All 9 'Alien' movies ranked from worst to best

Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley in Alien
(Image credit: FlixPix / Alamy Stock Photo / 20th Century Studios)

For nearly 50 years, the “Alien” franchise has terrified, thrilled, and fascinated audiences. It all began in 1979 with Ridley Scott’s “Alien,” a claustrophobic horror masterpiece that introduced Ellen Ripley and the most terrifying extraterrestrial creature ever put on screen.

Since then, the Xenomorph has stalked its way through eight more movies, including direct sequels, prequels, and a pair of infamous vs. Predator crossovers. It's so well-loved that we even have the new TV series “Alien: Earth.”

Here’s the truth: “Alien” is my favorite franchise of all time, but it’s also wildly uneven. At its best, it delivers some of the most unforgettable moments in sci-fi horror history. At its worst, well … let’s just say even the Xenomorph can’t survive a bad script. Still, whether brilliant or baffling, I’ll always have a soft spot for every entry.

With “Alien: Earth” now streaming, it feels like the perfect time to revisit the saga in full and settle the debate: Which “Alien” movie reigns supreme? Here are all nine of the iconic sci-fi movies ranked, from worst to best (in my opinion, of course).

9. ‘Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem’ (2007)

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The “Alien vs. Predator” movies have never really gone down well, and it’s a concept I’m pretty ambivalent about. On one hand, it’s the perfect recipe for badass fight scenes between two iconic creatures; on the other, it often comes at the cost of strong storytelling and likable characters.

In “Alien vs. Predator: Requiem,” you mainly get a few fun action sequences, most of which take place in unusually dark settings. So dark, in fact, that you’ll find yourself squinting to figure out what’s actually happening. While “Requiem” ups the gore and intensity compared to the first “Alien vs. Predator,” it can’t make up for its confusing editing, overly dark visuals and failure to bring fresh ideas to the table. These two legendary sci-fi monsters deserved far better, truly.

“Alien vs. Predator: Requiem” follows the aftermath of a Predator ship crash in Gunnison, Colorado, unleashing a deadly Predalien hybrid (yes, really). A lone Predator, known as Wolf, is dispatched to eliminate the infestation. As chaos erupts, the town faces a devastating nuclear strike to contain the threat.

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8. ‘Alien: Resurrection’ (1997)

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Putting “Alien: Resurrection” this low doesn’t mean I hate it or think it’s a bad movie; I just feel it could’ve been so much better. For one, I don’t think Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) should’ve been cloned at all. On top of that, the movie claims that Weyland-Yutani no longer exists in 2381, which feels like a strange move. Why undercut an organization that had been central to the first three movies?

To me, the main franchise breaks down like this: “Alien” is haunted-house horror in space, “Aliens” is full-throttle action sci-fi, “Alien 3” is a tense prison thriller, and “Resurrection” almost plays like a dark comedy, but one that doesn’t quite land the way it should.

That said, there’s a reason it’s not at the very bottom. I quite enjoy the techno-gothic aesthetic and its immersive, grotesque effects sequences. The intense underwater sequence is easily the coolest scene, and the double kill is one that stays etched in my mind. Still, I don’t like that Ripley is no longer a relatable character (now with Xenomorph DNA inside her), and a lot of the plot logic is weak or inconsistent with established lore.

“Alien: Resurrection” takes place 200 years after “Alien 3.” Ripley is cloned aboard the USM Auriga so scientists can extract an Alien queen embryo. When the Aliens escape, Ripley and a team of mercenaries must stop them from reaching Earth, preventing a deadly outbreak of the creatures.

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7. ‘Alien vs. Predator’ (2004)

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As mentioned, I wouldn’t really rate “Alien vs. Predator” any higher. The only reason it lands here is that I genuinely enjoyed seeing Xenomorphs square off against Predators and watching the chaotic action unfold. Despite its weak narrative, it’s arguably one of the most memorable entries in the franchise (more so the “Predator” franchise).

At its most ridiculous, such as the climactic team-up with the Predator, it’s still wildly entertaining and hard to write off. It grabbed my attention for 90 minutes through sheer visceral intensity. That said, the movie obviously has its flaws. Most of the characters feel like cardboard cut-outs with the ability to walk and talk, and the plot often seems built around “wouldn’t it be cool if…?” moments rather than a coherent story. Even so, the spectacle of Xenomorphs and Predators clashing keeps it entertaining despite its shortcomings.

In “Alien vs. Predator,” a team of scientists and explorers, led by Alexa Woods (Sanaa Lathan), discovers a hidden pyramid beneath the Antarctic ice. Inside, they find themselves trapped in an ancient battle between Predators and Aliens, with humans caught in the crossfire.

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6. ‘Alien: Covenant’ (2017)

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“Alien: Covenant” was quite divisive upon release. Critics and audiences had mixed reactions, with some praising its return to horror roots and Michael Fassbender’s dual performance, while others criticized its lack of compelling characters and inconsistent tone. Personally, I lean toward enjoying the movie.

Not only is “Covenant” one of the darkest “Alien” movies, but it’s also one of the most compelling, largely thanks to Fassbender, whose intricate performance becomes the movie’s defining element.

It’s far from a masterpiece and doesn’t come close to matching the brilliance of the original “Alien,” but it still stands as a solid, worthwhile entry in the franchise. Provided you can overlook its patchy narrative as it tries to juggle being both a sequel to “Prometheus” and a prequel to the 1979 movie.

“Alien: Covenant” follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant as they investigate a mysterious planet, hoping to find a new home. They encounter David (Fassbender), an android from the Prometheus mission, whose experiments have created deadly creatures. The crew faces deadly threats while uncovering the dark truth behind the Xenomorphs.

