Alien: ranking all the movies from worst to best

7. Alien: Covenant (2017)

When Alien: Covenant hit theaters, fans were split. Directed by Ridley Scott, it attempted to bridge the gap between the philosophical ponderings of Prometheus and the visceral terror of the original Alien. The result? A film that felt like two distinct movies stitched together.

The story follows the crew of the Covenant as they explore a mysterious planet, only to stumble into a nightmare. It’s classic Alien—isolation, danger, and lots of screaming. But Scott also dives deep into the origins of the Xenomorphs, primarily through the android David (Michael Fassbender), who steals the spotlight. The film swings between gorgeous, haunting visuals (a spaceship-turned-gothic mansion!) and uneven CGI that undercuts key moments.

For fans who love their Alien films packed with gore and existential musings, Covenant offers both. However, its uneven pacing and tonal shifts make it a bumpy ride.

6. Prometheus (2012)

Ridley Scott’s return to the franchise came with sky-high expectations—and a divisive reception. Instead of straightforward horror, Prometheus aimed for existential exploration, asking big questions about creation and belief. Think 2001: A Space Odyssey, but with facehuggers.

While undeniably ambitious, Prometheus often falters under the weight of its own complexity. The film’s characters make baffling decisions (touching unknown alien goo, really?), which pulls viewers out of the story. Yet Scott’s visual direction shines. From the haunting Engineer ship to the claustrophobic tunnels, the movie is a feast for the eyes.

Its greatest strength lies in its ability to spark conversation, even if it sometimes loses the audience in its pursuit of profundity. Love it or hate it, Prometheus refuses to be ignored.

5. Alien 3 (1992)

After the success of Alien and Aliens, expectations were sky-high for the third installment. Unfortunately, Alien 3 was plagued by behind-the-scenes chaos, with a revolving door of scripts and directors. The end result, directed by a young David Fincher, is a mixed bag.

The story is bleak: Ripley crash-lands on a prison planet, only to discover a Xenomorph is loose. While fans were shocked by the deaths of beloved characters Hicks and Newt, this dark tone gives the film a tragic, almost mythic quality. The creature design and Fincher’s innovative visuals elevate the material, even if the narrative feels disjointed.

Over the years, Alien 3 has earned a cult following, especially with the release of its extended “Assembly Cut,” which adds depth to its themes of redemption and sacrifice.

4. Alien: Resurrection (1997)

This quirky entry in the franchise is both deeply strange and oddly fascinating. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amélie), Alien: Resurrection takes big risks, from cloning Ripley to introducing a grotesque hybrid Xenomorph known as the Newborn.

While the film’s tone is uneven—oscillating between campy humor and genuine horror—it’s undeniably entertaining. Sigourney Weaver’s performance as a genetically altered Ripley is a highlight, bringing a new edge to her iconic character. The underwater chase sequence, in particular, is a standout moment of creative action.

Sure, it’s messy, but Alien: Resurrection dares to be different, making it a divisive yet memorable chapter in the series.

3. Alien: Romulus (2024)

The latest addition to the franchise, Alien: Romulus, manages to feel both fresh and familiar. Directed by Fede Alvarez (Don’t Breathe), the film bridges the timeline between Alien and Aliens, blending the atmospheric dread of the original with the high-stakes action of the sequel.

Set in a crumbling colony under the thumb of Weyland-Yutani, the film’s opening 45 minutes are some of the franchise’s best, dripping with tension and world-building. Alvarez expertly balances suspense and chaos, crafting inventive set pieces that breathe new life into the Xenomorph threat.

While Romulus occasionally leans too heavily on nostalgia, its sharp direction and thematic depth ensure it stands tall among its predecessors.

2. Aliens (1986)

James Cameron’s Aliens is a rare sequel that equals, if not surpasses, its predecessor. Trading the claustrophobic horror of the first film for full-throttle action, Aliens is a masterclass in pacing and tension.

The introduction of the Alien Queen and the expansion of the Xenomorph mythology deepen the universe without overshadowing the human story. Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley becomes a bona fide action hero, balancing maternal instincts with ferocious determination. Her final showdown with the Queen is iconic, and who can forget the line: “Get away from her, you b****”?

Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi, action, or horror, Aliens delivers on every front.

1. Alien (1979)

The original Alien remains unmatched. Ridley Scott’s masterpiece is a chilling blend of sci-fi and horror that revolutionized both genres. From H.R. Giger’s haunting creature designs to the slow-burn tension of its pacing, every element is meticulously crafted.

Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley became an instant icon, defying gender norms of the time with her intelligence, resilience, and courage. The chestburster scene alone cemented the film’s place in cinematic history, shocking audiences in a way that still resonates.

Alien isn’t just the best film in the franchise—it’s a cornerstone of modern cinema, proving that less is often more when it comes to terror.

Whether you’re a fan of facehuggers, Xenomorphs, or Ripley herself, the Alien franchise has something for everyone. And with Alien: Romulus breathing new life into the series, there’s no better time to revisit the films that made us fear what’s out there in the dark.