Why You Should Rewatch Prometheus: It’s Better Than You Remember!

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Fans of extraterrestrial-themed movies are still debating over the movie “Prometheus,” which premiered in cinemas 13 years ago. However, it seems that this film is more enjoyable today than it was back in 2012. Directed by Ridley Scott, “Prometheus” can be seen as a sort of precursor to his 1979 sci-fi horror masterpiece, “Alien.” The storyline takes place approximately 30 years before the occurrences depicted in “Alien,” and it centers around Dr. Elizabeth Shaw (played by Noomi Rapace) and her crew on the spaceship named “Prometheus.” They embark on a journey to explore the origins of humanity, eventually landing on an uninhabited planet where they stumble upon a potentially lethal alien menace residing within an ancient, abandoned structure.

In the movie “Prometheus,” we encounter the first version of the fearsome creatures called xenomorphs, or “Deacons.” This film marks the start of human interaction with these beings in the Alien series timeline. The android David, portrayed by Michael Fassbender, is significant to the Alien universe’s storyline, and he first appeared in “Prometheus,” continuing his role in Ridley Scott’s 2017 film “Alien: Covenant,” which serves as a sequel to “Prometheus.

In the fifth addition to the Alien series, the movie “Prometheus” garnered a mix of opinions from both critics and viewers upon its debut. Although it received acclaim for its intricate visuals and bold storytelling aspirations, it was also criticized for its questionable script with plot discrepancies and weak ties to the rest of the series. Despite some fans’ displeasure with “Prometheus”, it’s recommended they reconsider watching this prequel. The film has stood the test of time better than other installments in the franchise, making it an engaging watch even after 13 years.

Prometheus Has Aged Well Thanks to Several Factors

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I must admit that when Prometheus debuted, it was a challenge to view it as a genuine sequel to the iconic Alien series. Though its plot synopsis undeniably aligned with past installments, Prometheus opted for a more philosophical take on sci-fi/horror, favoring introspective storytelling over nonstop action sequences. Fortunately, Alien: Covenant serves as a fitting continuation and helps bridge the gap between Prometheus and the Alien franchise. The arrival of a fresh crew on the planet where Dr. Shaw and David had left off at the end of Prometheus sets the stage for the next act of the tale. Similar to its predecessor, Covenant delves into the origins of xenomorphs, while also shedding light on Dr. Shaw’s fate and the enigmatic creatures themselves. Watching these two films back-to-back results in a gripping and fulfilling cinematic experience that brings Prometheus more fully into the Alien universe.

To put it simply, the movie “Prometheus” functions as an excellent entry point for the Alien series. With a total of seven films released by 2025 and more anticipated, the Alien universe is growing rapidly. However, this growth can make it challenging for new viewers to grasp the Alien franchise, given that the movies aren’t in order. Since “Prometheus” is set at the beginning of the Alien timeline, it offers an ideal starting point for those who are just getting into the series. “Prometheus” lays crucial groundwork on the Xenomorphs’ origins and presents the franchise’s most captivating android storyline through David.

Despite its storytelling aspects, the film Prometheus continues to impress with its technical prowess even after over a decade. The movie’s visuals continue to be awe-inspiring and terrifying. Although the beginning of Prometheus is somewhat sluggish, the final third delivers pulse-pounding action scenes and genuine fright—like the unsettling scene of a xenomorph’s birth. In terms of visual effects and horror elements, Prometheus rivals the stunning visuals and amplified horror of 2024’s Alien: Romulus. However, Ridley Scott’s 2012 movie carries greater significance for the franchise as a whole.

Prometheus May Not Be the Alien Franchise’s Best Movie, but It’s Still Underrated

Although Prometheus doesn’t quite measure up to the top-ranked films in the Alien series like Alien and Aliens, it remains a valuable contribution to the franchise. To this day, the original Alien and its 1986 sequel Aliens are highly acclaimed for their well-developed character of Ellen Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver), intense suspense, and chilling xenomorph scenes. The characters in Prometheus haven’t left as lasting an impression on fans as the first two Alien films did, nor have its scares matched the enduring impact of the original chestburster scene or Ripley’s fight with the Xenomorph queen in Aliens. However, being a departure from other Alien movies isn’t necessarily a negative aspect. Over the last 13 years, Prometheus has aged well, as its technical finesse and thought-provoking plot continue to provide a visually captivating and intellectually engaging viewing experience today.

Prometheus is currently available to stream on Hulu.

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2025-06-08 16:15