absurd tone. Unlike the bleak seriousness of its predecessors, Resurrection feels more like a darkly comedic, B-movie-style romp, with director Jean-Pierre Jeunet bringing a quirky, surreal flair to the film. The cloning of Ripley and the strange blend of human and alien DNA might stretch credibility, but if you approach the film as a campy, over-the-top sci-fi adventure, it becomes surprisingly entertaining. The action sequences are wild, the Xenomorphs are more grotesque than ever, and the film’s bizarre set pieces, such as the underwater chase, make for a fun, visually engaging experience.
One of the most controversial elements of Alien: Resurrection is the introduction of the alien-human hybrid, often referred to as the “alien baby.” This creature, a result of Ripley’s altered DNA, is widely seen as a low point in the film, with its design coming off as more grotesque and unintentionally comedic than terrifying. The emotional moment where it perceives Ripley as its mother before being brutally killed feels bizarre and out of place in the franchise. Many fans found this creature to be a major misstep, symbolizing the film’s departure from the fearsome horror of the original Xenomorphs and contributing to its overall negative reception.
The supporting cast is one of the film’s highlights, with memorable performances from Wynona Ryder as the mysterious android Call and Ron Perlman as the gruff, larger-than-life Johner. Their dynamic adds a much-needed sense of fun and unpredictability to the story, balancing out the more ridiculous elements. While it’s certainly not in the same league as Alien or Aliens, Alien: Resurrection has its own charm as a cheesy, chaotic mess that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s an underrated entry in the series for those willing to embrace its absurdity, and I’d score it a 6/10 for being a wild, flawed, but ultimately enjoyable ride.
Alien vs Predator
6/10
Alien vs. Predator may not have delivered the epic clash fans had hoped for, but it’s far from the disaster some make it out to be. While expectations were high for a grand showdown between the two iconic creatures, what the movie delivered was a fun, serviceable action-horror film that leaned more into spectacle than deep storytelling. The concept of an ancient Predator hunting ground beneath the ice, with humans caught in the middle of the Xenomorphs vs. Predators battle, was a creative setup. However, it left many feeling like it didn’t fully capitalize on the potential for an epic, universe-expanding story. Fans expected something more mythic, but the film’s brisk runtime and limited character development kept it from achieving greatness.
That being said, Alien vs. Predator still has its moments of excitement, with some well-crafted fight scenes and iconic imagery, like the Predator wielding a Xenomorph tail spear. If the film had been longer, it could have expanded more on the intriguing lore it hints at—the ancient rivalry between the two species, the Predators’ role in seeding Xenomorphs for sport, and the human connection to all of this. While it doesn’t live up to its legendary crossover potential, the movie is better than its reputation suggests. For fans who approach it with the right mindset—as a fun action-horror flick rather than a high-concept sci-fi epic—it earns a respectable 6/10 for delivering entertaining, if flawed, monster mayhem.
Alien vs Predator: Requiem
7/10
Alien vs. Predator: Requiem steps up the AVP mythos by shifting the focus to human characters, giving the audience a more grounded and emotional entry in the crossover franchise. This sequel delivers a darker, grittier tone as a Predator hunts down the deadly Predalien and other Xenomorphs in a small town, bringing the battle to Earth in a more immediate, personal way. By placing more emphasis on the human survivors trying to escape the chaos, the film builds tension and allows for moments of real fear and desperation. This focus on human characters, rather than just the spectacle of the alien battle, adds a layer of emotional depth that makes the stakes feel more urgent and relatable.
However, Requiem also misses the mark in some key areas. While the human focus is an improvement, the film doesn’t take full advantage of its monster mash premise, with limited epic fight scenes between the Predator and Xenomorphs. Fans of the franchise were left wanting more of the intense, action-packed showdowns that make the series exciting, and the film’s dim lighting often obscures what could have been standout moments of creature combat. Despite these flaws, Alien vs. Predator: Requiem earns a 7/10 for expanding on the human side of the story and offering a darker, more grounded take on the AVP mythos, even if it still falls short of its full potential.
Prometheus
5/10
Prometheus promised to reveal the origin of the Xenomorph, but for many fans, it fell flat by delivering a story that focused more on the Engineers than the iconic alien creatures. The film’s marketing led audiences to expect a deep dive into the creation of the Xenomorph species, but instead, Prometheus took a more philosophical route, exploring the Engineers who supposedly created humanity and their mysterious motivations. While the film introduced intriguing ideas about creation, god-like beings, and the search for humanity’s origins, it largely sidestepped the very creature that made the Alien franchise famous. The absence of any true Xenomorphs until the final moments left fans disappointed, feeling as though the film had misled them about its central premise.
One of the standout elements of Prometheus is Noomi Rapace’s portrayal of Dr. Elizabeth Shaw, which adds depth and emotional weight to the film. Shaw, a scientist with a strong sense of faith and curiosity, becomes the emotional anchor of the story as she grapples with questions about creation and existence. Rapace’s performance brings vulnerability, determination, and strength to the role, particularly in the film’s intense surgery scene, where Shaw must perform a gruesome procedure on herself. Her character’s resolve and drive to uncover the truth, even when faced with overwhelming horror, makes her one of the more compelling aspects of the film. Shaw’s journey of survival and discovery mirrors Ripley’s toughness, offering a new kind of heroine to the franchise.
