From “A” to “Xenomorph,” All 9 Alien Films Ranked

9) AVP: Alien vs. Predator

It seemed like blending the Alien and Predator series, featuring Lance Henriksen, would be a guaranteed hit, right? However, since all earlier films from either franchise were rated R, this PG-13 version toned down the violence, characters, and computer-generated effects. The movie tried its best to merge the stories (the Predators deliberately spawned Alien xenomorphs to create training grounds for their tribes), but it mostly fell flat. Unfortunately, despite the film being a disappointment, it did give us an iconic tagline: “Whoever wins, we lose.” Regrettably, that line also described the movie’s box office performance quite accurately.

8) Alien vs. Predator: Requiem

In an attempt to rectify the shortcomings of the prior version, the film Alien vs. Predator: Requiem brought together two of the most iconic extraterrestrial characters ever created and placed them in conflict within the Rocky Mountains. As “Requiem” translates to a “funeral mass,” the title of the film is quite fitting, as it seems to mark the end of large-screen clashes for crossover battles. The dimly lit scenes of Requiem made it hard to follow the action, but when we did get glimpses of sci-fi combat, it was more intense and brutal than its PG-13 predecessor, giving off a vibe more reminiscent of a slasher movie rather than a traditional sci-fi spectacle.

7) Alien 3

If a movie director distances himself from the final version of his film, it becomes challenging to evaluate that movie objectively. David Fincher faced numerous challenges with his interpretation of the third installment in the Alien series, causing him to distance himself from the project. However, his work on Fight Club, Se7en, and The Social Network has solidified his status as one of the most influential directors of the past two decades. Unfortunately, one of the opening scenes of Alien 3 seems to disregard intriguing characters that had previously enriched Ripley’s character, suggesting they perished off-screen between films. The movie does have its merits, and home video releases have allowed audiences to appreciate Fincher’s original vision in the “Assembly Cut.” Yet, despite these improvements, it doesn’t quite surpass other core Alien series entries.

6) Alien: Resurrection

Given Ripley’s end in the last movie, _Resurrection_ was facing some tough odds from the start. Instead of focusing on outer space terror like its predecessor, this film aimed to replicate the action and excitement of _Aliens_, while adding a greater dose of humor and campiness than any other installment. The movie has quite a few absurdly funny moments, but it’s difficult to fault it when it offers us Ron Perlman as a space pirate, a lab full of grotesquely mutated Ripley copies, and Winona Ryder as an android. However, the sillier aspects are balanced out by a climax where a xenomorph-human hybrid has its innards vacuumed into space through a hole in its head – a scene that ranks among the most gruesome in the series’ history.

5) Alien: Romulus

In a blend of familiarity and novelty, the game Alien: Romulus showcases popular elements from both Alien and Aliens, while subtly alluding to other parts of the franchise’s backstory. This allusion even encompasses references to the beloved video game, Alien: Isolation.

As a gamer, I must admit that Romulus doesn’t exactly redefine the Alien franchise, but it does a great job of returning to the core concept of the original Alien – trapping a group of us hapless souls on an abandoned spaceship, only this time there’s more than one terrifying Xenomorph lurking in the shadows. It’s definitely got that Aliens vibe going on!

In terms of plot progression, “Alien 3” and “Alien: Resurrection” follow directly on from the first two movies and received mixed reactions from viewers. However, “Romulus” explores similar themes in a way that is both more impactful and terrifying than its predecessors.

4) Alien: Covenant

In “Alien: Covenant,” Ridley Scott delves deeper into the intricate aspects of his universe, rather than simply adding another chapter to a long-standing series. It serves as an essential extension to the story initiated by “Prometheus,” providing answers to lingering questions and bridging the gap between parasitic organisms and the iconic xenomorphs. Additionally, it sheds light on the sinister side of artificial intelligence and synthetic life. Despite personal opinions about the narrative, Scott’s masterful directing ensures that this film is visually stunning and stands out among other installments in the franchise.

3) Prometheus

As a dedicated gamer, I found “Prometheus” an intriguing addition to the Alien universe. When Ridley Scott took the helm for this prequel, he aimed to separate it from the original film, and that’s exactly what happened. The movie primarily offers new, unconnected content, with familiar elements seemingly crammed in for good measure. Despite its shortcomings, like underdeveloped characters and motivations, the opening sequence is daringly ambitious – a quality seldom seen in this franchise. Michael Fassbender delivers an outstanding performance as the android character, and visually, the film ranks among the series’ best. However, it’s debatable whether “Prometheus” can match up to the brilliance of the earliest Alien installments. Yet, considering its comparison to some underwhelming entries in the franchise, it certainly carves out a unique niche for itself.

2) Aliens

James Cameron’s epic action-adventure might not have instilled intense fear, but it compensated with an abundance of ammunition and captivating characters. In this military reinterpretation of the Alien concept, Ripley travels to a mining colony to share her knowledge about extraterrestrials. Michael Biehn’s character Hicks provides romantic interest for Ripley, while the young actress Carrie Henn portraying Newt allows Ripley to exhibit a more nurturing side. The film also features a group of charming soldiers and a villainous Paul Reiser. Aliens paved the way for high standards in science-fiction action movie production.

1) Alien

Choosing between Alien and Aliens as the superior film is a challenging task, as both are outstanding works that delve into distinct aspects of what makes these movies captivating. However, since Alien was the pioneer, introducing characters and creatures, it takes priority in my opinion. Featuring a compelling cast, a convincing depiction of life in space, and a ship brimming with tension, the impact of Alien is undeniable. Despite numerous sequels that have followed, the original film retains an edge due to the fear of the unknown it evokes. Moments such as the discovery of the “Space Jockeys,” the shock of the chest-bursting scene, and the mystery surrounding the creatures’ location on the ship, underscore Alien’s ability to make what is unseen and incomprehensible all the more terrifying than any physical threat.

What’s your preferred Alien character? Connect with Patrick Cavanaugh on Twitter or Instagram for engaging discussions about Star Wars and horror!