Sigourney Weaver’s 10 Best Sci-Fi Movies, Ranked

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Sigourney Weaver is incredibly versatile. She’s delivered powerful performances in dramatic films like The Year of Living Dangerously, Gorillas in the Mist, and The Ice Storm, and she’s also shown a knack for comedy in movies like Working Girl, Dave, and Cedar Rapids. She’s consistently been a top choice when studios need a strong female lead in action films. However, she truly shines in science fiction. Many would argue she’s the ultimate sci-fi movie star, even more so than Will Smith, Keanu Reeves, or Zoe Saldaña.

The fact that there were seven more sci-fi movies to choose from after picking her ten best really shows her love for the genre. Those films – Alien: Resurrection, Paul, Chappie, the 2016 Ghostbusters, The Gorge, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Avatar: Fire and Ash – didn’t quite make the cut this time. It seems likely she’ll continue to enjoy and possibly even make more sci-fi films, meaning this list might change in the future.

10) Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Sigourney Weaver, like many original Ghostbusters actors, made a cameo in the 2016 reboot, but played a new role. She didn’t return as Dana Barrett until Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Although her part wasn’t as large as those of Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Dan Aykroyd, or the digitally recreated Harold Ramis, it was great to see her in a heartwarming end-credits scene that subtly connected back to her first meeting with Murray’s Dr. Venkman in the original 1984 film.

While Afterlife is a solid addition to the Ghostbusters series, it doesn’t quite stand out as one of the best. This is especially true considering Sigourney Weaver’s character was more impactful in previous films. Plus, the cameo appearance felt ultimately unresolved. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire featured almost everyone from the original movies, except for Weaver and Rick Moranis, though Moranis recently returned to acting with Spaceballs 2.

Stream Ghostbusters: Afterlife on Starz.

9) Alien 3

I know Alien 3 isn’t everyone’s favorite, and I’ve heard it was a nightmare to film for David Fincher. But honestly, I think it’s really good! It’s tough getting over what happens to Newt and Hicks, I’ll admit. But considering all the trouble they had making it, it’s amazing that the movie actually works – and that it still manages to be so gripping and terrifying. It truly delivers that tense, trapped feeling you expect from an Alien film.

Sigourney Weaver is just incredible as Ripley, truly giving one of her best performances. And honestly, the supporting cast is fantastic – Charles Dance, Pete Postlethwaite, Charles S. Dutton, and Holt McCallany all deserve way more recognition. But for me, it’s Ripley’s ultimate sacrifice that makes Alien 3 so special and earns it a place on my list. It feels like the proper, emotional ending to her story, and Alien: Resurrection just didn’t land for me – it felt unnecessary and a bit flat, frankly.

Stream Alien 3 on Hulu.

8) Avatar

You could argue that all three Avatar movies are fairly similar in quality. Initially, it seemed like Sigourney Weaver’s character was only going to appear in the first film, but she’s actually become even more central to the sequels. Her character, Dr. Grace Augustine, essentially lives on in Kiri – Kiri is essentially a child of Eywa born from Augustine’s body, and that’s the key idea.

The first movie was a huge success, likely because of its groundbreaking visuals. While the sequels might feature Sigourney Weaver more effectively, the original’s impact was undeniable. It’s easy to see why some people might prefer The Way of Water or Fire and Ash as the best, though!

Stream Avatar on Disney+.

7) Ghostbusters II

While not as good as the first Ghostbusters movie and sometimes relying too much on familiar elements, Ghostbusters II is a surprisingly enjoyable film. It also gives Sigourney Weaver’s character, Dana Barrett, a lot to do.

It’s funny to watch Barrett struggle to be nice to Dr. Janosz Poha, played by Peter MacNicol, and it reminds you a bit of how she brushed off Louis Tully from the first movie. However, what really shines in this sequel is Barrett’s caring and motherly side, which ultimately gives the story its emotional core.

Stream Ghostbusters II on AMC.

6) The Cabin in the Woods

Drew Goddard’s The Cabin in the Woods is a standout horror comedy from the post-1980s era and marked an incredibly strong first film as director for him. It’s still considered one of the best movies to see in a theater.

Despite being creative and fun, the movie doesn’t quite reach the heights of other sci-fi films directed by Weaver, largely because she appears so late in the story. She doesn’t become the director until the very end, which is when the film unexpectedly shifts from a simple slasher horror to a large-scale sci-fi plot involving human sacrifice to save the planet.

Stream The Cabin in the Woods on Hulu.

5) Galaxy Quest

Fans of Star Trek are incredibly dedicated, which makes the success of Galaxy Quest even more remarkable. The movie playfully spoofs Star Trek without upsetting its fans – it’s almost like a lost episode of the original series.

The movie also does a great job of attracting viewers who aren’t necessarily Star Trek fans. Galaxy Quest is simply a fun, funny, well-acted, and surprisingly touching adventure that both kids and longtime Star Trek fans can enjoy. It appeals to everyone, whether they grew up watching Star Trek: The Next Generation or the original series, or not.

Stream Galaxy Quest for free on Kanopy.

4) WALL-E

Sigourney Weaver voices the calm and gentle computer on the spaceship Axiom in Pixar’s WALL-E. The film’s characters are… generously proportioned, but WALL-E is such a beautiful, smart, and meaningful movie – even almost 20 years later, it’s still one of Pixar’s best – that Weaver’s role stands out no matter how small it is.

It’s fitting that Weaver now voices a computer, considering her early role battling the AI, MU/TH/UR, on the ship Nostromo. Director Andrew Stanton even joked about this connection when she was cast in the new role.

Stream WALL-E on Disney+.

3) Aliens

If we were only judging these films by how well Sigourney Weaver’s characters were written, Aliens would easily be the best. However, we considered both character development and the movie’s overall quality, and we still think Ridley Scott’s original film is slightly better than James Cameron’s sequel.

Despite being quite different from the first film, this sequel is truly exceptional. The original was a tense, confined horror movie set in space, but this one explodes with action – and the change is fantastic.

Stream Aliens on Hulu.

2) Ghostbusters

In Ghostbusters, Sigourney Weaver’s character, Dana Barrett, goes through one of the most bizarre transformations ever seen in a movie. While it’s true she mainly serves to advance the story – attracting Dr. Venkman’s attention and experiencing supernatural events that lead to the climax – she also gets a memorable moment of her own, transforming into a demonic creature reminiscent of The Exorcist. That’s enough to make this a standout sci-fi performance from Weaver.

The new Ghostbusters movie felt like a truly special occasion, with everything coming together flawlessly. Sigourney Weaver is fantastic, and her connection with the cast – particularly Bill Murray – is a real highlight. While the film centers on the Ghostbusters, Dana’s character is essential to what makes it so great.

Stream Ghostbusters on MGM+.

1) Alien

With its fast-moving plot, truly scary moments, and subtle approach, Alien is a flawless film. It also launched Sigourney Weaver’s career, as it was essentially her first major role after a small appearance in Annie Hall and a leading part in the little-known film Madman.

Ellen Ripley Weaver completely captivates the audience. We instantly root for her to defeat the Xenomorph and escape the Nostromo alive. This role is a true breakthrough for Weaver, showcasing her acting ability, charm, and potential to excel in demanding action scenes with ease.

Stream Alien on Hulu.

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2026-01-07 01:17