Despite the film’s broader issues, Rapace’s portrayal of Shaw is a highlight that helps elevate Prometheus. Her character’s quest for answers about humanity’s origins gives the film its emotional core, even when the plot itself feels scattered. Shaw’s resilience in the face of unimaginable terror provides a human touch that grounds the story, making her arc one of the more memorable parts of the film. Alongside Michael Fassbender’s David, Rapace’s performance helps save Prometheus from completely falling apart, giving the movie a much-needed anchor amid its sprawling, philosophical themes. Ultimately, Prometheus earns a middling 5/10 for its missed opportunities and failure to deliver on the Xenomorph origin story that fans were eagerly awaiting.
Alien: Covenant
6/10
Alien: Covenant improves on its predecessor, Prometheus, but still struggles to fully hit the mark for fans of the Alien franchise. One of the most disappointing aspects of the film is the decision to kill off Dr. Elizabeth Shaw before the movie even begins, mirroring the same mistake made in Alien 3 with Newt and Hicks. Shaw was a standout character from Prometheus, and her death feels like a missed opportunity to continue developing her arc. This choice left fans frustrated, as they were once again deprived of seeing a strong female lead evolve within the series. However, Covenant does attempt to course-correct by featuring the titular Xenomorph, which helps restore some of the horror and tension that was missing in the previous prequel. The appearance of the classic creature provides a nostalgic and thrilling element that benefits the film, even if it doesn’t fully make up for the missteps in the story.
One of the film’s highlights is the character of Tennessee, played by Danny McBride, who brings a grounded, likable presence to the crew. His sense of humor and vulnerability offer a nice balance to the darker elements of the story, and he becomes one of the more memorable human characters. Additionally, Covenant benefits from a double dose of Michael Fassbender, who delivers captivating performances as both the sinister David and the more benevolent Walter. Fassbender’s portrayal of these two androids, and their philosophical conversations about creation and destruction, adds complexity to the film, even if the plot doesn’t always hold together. Overall, Alien: Covenant earns a 6/10 for its return to the franchise’s horror roots and the standout performances, but it falls short in terms of character development and plot decisions, leaving fans divided once again.
Alien: Romulus
7/10
Alien: Romulus brings the franchise back to its horror roots, successfully recapturing the tension and dread that made the original Alien films iconic. With a respectable 7/10, it satisfies long-time fans by focusing on claustrophobic suspense, terrifying encounters with the Xenomorphs, and an isolated setting that evokes the eerie atmosphere of Ridley Scott’s original. The film excels at building tension, slowly unraveling its horror elements with intense, pulse-pounding sequences that remind viewers why they fell in love with the franchise in the first place. The balance between action, horror, and suspense is well-crafted, making Romulus a solid entry that stands out in a franchise often plagued by divisive sequels and prequels.
One of the highlights of the movie is the character of the android Andy, who brought a refreshing take on the franchise’s usual portrayal of androids. Andy starts out with an innocent, almost childlike demeanor, creating a sympathetic and endearing presence that contrasts sharply with the cold, calculating androids like Ash and David from previous films. However, when his programming is altered and he turns into a “villain,” it feels like a betrayal of the character’s potential. While the twist might have been meant to add complexity or surprise, it ultimately left me feeling disconnected from the character and less invested in the story. His initial sweetness and naiveté offered something new and compelling for the series, but the abrupt change felt forced and undermined the emotional connection that had been built with him.
It was both fun and nostalgic to see Ash’s character make a return in Alien: Romulus, serving as a nod to the franchise’s rich history and connecting it back to the original film. However, the worst part of the movie was the poor CGI used to recreate the late Ian Holm’s performance, which felt disingenuous and did him a disservice. The attempts to digitally resurrect Holm’s likeness lacked the nuance and authenticity of his original portrayal, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment rather than the admiration that his character deserved.
The film’s ending, with the introduction of the alien baby, was another controversial element. While many fans appreciated the new take, feeling it was handled better than in Alien: Resurrection, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the same flawed concept that plagued that earlier film. Although Romulus executed the idea with more finesse, giving the creature more relevance to the story, the inclusion of the alien baby still felt like a questionable creative choice. It risked repeating past mistakes by diverting attention from the Xenomorphs themselves and introducing unnecessary plot complications. Overall, while Alien: Romulus has its flaws, it remains a strong return to form for the series, earning its 7/10 for successfully reigniting the franchise’s horror roots, even if certain narrative choices left some fans divided.
Thank you for taking the time to read through my thoughts and opinions on the different high and low points of each of the different movies in the long running Alien Franchise. If you have differing opinions on any of these movies I would love to hear your own thoughts. Comment them down below, and let me know what you think.
Do you want me to review any other movie franchises? I’d be happy to talk through other different franchises that you’re interested in. That’s all for today.
Till Next Time Friends,
Words by Ali
