All The 'Alien' Movies Ranked

The Alien movies are some of the most consistently interesting science fiction films, and the fact that they're all in one franchise is a miracle. From the claustrophobic terror of the original to the action-packed sequel and the divisive prequels, these movies have captivated and horrified audiences for decades. Spanning nine films, including two crossover events, the saga of the Xenomorph is a cornerstone of both science fiction and horror cinema. Today, I wanted to do my ranking of the movies and talk about what I like about each of them. Let's dive in. Alien (1979)You can't be the first one. I mean, you can in other franchises, but Ridley Scott's original masterpiece is a titan of the genre, a slow-burn haunted house movie set in the cold, unforgiving vacuum of space. It rocks. Its masterful use of suspense, practical effects, and H.R. Giger's iconic and deeply unsettling creature design created a cinematic experience that remains as potent today as it was in 1979. Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley became an instant icon of strength and resilience.Aliens (1986)I mean, can you imagine today having a franchise where Ridley Scott and James Cameron direct the first two movies? In Cameron's sequel, he shifted genres from pure horror to high-octane action, and in doing so, created one of the greatest sequels ever made. Aliens is a pulse-pounding thrill ride that expands upon the lore of the Xenomorphs, introducing the terrifying Alien Queen and a lovable squad of Colonial Marines. It's a perfect blend of intense action, memorable characters, and genuine scares. Prometheus (2012)Ridley Scott coming back was what this franchise needed in the new era. He created a visually stunning and thought-provoking prequel that delves into the origins of humanity and the creators of the Xenomorphs, the Engineers. I liked that it's a movie that asks big questions and continues the philosophy Scott imbued in the first installment. Alien³ (1992)David Fincher's directorial debut was plagued by a notoriously troubled production, and the final product reflects that turmoil. But in recent years, its bleak tone, stunning visuals, and the "Assembly Cut" made me appreciate this movie even more. It's a grim and nihilistic entry that bravely kills off beloved characters and returns to the single-alien horror of the first film.Alien: Covenant (2017)A direct sequel to Prometheus, this movie attempts to bridge the gap between the prequel and the original. I love the dual performance by Michael Fassbender, who plays different roles of a robot, one that wants to bring aliens back to Earth. It adds so much tension and a very bleak ending. Alien: Romulus (2024)The most recent entry, directed by Fede Álvarez, has been widely praised for successfully capturing the tone and terror of the original films. It's a middle movie, set between the events of Alien and Aliens. It introduced a new cast of compelling characters and delivered the claustrophobic horror and practical effects that made it feel like the original. Alien Resurrection (1997)With a script by Joss Whedon and direction by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, this fourth installment is an oddball entry with a distinctly different, more darkly comedic tone. I actually think it could be fun to explore this tone in the series again, but maybe that's just me. It's so different than all the others, it stands out to me. Alien vs. Predator (2004)The long-awaited crossover event finally brought two of cinema's most iconic extraterrestrial species to blows. While the concept is a fan's dream, the PG-13 rating hindered what could have been a legendary showdown. It's a movie where I feel like all its best punches don't come because they're so worried about ratings. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)This is a weird movie, a sequel that never really finds its tone or themes. We get to meet the "Predalien," which is kind of cool. But the film is a muddle, and I'm not really sure what the point of the plot is aside from "try to make money at the movies."Summing It All UpFor over four decades, the Alien universe has proven its incredible power to evolve, to provoke, and to make us scream. Whether in the cold silence of space or the chaos of a desperate battle, this iconic franchise will undoubtedly continue to haunt our dreams for generations to come.I can't wait for Alien: Earth on FX! Let me know what you think in the comments.

Jun 7, 2025 - 13:55

The Alien movies are some of the most consistently interesting science fiction films, and the fact that they're all in one franchise is a miracle.

From the claustrophobic terror of the original to the action-packed sequel and the divisive prequels, these movies have captivated and horrified audiences for decades.

Spanning nine films, including two crossover events, the saga of the Xenomorph is a cornerstone of both science fiction and horror cinema.

Today, I wanted to do my ranking of the movies and talk about what I like about each of them.

Let's dive in.

Alien (1979)

You can't be the first one. I mean, you can in other franchises, but Ridley Scott's original masterpiece is a titan of the genre, a slow-burn haunted house movie set in the cold, unforgiving vacuum of space.

It rocks.

Its masterful use of suspense, practical effects, and H.R. Giger's iconic and deeply unsettling creature design created a cinematic experience that remains as potent today as it was in 1979. Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley became an instant icon of strength and resilience.

Aliens (1986)

I mean, can you imagine today having a franchise where Ridley Scott and James Cameron direct the first two movies?

In Cameron's sequel, he shifted genres from pure horror to high-octane action, and in doing so, created one of the greatest sequels ever made.

Aliens is a pulse-pounding thrill ride that expands upon the lore of the Xenomorphs, introducing the terrifying Alien Queen and a lovable squad of Colonial Marines. It's a perfect blend of intense action, memorable characters, and genuine scares.

Prometheus (2012)

Ridley Scott coming back was what this franchise needed in the new era.

He created a visually stunning and thought-provoking prequel that delves into the origins of humanity and the creators of the Xenomorphs, the Engineers. I liked that it's a movie that asks big questions and continues the philosophy Scott imbued in the first installment.

Alien³ (1992)

David Fincher's directorial debut was plagued by a notoriously troubled production, and the final product reflects that turmoil. But in recent years, its bleak tone, stunning visuals, and the "Assembly Cut" made me appreciate this movie even more.

It's a grim and nihilistic entry that bravely kills off beloved characters and returns to the single-alien horror of the first film.

Alien: Covenant (2017)

A direct sequel to Prometheus, this movie attempts to bridge the gap between the prequel and the original.

I love the dual performance by Michael Fassbender, who plays different roles of a robot, one that wants to bring aliens back to Earth. It adds so much tension and a very bleak ending.

Alien: Romulus (2024)

The most recent entry, directed by Fede Álvarez, has been widely praised for successfully capturing the tone and terror of the original films.

It's a middle movie, set between the events of Alien and Aliens. It introduced a new cast of compelling characters and delivered the claustrophobic horror and practical effects that made it feel like the original.

Alien Resurrection (1997)

With a script by Joss Whedon and direction by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, this fourth installment is an oddball entry with a distinctly different, more darkly comedic tone.

I actually think it could be fun to explore this tone in the series again, but maybe that's just me. It's so different than all the others, it stands out to me.

Alien vs. Predator (2004)

The long-awaited crossover event finally brought two of cinema's most iconic extraterrestrial species to blows. While the concept is a fan's dream, the PG-13 rating hindered what could have been a legendary showdown. It's a movie where I feel like all its best punches don't come because they're so worried about ratings.

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)

This is a weird movie, a sequel that never really finds its tone or themes. We get to meet the "Predalien," which is kind of cool. But the film is a muddle, and I'm not really sure what the point of the plot is aside from "try to make money at the movies."

Summing It All Up

For over four decades, the Alien universe has proven its incredible power to evolve, to provoke, and to make us scream.

Whether in the cold silence of space or the chaos of a desperate battle, this iconic franchise will undoubtedly continue to haunt our dreams for generations to come.

I can't wait for Alien: Earth on FX!

Let me know what you think in the comments.