Every movie in the Alien franchise, ranked (including Alien: Romulus)

As a lifelong fan of science fiction and horror movies, I’ve seen my fair share of space-faring monsters and gritty, dystopian futures. But when it comes to the Alien franchise, I can confidently say that I’ve been on quite the rollercoaster ride!

As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the enduring appeal of the Alien movie franchise. Nearly five decades have passed since visionary director Ridley Scott revolutionized science fiction with his chilling blend of genre tropes and terror, spawning an unparalleled Xenomorph that has persistently haunted our screens ever since. With a total of seven main films under its belt, this cinematic saga has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Now that Alien: Romulus is gracing the big screen, let’s revisit the series and rank each film from least to greatest!

7. Alien 3 (1992)

Following the powerful impact of Aliens, which is one of the franchise’s standout films, there was high anticipation for Alien 3. Unfortunately, it didn’t reach its full potential. The film started on a disappointing note by off-screen deaths of beloved characters Hicks and Newt early in the storyline, which seemed like a wasted opportunity.

As a long-time fan of this franchise, I must say that this latest installment has left me feeling quite disheartened. It seems to lack the freshness and originality that once made it stand out among its peers. The storyline is uninspired, and the characters, who are portrayed as unremarkable criminals, fail to evoke any empathy or interest. I found myself struggling to care about their fates, which is a shame because the direction from young David Fincher was visually stunning. However, even his exceptional skills couldn’t save this disappointing entry in the series that once held such promise. It’s unfortunate to see a beloved franchise falter in this way.

6. Alien: Covenant (2017)

As a gamer, I’d say “Covenant” carries on from where “Prometheus” left off, delving deeper into the Xenomorph’s creation tale. It’s a refreshing shift away from the heavy-handed, somewhat unfulfilling philosophical aspects of “Prometheus”, instead ramping up the terror and action to keep the narrative flowing. However, it fails to address the major mysteries left by its predecessor, even introducing new enigmas that seem destined to remain unsolved, given the uncertain prospects for a third film.

A significant issue lies with the characters, as they tasked with commanding a deep-space colonization mission carrying countless lives, repeatedly make decisions that pose great risks. It strains credulity beyond measure to believe these are seasoned professionals overseeing an operation worth billions of dollars.

5. Alien: Resurrection (1997)

In the Alien franchise, Alien: Resurrection tends to stand out as somewhat unique. Upon its debut, it received a blend of positive and negative reviews. Some of the criticism aimed at it was valid, as it didn’t quite meet the high standards set by the first two films. However, it does surpass its immediate predecessor, providing a more enjoyable viewing experience compared to the bleak atmosphere of Alien 3.

Resurrection maintains a vibe typical of ’90s Alien films. It persists in the tedious concept of the Weyland-Yutani corporation, a mysterious entity often hinted at throughout this series, seeking to weaponize the Xenomorph. The notion of cloning an alien-human hybrid seems implausible. However, when the film emphasizes its grotesque horror elements, it excels. Its lighter tone is effective, particularly with performers like Ron Perlman and Brad Dourif, who add an extra layer of absurdity to their roles.

4. Prometheus (2012)

2012 marked Ridley Scott’s re-entry into the Alien universe since 1979, with the film Prometheus – a prequel aimed at explaining the origins of the Xenomorphs. While it earned praise for its innovative approach, the end result didn’t quite meet expectations, demonstrating that even creators can unintentionally mar their own masterpieces.

One big flaw is the inclusion of heavy-handed philosophical ideas that ask questions about how humanity itself was created. A lot of this philosophy is explored through the character of David (Michael Fassbender), an android created by the billionaire Sir Peter Weyland, of Weyland-Yutani. It’s all so out of place in the Alien franchise, which had grown famous because of horror and action. It feels more like Scott was trying to recreate his sci-fi classic Blade Runner without success, making it the most disappointing and frustrating movie in the series.

Every movie in the Alien franchise, ranked (including Alien: Romulus)

3. Alien: Romulus (2024)

Rarely does a franchise bounce back after a series of underwhelming installments, but the film Alien: Romulus succeeds in doing just that by presenting a well-rounded seventh movie in the saga. It accomplishes this feat by returning to its roots, offering an engaging blend of action and horror that eschews the metaphysical musings present in the last two films.

The film Romulus is a gripping, nerve-wracking production brimming with suspenseful moments and surprise scares. It shares a similar atmosphere to the initial Alien films, which adds to its appeal. However, it does have some shortcomings, like an overabundance of subtle references for dedicated viewers and a finale that occasionally strays too far, but overall, it’s an enjoyable and thrilling movie that helps revitalize the struggling franchise.

2. Alien (1979)

Back in the late ’70s, I found myself captivated by the surge of sci-fi stories, all thanks to a trailblazer named George Lucas. Inspired, Ridley Scott decided to carve his own path, creating a chilling masterpiece where the terror wasn’t confined to Earth, but aboard a spaceship. The haunting tagline that echoed in my mind was, “In space, no one can hear you scream.” Simply put, it was perfection.

The movie “Alien” is undeniably a timeless sci-fi masterpiece. Unlike other science fiction films produced during its era, it presented a grim, ominous perspective of space travel, portraying it as a challenging, monotonous endeavor rather than an exhilarating exploration. It also introduced one of the genre’s most memorable characters in Ellen Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver) and created the fearsome legend of the Xenomorph with its acidic blood.

1. Aliens (1986)

Few sequels surpass their original counterparts, especially when the initial film is exceptional, but Aliens comes close to doing so. When James Cameron joined the series, he didn’t mimic Ridley Scott’s style; instead, he infused it with his unique blend of sci-fi action. This resulted in a movie that was more grandiose, intense, and thrilling than Alien, while maintaining a strong connection to the franchise’s visual identity.

As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that this masterpiece is backed by a nearly flawless script, boasting superb character growth, fulfilling resolutions, and scarcely any moments squandered on superfluous scenes. The action sequences are pulse-pounding, and it features one of the finest climactic encounters ever, offering an Alien-like experience that stands out uniquely from the rest.

2024-08-24 16:41