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5. ‘Alien 3’ (1992)

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Some people may disagree with putting “Alien 3” this low, and I’m aware it’s a controversial take. This third installment only ranks here because of my love for the other movies in the franchise, and I still think it’s a solid “Alien” movie that plays out like a badass prison thriller. There are just a few issues I have with it...

One major gripe is the shocking deaths at the beginning. Not only is it a slap in the face, but it’s an odd narrative choice that makes “Aliens” feel a little less impactful. On top of that, the movie heavily leans on CGI over practical effects, which makes the Xenomorphs jarring when they sprint across walls.

Hence, I urge you to watch the Assembly Cut, because it restores key scenes that give the story more coherence, develops the characters in a meaningful way, and removes some of the jarring choices from the theatrical release, making Ripley’s journey and the overall narrative far more satisfying.

“Alien 3” sees Ripley’s escape pod crash on Fiorina 161, a harsh prison planet terrorized by a Xenomorph. She unites the inmates to confront the creature, only to discover that she herself harbors a deadly alien embryo.

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4. ‘Prometheus’ (2012)

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Now we’re really getting into the juicy stuff. “Prometheus” might not look like a typical “Alien” movie, but it certainly captures the franchise’s signature trait: humans making catastrophically poor choices around aliens. Ridley Scott expertly builds the suspense, gradually escalating it into intense, all-consuming horror. It’s also a visually stunning and well-acted movie, delivering thrilling (and occasionally nauseating) moments that really make you think long after it's finished.

“Prometheus,” however, focuses more on raising big questions than providing answers. It aims for depth but doesn’t always deliver on intelligence. Still, the stunning visuals and striking special effects distract you from these weaknesses, keeping you captivated well into the first hour.

A tantalizing hint about humanity’s origins on Earth sends a team of explorers deep into the far reaches of space. Leading the mission are two ambitious scientists: Shaw (Noomi Rapace), who hopes to encounter a godlike race that might affirm her faith, and Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green), determined to disprove any spiritual claims. But neither they nor their crewmates are ready for the horrifying and unimaginable dangers that lie ahead.

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3. ‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024)

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“Alien: Romulus” is not only my favorite movie of 2024, but one of my favorites ever (hence its third-place ranking on this list). I’ll admit, I was anxious going in, having hyped it up so much that my expectations were sky-high. Yet from the very first scene, with the eerie quiet of deep space, I knew I was in for something special.

Every frame is bathed in moody blues, reds, and oranges, and I love that Fede Álvarez embraced a dark, gritty aesthetic full of rain and cosmic dread. It feels exactly like the franchise should, complete with impressively gooey practical effects for the Xenomorphs.

Cailee Spaeny shines as Rain Carradine, a young woman striving for a better life alongside her glitchy android brother, Andy (David Jonsson). Both deliver fantastic performances, and Rain’s character evokes shades of Ripley from the original movie. Aside from the cringy (and somewhat excessive) references to previous movies, this is an almost perfect sci-fi horror experience.

Taking place between “Alien” and “Aliens,” this sci-fi horror follows a team of young space miners who, while scavenging a seemingly abandoned station for valuable resources, encounter the galaxy’s deadliest creature.

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2. ‘Aliens’ (1986)

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Any franchise fan would have seen this coming. Naturally, both “Alien” and “Aliens” are the winners, and if I could place them equally, I would. For the purposes of this list, though, I’ve ranked “Aliens” second (not that I have any issues with it).

“Aliens” is the definition of pure sci-fi action goodness, mixed with elements of true horror. James Cameron shifts the franchise’s focus, transforming the sequel into a high-octane, war-like spectacle while still preserving the suspenseful, fear-laden atmosphere that made the original movie so effective. Just triple the amount of Xenormorphs.

Even after watching it countless times, my adrenaline still spikes. The story is gripping, the characters are well-developed, and the narrative feels consistent. On top of that, Weaver once again proves why she’s the heart of the franchise.

After drifting through space for 57 years, Ripley is rescued by a deep-space salvage team. When they reach LV-426, the marines discover only one survivor: a nine-year-old girl named Newt (Carrie Henn). Even armed with advanced weaponry, the battle-hardened soldiers are overwhelmed by the swarm of aliens that has overrun the colony.

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1. ‘Alien’ (1979)

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The true winner, and the one that reigns supreme, is of course the movie that started it all. “Alien” has a pretty simple premise: A group of characters on a spaceship are picked off one by one by an unknown threat. The rest of the franchise largely sticks to this formula, and for good reason — it works brilliantly in the horror format. Add in impressive visuals for its time and chilling practical effects, and you have the perfect recipe for terror.

I actually first saw the chestburster scene at far too young an age, and I’m honestly surprised it didn’t scar me for life. Instead, it sparked a fascination that grew into a full-blown obsession with the franchise. Looking back, I have to thank that shocking moment for making “Alien” one of my all-time favorites.

What strikes me most on a rewatch of “Alien,” though, is its pacing. The first 45 minutes unfold deliberately, with a slow, careful buildup, making the terror that erupts in the second half feel even more intense and terrifying.

While returning to Earth, the crew of the commercial starship Nostromo investigates a distress signal from a mysterious alien vessel. Inside, they discover a nest of eggs, one of which releases a deadly creature that attaches to a crew member. Soon, the ship becomes a terrifying hunt for survival.

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Alix Blackburn
Senior Streaming Writer (UK)

Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote. 


Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry. 


She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.

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