As a film lover, it’s hard to overstate just how much of an impact Ridley Scott has had on cinema. He really hit his stride early on with Alien in 1979 – it was a massive hit and launched this incredible sci-fi franchise that we all know and love. Even though he hasn’t directed every Alien film since, that first one totally shaped both the sci-fi and horror genres. And he didn’t stop there! He’s proven himself a master of many genres, culminating in the Best Picture Oscar win for Gladiator in 2000, and earning nominations a couple of other times too. He’s just a consistently brilliant filmmaker.
Ridley Scott is a talented director known for working in many different genres, but he’s particularly celebrated for his science fiction films. Though not all of his sci-fi movies are considered his best work, several are frequently ranked among the greatest films ever made. Here’s a complete list of Ridley Scott’s science fiction movies, ordered from best to worst.
5) Alien: Covenant (2017)
Despite being one of the most frightening films in the Alien series, Alien: Covenant is often considered Ridley Scott’s weakest entry in the franchise. Released in 2017 as a sequel to Prometheus, it introduced some new details about the Alien universe that many fans didn’t like. Because of this, it’s generally seen as one of Ridley Scott’s least successful science fiction movies.
Critics had mixed reactions to Alien: Covenant. Some appreciated its intense, scary atmosphere, which reminded them of the original Alien movie. However, despite aiming for a similar feel, Covenant didn’t quite capture the magic of the first film. While it’s not a bad movie, it doesn’t rank among Ridley Scott’s best work.
4)Prometheus (2012)
Ridley Scott’s 2012 film, Prometheus, barely edges out its own follow-up as the best in the Alien series. This movie was a welcome return for Scott to science fiction after a long break, and it generated a lot of excitement. Although Prometheus was better than some of the earlier Alien films, it didn’t quite meet everyone’s high expectations.
Prometheus remains a confusing movie for many viewers. While some fans disliked the new story direction and strange religious themes introduced by Ridley Scott, looking at the film on its own shows it’s a skillfully made addition to the franchise. It also proved Scott still had a knack for science fiction after years away from the genre.
3) The Martian (2015)
Ridley Scott’s The Martian is often considered a standout sci-fi film from the 2010s. Based on Andy Weir’s popular novel, the movie benefited from a strong cast, including Matt Damon in the lead role. It’s a gripping story of an astronaut who must find a way to survive after being stranded on Mars, hoping a rescue team will arrive in time.
As a huge movie fan, I remember everyone talking about The Martian when it came out. It racked up a ton of award nominations and critics absolutely loved it. Visually, it’s stunning, and Matt Damon gives an incredible performance. It really cemented Ridley Scott as a master of sci-fi, even if it’s not his absolute best work in the genre. Still, it’s a truly brilliant film.
2) Blade Runner (1982)
Most people agree that Blade Runner is a true science fiction classic. Released in 1982 and based on Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, the film is incredibly influential, and its exploration of artificial intelligence still feels modern today. While some visual elements might show its age, it’s still widely considered a masterpiece of the sci-fi genre.
Blade Runner uniquely combines the worlds of cyberpunk and neo-noir, creating a visually stunning film that has influenced countless stories since its release. Harrison Ford delivers a strong performance, but Rutger Hauer truly shines as the villain, Roy Batty. Widely considered a sci-fi classic, Blade Runner stands as one of Ridley Scott’s most impressive films.
1) Alien (1979)
Few science fiction films are held in higher regard than Blade Runner, and interestingly, one of the select few that surpasses it was also directed by Ridley Scott. His 1979 film, Alien, essentially created the sci-fi horror genre, debuting the unforgettable Xenomorph and remaining genuinely terrifying to this day. It’s widely considered Scott’s greatest sci-fi achievement.
Released over forty years ago, Alien remains a remarkably well-preserved science fiction classic. Its stunning visuals, constant suspense, and intensely claustrophobic atmosphere still feel incredibly effective, cementing its place as one of the most beloved sci-fi films ever made. The movie not only launched Ridley Scott’s career, but it’s widely considered his finest work in the science fiction genre.
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2025-12-28 17:10