The Alien franchise is a cornerstone of science fiction cinema, forever altering the genre's terrifying blend of extraterrestrial horror and deep space exploration. Since Ridley Scott introduced audiences to the deadly Xenomorphs in 1979, the series has expanded into a universe of sequels, prequels, and spin-offs.
This ranking will explore the evolution of the Alien universe, from its roots in survival horror to its expansion into grander, more complex narratives in later sequels and spin-offs like Prometheus. Along the way, we’ll see how these films have influenced an entire generation of UFO movies and the science fiction genre at large.
Join us as we dive into the depths of space, where terror knows no bounds, and find out where each installment lands in the definitive ranking of Alien movies. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this guide will reveal which films soar and which fail to take off.
In this thrilling sequel, the battle between Aliens and Predators escalates when a Predator ship crashes in a small Colorado town, releasing deadly Xenomorphs. As the town descends into chaos, a lone Predator, seeking to eliminate the Alien threat, teams up with a human survivor to fight against the ferocious Aliens and their kind. The film combines horror and action, showcasing intense battles and a desperate struggle for survival amidst the carnage.
Set 200 years after Ripley's death, Alien: Resurrection sees scientists cloning her in a bid to extract the Alien embryo she carried. However, their experiment goes awry when the newly resurrected Ripley develops enhanced abilities and connections to the Aliens. As the creatures escape and wreak havoc on the spaceship, Ripley must confront her past while leading a ragtag crew in a fight for survival against the terrifying force she once battled.
Alien 3 follows Ellen Ripley as she crash-lands on Fiorina 161, a bleak prison planet inhabited by male inmates. Alone and outnumbered, she discovers that an Alien organism has stowed away on her ship, leading to a deadly hunt through the facility. As inmates start disappearing, Ripley must rally the prisoners to confront the creature with limited resources, culminating in a harrowing showdown that tests her resolve and sacrifices.
In Alien vs. Predator, an ancient pyramid is discovered beneath the ice of Antarctica, awakening two of cinema's most iconic extraterrestrial species. A group of elite mercenaries is sent to investigate but soon finds themselves caught in a deadly battle between Aliens and Predators. As they fight for survival, alliances are tested and secrets are revealed in this action-packed crossover that pits humanity against terrifying alien foes.
In Alien: Covenant, a colony ship on its way to a remote planet uncovers an uncharted paradise that hides dark secrets. After discovering an android survivor from a previous mission, the crew soon realizes they are not alone as they encounter deadly creatures lurking in the shadows. This film deepens the lore of the Alien franchise while exploring themes of creation and existential dread as humanity faces its greatest fears.
Prometheus serves as a prequel to the original Alien saga, following a team of explorers who embark on a journey to uncover humanity's origins on a distant moon. As they delve deeper into ancient ruins, they awaken an ancient threat that challenges their understanding of life itself. With stunning visuals and philosophical undertones, this film explores themes of creation, sacrifice, and what it means to be human amidst cosmic horror.
In Alien: Romulus, set in the aftermath of previous conflicts with Xenomorphs, humanity faces new challenges as they attempt to establish a colony on a distant planet. However, old enemies resurface as Aliens threaten their existence once again. This latest installment promises to blend suspense with action as characters confront their fears while battling for survival in an unforgiving environment.
In Aliens, Ellen Ripley returns to face her worst nightmare as she leads a team of Colonial Marines back to LV-426 after losing contact with colonists. Armed with advanced weaponry and determination, they quickly discover that the Aliens have overrun the colony. This action-packed sequel combines intense suspense with strong character development as Ripley fights not only for her life but also for those she cares about in an epic battle against overwhelming odds.
The original Alien introduces audiences to the crew of the Nostromo who unwittingly bring aboard a deadly creature after investigating a distress signal on an unknown planet. As one by one, they fall victim to the terrifying Xenomorph, tension mounts aboard their spaceship. This groundbreaking sci-fi horror film is renowned for its atmospheric tension and strong female lead in Ripley, setting the stage for one of cinema's most enduring franchises.