The Ultimate Guide to the ‘Alien’ Franchise: From Worst to Best
If you don’t know where to start with a big franchise like Alien, we’ve got your back. These are all 9 movies, ranked by IMDb
The Alien franchise has been expanding since 1979. So far, there have been nine movies, including the original films, prequels, and a spin-off. Here are all of the movies, ranked by IMDb.
9. ‘Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem’ (2007)
IMDb score: 4.6/10.
Aliens and Predators bring their ancient war to a small Colorado town, forcing everyday folks to fight for survival. Unfortunately, what could have been an epic monster showdown turned out to be nearly unwatchable. The film is so darkly lit that half the time you can't even see what's happening.
8. ‘Alien vs. Predator’ (2004)
IMDb score: 5.7/10.
A team of archaeologists found themselves caught in the middle of this deadly conflict between Predators and Aliens. Alien vs. Predator is a fun concept that's weighed down by mediocre execution and poor character development.
7. ‘Alien: Resurrection’ (1997)
IMDb score: 6.2/10.
Alien: Resurrection brings Ripley back as a clone. The blend of dark humor and horror is an uneven mix, despite Sigourney Weaver's committed performance.
6. ‘Alien: Covenant’ (2017)
IMDb score: 6.4/10.
The crew of the colony ship discovers a dangerous planet with a deadly species that the android David has been experimenting with. The film struggles to keep on track and often feels messy.
5. ‘Alien³’ (1992)
IMDb score: 6.4/10.
Ripley crash-lands on a prison planet, only to discover that an alien has followed her. Alien³’s dark tone and production troubles are well-documented, but it has gained appreciation over time for its direction by David Fincher.
4. ‘Prometheus’ (2012)
IMDb score: 7.0/10.
Prequel to Alien, Prometheus follows a team of explorers who discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth. While visually stunning, the film surprised the audience with its story and connections to the Alien universe.
3. ‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024)
IMDb score: 7.1/10.
A group of young space colonists encounter something terrifying. Alien: Romulus returns to the horror roots of the franchise with intense suspense and a claustrophobic setting.
2. ‘Aliens’ (1986)
IMDb score: 8.4/10.
Years after surviving the events of Alien, Ellen Ripley is awakened only to return to fight. Aliens expands the universe while maintaining the horror elements that made the original so effective.
1. ‘Alien’ (1979)
IMDb score: 8.5/10.
The Nostromo receives a distress call from an unexplored planet. After searching for survivors, the crew heads home only to realize that a deadly bioform has joined them. Alien created one of cinema's most iconic monsters and established a franchise that continues to terrify audiences decades later.
