With the release of the ninth Alien film imminent, we thought it appropriate to rank all nine Alien films. From Prometheus to Alien3, the franchise is a diverse one ranging from masterpieces to catastrophes. Join us as we rank the Alien franchise.
“In space, no one can hear you scream”
9. Alien3 (1993)
The third film in the franchise is an upsetting warning for those to come. First released in 1993 and directed by auteur David Fincher, the film sounds good on paper. A prison film directed by one of the greatest directorial minds of the 21st century? Sign me up! But alas, Alien3 is a disappointment in many regards.
The film is so bad, that Fincher himself refuses to consider it as one of his directorial features, partly due to the severe studio interference that occurred during the edit. Many fans prefer the Assembly Cut of the film, which makes the film longer, and to many, more coherent.
8. Alien: Covenant (2017)
The last entry in the series directed by Sir Ridley Scott himself, is a complete mess. Continuing the precedent set by Prometheus’ idiotic characters, the protagonists are utterly incompetent. Whilst Prometheus has something to say, Covenant is a weak mimicry that adds nothing of value to the premise.
Despite that, the cast is easily the best of the series, with several A-listers, many of which are capable of giving Oscar-worthy performances. Horror elements too are in top form, returning to a horrifying form for the franchise, although in a far different way from the original.
7. Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)
A film so bad it killed the Aliens vs Predator subfranchise, it’s truly just the epitome of forgettable. A serviceable plot can’t save a film from poor execution, and this is exactly that. From a technical point of view, many things click, especially production design.
6. Alien Resurrection (1997)
Continuing the string of Alien films directed by auteurs, Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amélie) joins the franchise for Alien Resurrection. What this film has going for it is its strong cast, featuring the likes of Sigourney Weaver, Winona Ryder, Ron Perlman, Raymond Cruz, and more.
What it doesn’t have going for it is its… misguided plot. Written by infamous misogynist Joss Whedon, the movie suffers heavily from its over-sexualised script and weird plot points.
5. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
Directed by longtime guilty pleasure director Paul W.S. Anderson (Mortal Kombat, Resident Evil), AVP is schlocky. Not only is it schlocky, but it is also similar to ‘great’ films such as National Treasure, some of the Monsterverse entries and weirdly, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
A fun, yet stupid concept, makes this a joy to watch, but it’s best to ignore the implications of the film. Humans playing buddy with Predators truly does not work and it’s a thought that is hilarious by all means.
4. Prometheus (2012)
The first good film on this list, Prometheus serves its purpose. It’s a new direction for the Alien franchise, but its philosophical nature more than justifies its wandering from the main concept of the series. The movie tries to build some lore up for the Alien films, and they succeed.
The characters, as I mentioned in the Covenant section of this ranking, are extremely stupid, so stupid in fact, that it leads to their immediate demise. That as it may be, the visuals of the film manage to forgive that factor, making for a beautiful film.
3. Aliens (1986)
The second film in the franchise, and widely praised as one of the best films, Aliens is a pulsating and extravagant sci-fi action flick. Directed by Terminator director James Cameron, the movie truly has style. It’s intense, striking and very badass. About what you’d expect from a visionary like Cameron.
The movie does stray from the deep-rooted horror of the first film, but ultimately is a strong sequel to the film.
2. Alien: Romulus (2024)
The latest film in the series is a true return to the true horror of the Alien franchise. It’s poignant, philosophical, violent, and tense, making for an exciting and thought-provoking experience. It’s a great homage to Alien, Aliens, and Prometheus, uniting the three films and three genres into a fantastic time.
Read my full review here!
1. Alien (1979)
The movie that started it all, and an undisputed great film. Ridley Scott gets to show off his prowess with a succinct movie featuring a stellar cast, and an inky black atmosphere oozing with horrifying implications. Alien is great for many reasons, but the way it propels Sigourney Weaver to stardom, whilst shaping her into the ultimate final girl is commendable.
The cinematography is magical and the effects are magnificent, with the creativity of the Xenomorph changing horror forever.
Like it or not, the Alien franchise is monumental for its impact on pop culture and horror, and with its ninth release proving well with audiences, critics and possibly the box office, it is as strong as ever. To many more fantastic Alien entries!
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