Exploring the Alien Franchise: What to Watch and What to Skip
The Alien franchise has given us thrilling moments, starting with Ridley Scott's suspenseful original and continuing with James Cameron's popular sequel. However, it also includes some movies that have divided opinions and disappointed fans. Join me on a cosmic journey through the expansive universe of the Alien franchise as we delve into the standout gems and the less shining moments that warrant your attention.
Whether you're a dedicated enthusiast or a newcomer to the spine-chilling xenomorph horrors, I'll guide you through the Alien saga's dizzying highs and disheartening lows. Allowing you to choose whether to embark on a full-fledged marathon or selectively sample from the series.
8. Alien Vs. Predator - Requiem (2007)
This movie is unquestionably the weakest in the entire franchise. Directed by Colin and Gres Stause, it's best to avoid it altogether. The story picks up from the previous film and is set in Gunnison, Colorado, where a single Predator battles the seemingly unstoppable Aliens. The plot is basically nonexistent.
Personally, I occasionally enjoy movies where multiple underdeveloped characters meet a gruesome end. But this film is so poorly lit that it robs you of any enjoyment from the gory practical effects. The only slightly interesting aspect is the creation of the Predator-Alien hybrid, known as the Predalien, which is perhaps the laziest and silliest name they could have come up with.
Yet, that's what we got. So, if you're looking for mindless escapism from reality, give it a try. If not, you won't be missing anything by skipping this movie.
7. Alien 3 (1992)
I hate to include a movie from the first four as one of my top three least enjoyable Alien films, but Alien 3 was a significant disappointment. Despite boasting a star-studded cast featuring Charles Dance, Lance Henriksen, Charles Dutton, and Sigourney Weaver, it faced insurmountable challenges from the start.
Even its distinctive setting on a maximum security prison planet and the bold move of killing off Newt and Hicks in the opening scene couldn't salvage this cinematic disaster. Following in the footsteps of acclaimed directors Ridley Scott and James Cameron was already a formidable task. But stepping into the director's chair after Vincent Ward was fired and dealing with Renny Harlin's departure added substantial pressure for the then-newbie director David Fincher.
With multiple directors and a script in flux involving as many as ten different writers, the movie lacked coherence and consistency. The CGI depiction of the xenomorph throughout the movie rendered it more comical than terrifying. Instead of inducing fear or excitement, I often found myself laughing when the Alien appeared. Unless you’re looking for a good laugh, it's a film that you can easily skip.
6. Alien vs. Predator (2004)
If you're in the mood for an enjoyable fusion of Predator and Alien mythology, Alien vs. Predator is worth a watch. It provides a unique and engaging explanation for how both species came to be on Earth. What's interesting is that AVP serves as a prequel to both franchises, which I found quite intriguing.
The film generated a lot of excitement among fans, especially after a teaser in Predator 2. While the PG-13 rating might have been perplexing to some due to its lack of intense gore and destruction, it compensates with some thrilling action sequences. Despite a talented cast, including Lance Henriksen and Ewen Bremner, the dialogue leaves much to be desired.
However, dialogue and plot development shouldn’t be your primary focus when watching this movie. Alien vs. Predator is about entertaining battles and skillfully blending these iconic franchises. It's definitely watch-worthy.
5. Alien Resurrection (1997)
Sadly, Alien Resurrection marks Sigourney Weaver's final appearance in the franchise. And didn't offer a fitting conclusion for Ripley's character in the Alien series. However, it does provide some enjoyable moments of violence and intense monster encounters. Ripley has undergone cloning 200 years after the events of Alien 3, resulting in her becoming part Xenomorph. Sigourney Weaver put in tremendous effort to attain the physically formidable appearance her character was meant to embody, and her dedication deserves recognition.
The film also has a fun supporting cast featuring Winona Ryder and Ron Perlman. Joseph Whedon's quirky dialogue might feel out of place, and the ending was altered against his wishes, but it gets the job done.
Nevertheless, Alien Resurrection delivers an overall enjoyable experience. Particularly noteworthy is the exhilarating Xenomorph escape sequence, which showcases some impressive horror elements. Brad Dourif's character also adds a satisfyingly creepy dimension to the film. While Alien Resurrection may not measure up to the depth and structure of my top four Alien movies, it remains a worthwhile sci-fi action flick.
