Must-See Movies for Die-Hard Alien Fans: 7 Thrilling Picks!

The Alien series, spanning over 45 years, has consistently provided audiences with fear and excitement, producing nine films in total. Kicking off with Ridley Scott’s 1979 film Alien, the franchise has expanded into a vast cosmos centered around the chilling extraterrestrial beings called xenomorphs. After Scott’s groundbreaking debut, James Cameron directed its sequel, Aliens, in 1986. Subsequently, two more Alien films featuring Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley were produced before the series branched into two Alien vs. Predator spin-offs and the prequels Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. The latest installment in the Alien series is 2024’s Alien: Romulus, which was well-received for its faithful revival of the franchise. A trailblazer in the science fiction horror genre, Alien has served as a significant influence for numerous other films, with many offering compelling comparisons to Scott, Cameron, and others’ creative endeavors.

The upcoming TV show titled “Alien: Earth” is set to be released this year, expanding the popular franchise with a new storyline. In the interim, fans can enjoy these seven movies that capture the unique mix of excitement and fear that Alien is known for.

2001: A Space Odyssey

2001: A Space Odyssey, a 1968 classic film by Stanley Kubrick, revolves around unexplained events in outer space. The storyline follows two astronauts and their intelligent computer system, as they traverse the cosmos to uncover the origins of an enigmatic artifact. This timeless movie is widely acclaimed for its reasons, and it’s easy to see why. With a score that transcends time, Kubrick’s science fiction masterpiece offers stunning visuals of space travel and intricate details of cosmic exploration. Much like the Alien series, 2001: A Space Odyssey is filled with suspense, although its astronauts don’t encounter monsters – instead, the strange occurrences surrounding the artifact and their AI companion create an eerie ambiance that pervades the film.

Cloverfield

Matt Reeves’ 2008 film “Cloverfield” presents a distinctive take on the monster horror genre, focusing on a group of friends fighting for survival as a towering alien creature wreaks havoc in New York City. The film’s chilling factor is significantly enhanced by its handheld-camera, or found-footage, approach to filming, with Michael Stahl-David’s character, Rob Hawkins, capturing the harrowing night on his camera. As a result, viewers find themselves drawn into the chaos and destruction in a remarkably authentic fashion. Initially, only glimpses of the monster are shown, but the film later provides numerous intense close-ups of the colossal beast. Despite being set on Earth, “Cloverfield’s” narrative shares similarities with the “Alien” series due to its focus on shock, gore, and an unsettling ambiance that leaves viewers feeling uneasy.

Sunshine

If you’re seeking an underestimated science fiction thriller, you won’t want to miss 2007’s “Sunshine.” Directed by Danny Boyle, it boasts outstanding performances from Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans, Michelle Yeoh, Hiroyuki Sanada, Benedict Wong, and others. The film unfolds in a future where the Sun is dying, leaving Earth on the brink of freezing, and the last hope lies with a team of astronauts who venture out to rekindle the Sun using a fission bomb. Fans of “Alien” will appreciate “Sunshine,” as it offers not only breathtaking visuals but also an intricate storyline filled with unexpected twists that keep viewers on tenterhooks. Despite its slightly weak finale, “Sunshine” is a gripping sci-fi saga that holds its ground alongside the “Alien” films by recreating many of their signature tension and enigma.

Annihilation

To truly grasp the intricate symbolism hidden within “Annihilation” (a 2018 sci-fi thriller by Alex Garland), one might need to watch it more than once. Starring Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez, and Oscar Isaac, this movie follows a team of scientists investigating the enigmatic “Shimmer” zone, teeming with mutated flora and fauna. The narrative is marked by unforeseen turns and perilous shocks. On a deeper level, it serves as a metaphor for terminal diseases. Fans of the “Alien” series may find in “Annihilation” a stimulating tale brimming with fear and emotion, while also appreciating its visually stunning scenes and palpable suspense that echo those cherished aspects of the “Alien” franchise.

Life

2017’s “Life” drew significant influence from the “Alien” series of movies. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station make a startling discovery: life exists on Mars. However, this discovery soon turns into a nightmare when they realize that the Martian life form is much more dangerous than they had ever anticipated. Directed by Daniel Espinosa and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, and Ryan Reynolds, “Life” skillfully combines science fiction and horror elements to create an edge-of-your-seat experience filled with suspense and dread. The movie’s focus on an alien life form mirrors the ongoing tale of the xenomorphs in the “Alien” franchise, and “Life” effectively builds tension and unsettling emotions around its extraterrestrial creature. With strong performances by its lead actors, “Life” is a must-watch for fans of the “Alien” series.

Event Horizon

1997’s movie “Event Horizon,” directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, shares many traits with the “Alien” series. With sci-fi veterans Lawrence Fishburne and Sam Neill leading the cast, the film takes viewers on an exhilarating voyage as a rescue team explores a mysteriously reappeared spaceship. The haunting presence of an otherworldly being lends “Event Horizon” an eerie atmosphere reminiscent of any “Alien” movie. The movie skillfully combines supernatural elements with its space exploration setting, boasting impressive visual effects and a spine-tingling soundtrack. Anderson’s masterful film provides the tension and excitement to rival the “Alien” franchise.

Predator

As a devoted fan of the “Alien” series, I can confidently say that 1987’s “Predator” stands shoulder to shoulder with these iconic films. Directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the head of a team of soldiers, this movie transports us into the dense Central American jungle where they encounter an intimidating alien creature. The interstellar angle might be absent in “Predator”, but it offers an engaging alternative to the “Alien” movies.

The core concept – being pursued by an enigmatic and lethal life form – is the heart of the “Alien” franchise, and “Predator” cleverly reimagines this trope. It’s a masterful blend of science fiction and action genres, with hints of horror woven into its tense and unsettling atmosphere, thanks to its chilling alien adversary.

For avid “Alien” enthusiasts, the intriguing and spine-tingling narrative, coupled with Schwarzenegger’s charisma, makes for an unforgettable cinematic experience. After watching “Predator”, I would highly recommend delving deeper into its universe by checking out its subsequent sequels and spinoffs, such as the 1990 release “Predator 2”, the 2010 film “Predators”, and the 2022 title “Prey”. Each of these builds upon the original’s lore, offering more exciting chapters in this gripping saga.

2025-02-18 01:10