In the vastness of space, nobody can hear your screams," which served as the slogan for the 1979 film Alien Although, throughout 45 years, audiences have been exposed to numerous noises, ranging from bone-chilling screams and heart-wrenching sobs to disgusting sounds of beings clutching faces and erupting out of humans.
The science fiction horror series has produced an excellent action heroine in Sigourney Weaver’s character. Ellen Ripley , who battled monsters across four movies yet has not appeared in an "Alien" project since the '90s. Additionally, we've had various androids, including Michael Fassbender in "Prometheus," as well as David Jonsson in this latest film. "Alien: Romulus," Moreover, the bothersome Weyland-Yutani Corporation appears to prioritize extraterrestrial creatures over its own staff members. Of course, we can’t forget the prominently tusked Xenomorph, now synonymous with the franchise as its quintessential antagonist.
That drooling, growling alien creature returns once more in "Romulus" (in theaters this Friday). which traces back to director Ridley Scott's initial film —and similar to previous editions, it can be streamed on Hulu. However, where does this newest movie stand compared to the classic frights of yesteryear? Here’s our definitive ranking of all "Alien" movies released so far. We won’t include the "Alien vs. Predator" series since they form more of their own separate universe and aren’t particularly impressive.
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7. 'Alien: Resurrection' (1997)
The fourth movie centers around uncontrolled scientific experiments and the military’s choice to clone Ripley two centuries later following her self-sacrifice ("referencing Alien 3"). This cloned version becomes a hybrid capable of birthing a fresh alien queen. Despite lacking an intricate storyline, "Resurrection" showcases numerous aliens that a group of mercenaries—among them actors Ron Perlman and Winona Ryder—are forced to confront. Additionally, there is this peculiar human-like monster which experiences an unexpectedly emotional scene just before being drawn out into space.
6. 'Alien 3' (1992)
Ripley finds herself marooned on a planet housing an exclusively male prison colony, surrounded primarily by barren landscapes. However, trouble follows as an unwelcome extraterrestrial guest has hitchhiked aboard her spacecraft. Under director David Fincher’s guidance, the film delves into themes of gender dynamics while offering visually captivating scenes. To blend in among the predominantly masculine environment, Ripley opts for a bald look. The movie somewhat falls short regarding action-packed encounters with aliens; appearances from the Xenomorphs are sparse and the visual effects appear dated compared to modern standards.
5. 'Alien: Covenant' (2017)
In this entry, the film blends the cerebral aspects of "Prometheus" with the frenzied horror from the previous installments. A spacecraft transporting humanity’s hope makes a disastrous landing on what appears to be an idyllic world. Chaos erupts after some crew members become contaminated by an alien parasitic threat. While the extraterrestrial beings are impressive, Michael Fassbender steals the show as both the sophisticated android David and his newer iteration, Walter.
4. 'Prometheus' (2012)
The film that sparked the biggest debate amongst fans, this unexpected addition to the "Alien" series slowly uncovers its connections to the franchise through the narrative of human archaeologists exploring humanity’s link with an enigmatic ancient civilization known as the Engineers. While "Prometheus" focuses heavily on provoking deep thoughts rather than delivering high-octane action sequences—there is still ample suspense involved, such as Noomi Rapace enduring one of the most graphic cesarean sections ever filmed.
3. 'Alien: Romulus' (2024)
Director Fede Alvarez ("Don't Breathe") prioritizes the development of the human characters first. putting them in the most unfavorable situation conceivable Rain Carradine (played by Cailee Spaeny) and her companions seek a improved existence when they stumble across a derelict space station that swiftly transforms into a nightmarish trap. The film "Romulus" combines the successful aspects from the previous two installments in the series—action sequences and feelings of solitude—and introduces a captivating new dimension to the lore.
2. 'Aliens' (1986)
Dripping with action-movie machismo, James Cameron’s sequel awakens Ripley from 50 years of hypersleep and returns her to LV-426, the planet where her team initially faced extraterrestrial beings. By now, it has become a terraforming settlement where Ripley collaborates with space marines — including a memorable Bill Paxton - to face off against intergalactic adversaries. It’s justified solely by Ripley transforming into a feminist icon and a symbolic mother figure, along with battling the alien queen for supremacy across the stars.
1. 'Alien' (1979)
Director Ridley Scott’s initial installment isn’t just the pinnacle of the "Alien" series but also stands among the greatest science fiction movies ever made due to how effectively it builds a constant sense of fear. A group of space freighters aim to deliver minerals to Earth when they respond to an emergency signal, only to find themselves battling for survival as a Xenomorph picks them off individually. Despite decades of dazzling special effects, the appearance of the alien remains terrifying. bursting forth from John Hurt’s chest It remains utterly frightening, completely cringeworthy, and entirely amazing.
The article initially appeared on USA TODAY: 'Alien' films ranked conclusively (indeed, this includes 'Romulus')
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