4. Alien Covenant (2017)
Helmed by the visionary Ridley Scott, Alien Covenant ranks among my top favorites within the franchise. Ridley skillfully employed a combination of practical and CGI effects, infusing the horror with a visceral, genuine quality that immerses viewers in its chilling world. The film continues the narrative centered around Michael Fassbender's character, David. The film begins with a massive colonization vessel led by Katherine Waterston's Ripley-esque character Daniels. They are responding to a mysterious signal from a seemingly flawless planet, where they unwittingly encounter David.
This meeting sets the stage for a brutal slaughter of the entire crew. Visually, Alien Covenant stands as a triumph, with its horrifying alien creatures and masterfully crafted, tension-laden sequences that evoke an intense sense of claustrophobia. Beyond its visual prowess, the film delves into profound themes surrounding creation, evolution, and the quest for meaning in an unforgiving universe teeming with cryptic horrors. For me, Alien Covenant is an exhilarating addition to the Alien franchise, an absolute must-watch for those who relish a thought-provoking science fiction narrative interwoven with heart-pounding terror.
3. Prometheus (2012)
The magnanimous Ridley Scott returns to offer a fitting prequel to his impressive Alien. If you're like me, you appreciate a well-crafted prequel, and Prometheus certainly lives up to expectations. The plot unfolds as two brilliant scientists, portrayed by Noomi Rapace and Logan Marshall-Green, stumble upon a clue regarding the origins of humanity.
Their discovery launches an expedition led by Noomi Rapace's character, Shaw. Shaw hopes to find a benevolent, god-like entity that can validate her religious beliefs. The ensemble cast delivers outstanding performances, including Charlize Theron as Captain Meredith Vickers and Michael Fassbender as the android David. Ridley Scott's dedication to crafting a visually authentic world, complete with impressive sets and practical effects, elevates Prometheus to the status of a visual winner.
Prometheus is visually stunning. And offers an intellectually stimulating dimension to the Alien universe. It's a movie I will watch over and over.
2. Aliens (1986)
Aliens transcends the original's horror and evolves into an action-packed spectacle while retaining the tense atmosphere that made Alien a classic. James Cameron’s storytelling and Sigourney Weaver’s iconic performance make Aliens a must-see for any fans of sci-fi and action movies.
Fun fact: James Cameron wrote a 90-page treatment for Aliens while on a 3-day flu-induced fever dream. This burst of creativity led to the creation of the iconic sequel, showcasing Cameron’s genius as a writer-director.
Our story begins when a deep space salvage team remarkably finds Lt. Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) after floating in space for 57 years. She is then persuaded by Carter Burke (Paul Reiser) to accompany a team of Marines to mining planet LV-426 to investigate a loss of communication with the planet.
Unfortunately, even Marines with state-of-the-art weaponry are no match for the Xenomorphs that invaded the colony. The climactic showdown between Ripley and the Alien Queen set against a backdrop of fire and destruction, has become legendary in the cinematic universe.
Aliens is a genre-defining blockbuster that lives up to the legacy of its predecessor. It is the chef's kiss of sequels with unforgettable characters, thrilling action sequences, and a lasting impact on pop culture.
1. Alien (1979)
Alien is a timeless sci-fi horror classic that has stood the test of time. Ridley Scott, a master of storytelling, is at his best with Alien’s slow-burning tension and meticulously crafted atmosphere. Scott’s use of practical effects and miniatures creates the claustrophobic ambiance of the Nostromo spacecraft. This hands-on approach to filmmaking contributed to the film’s immersive quality and enduring appeal. The story begins with the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo, who are awoken from hypersleep halfway through their journey back to Earth.
They’re contractually obligated to investigate any signs of life and stumble upon a distress call from an alien ship. Upon investigation, the crew discovers a nest of eggs. An organism from inside the egg emerges and attaches itself to the face of one of the crew. And bing, bang, boom… the Alien universe is born. Alien’s blend of horror and sci-fi elements, combined with its thought-provoking exploration of themes like corporate greed and the unknown, elevate it beyond a simple monster movie.
Alien remains a crowning achievement in the history of cinema, and its legacy endures as a true masterpiece of the genre. And there you have it… the best and worst Aliens movies to watch. The Alien franchise goes way beyond the main and spin-off movies. There are comics, novels, video games, and a digital web series to explore.
If you’re looking to scratch that Alien obsession itch that I’m sure you’ve now developed, you may be interested in:
