The Alien franchise is one of the most iconic in sci-fi horror, blending cosmic terror, corporate greed, and unforgettable monsters. But not all entries have xenomorph-level sharpness. Here's our ranking of the main Alien films — Romulus not included — from worst to best.
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6. Prometheus (2012)
Ridley Scott’s ambitious prequel had a fascinating premise, asking big questions about creation and existence. Unfortunately, it’s weighed down by inconsistent character choices, clunky dialogue, and a detour away from what fans loved about the Alien franchise. The lack of actual xenomorphs didn’t help either.
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5. Alien: Covenant (2017)
Covenant tries to course-correct by bringing the xenomorph back, but ends up stuck between being a deep sci-fi thriller and a traditional Alien movie. It has haunting visuals and Michael Fassbender gives a chilling performance, but it still feels like it never fully commits to either direction.
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4. Alien: Resurrection (1997)
A bizarre and often grotesque entry, Resurrection is filled with odd choices — including a cloned Ripley with alien DNA. Tonally all over the place and drenched in '90s weirdness, it’s a guilty pleasure for some but lacks the suspense and tight storytelling of earlier entries.
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3. Alien 3 (1992)
David Fincher's troubled but bold film is bleak, brutal, and divisive. Killing off beloved characters immediately turned fans off, but the atmosphere and prison setting offer a gritty take on survival horror. It’s flawed, yes, but has aged better than many give it credit for.
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2. Alien (1979)
The original classic. Ridley Scott’s Alien redefined sci-fi horror with its slow-burn terror, claustrophobic setting, and iconic creature design. It’s atmospheric, haunting, and introduced one of cinema’s best heroines in Ellen Ripley. A near-perfect film — but one sequel managed to top it…
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1. Aliens (1986)
James Cameron took the horror of Alien and turned it into a pulse-pounding action masterpiece. Aliens doesn’t just expand the mythology — it deepens Ripley’s character, raises the emotional stakes, and delivers unforgettable set pieces. From the Queen to "Get away from her, you b***h!", it’s the gold standard.
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Final Thoughts:
The Alien series has constantly evolved — sometimes to its detriment, sometimes to greatness. While Aliens remains the high-water mark for blending action and horror, each film (yes, even Prometheus) brings something unique to the table. But in the end, it's Ripley, survival, and the perfect organism that keep us coming back.
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