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Skip to main content Tom's Guide Newsletters View Profile Search Tom's Guide You May Like Every ‘Jurassic Park’ movie, ranked 'Alien: Earth' series for FX — release date, trailers, plot and more 'Alien: Earth' producer says the series will feature 'more Xenomorph' than any of the movies — and I'm here for it Phone Insights Phone Best Picks Phone Deals Phone Face-Offs Phone How-Tos Phone Reviews Network Carriers Android Phones Google Phones Motorola Phones OnePlus Phones Samsung Phones Nothing Phone TV Best Picks TV Face-Offs Audio Insights Audio Best Picks Audio Deals Audio Face-Offs Audio How-Tos Audio Reviews Over-Ear Headphones Bluetooth Speakers Entertainment Streaming Devices Prime Video Paramount Plus Playstation Gaming Peripherals Connections Computing Insights Computing Best Picks Computing Deals Computing Face-Offs Computing How-Tos Computing News Computing Reviews VPN Best Picks VPN Face-Offs VPN How-Tos VPN Reviews Operating Systems Malware & Adware Smart Glasses Chromebooks Gaming Laptops Apple Desktops Gaming Desktops Android Tablets Computing Brands AI Insights AI Best Picks AI Face-Offs Google Gemini Apple Intelligence Mattress Best Picks Mattress Deals Mattress Face-Offs Mattress How-Tos Mattress News Mattress Reviews Mattress Care Mattress Toppers Pillows & Bedding Smartwatches Fitness Trackers Smart Rings Apple Watch Home Insights Home Best Picks Home Face-Offs Home How-Tos Home Reviews Home Topics Home Appliances Home Office Home Security Home Brands Popular Brands View Phones Phone Insights Phone Best Picks Phone Deals Phone Face-Offs Phone How-Tos Phone Reviews Network Carriers View Network Carriers Android Phones View Android Phones Google Phones Motorola Phones OnePlus Phones Samsung Phones Nothing Phone TV Best Picks TV Face-Offs Audio Insights View Audio Insights Audio Best Picks Audio Deals Audio Face-Offs Audio How-Tos Audio Reviews Headphones View Headphones Over-Ear Headphones View Speakers Bluetooth Speakers Entertainment View Entertainment View Streaming Streaming Devices Prime Video Paramount Plus View Gaming Playstation Gaming Peripherals Word Games Connections View Computing Computing Insights Computing Best Picks Computing Deals Computing Face-Offs Computing How-Tos Computing News Computing Reviews VPN Best Picks VPN Face-Offs VPN How-Tos VPN Reviews View Hardware View Software Operating Systems View Security Malware & Adware View VR & AR Smart Glasses View Laptops Chromebooks Gaming Laptops View Desktops Apple Desktops Gaming Desktops View Tablets Android Tablets Computing Brands AI Insights AI Best Picks AI Face-Offs AI Engines Google Gemini Apple Intelligence View Wellness Mattresses View Mattresses Mattress Best Picks Mattress Deals Mattress Face-Offs Mattress How-Tos Mattress News Mattress Reviews Mattress Care Mattress Toppers Pillows & Bedding View Fitness Smartwatches Fitness Trackers Smart Rings Apple Watch Home Insights Home Best Picks Home Face-Offs Home How-Tos Home Reviews Home Topics Home Appliances Home Office Home Security View Outdoors Home Brands Popular Brands iPhone Air Review iPhone 17 Pro Max Review iPhone 17 Review Meta Ray-Ban Display Best laptops Best Mattress Don't miss these 7 best new movies to stream this weekend on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and more (August 23-24) Prime Video 4 new to Prime Video movies with 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes 10 greatest movies of the past decade, ranked 7 best new movies to stream this weekend on Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max and more (Sept. 13-14) Every ‘Jurassic Park’ movie, ranked 'Alien: Earth' series for FX — release date, trailers, plot and more 'Alien: Earth' producer says the series will feature 'more Xenomorph' than any of the movies — and I'm here for it New 'Alien: Earth' preview gives us our best look at the series yet — and drops fresh footage of the terrifying Xenomorph I watched all of the summer blockbuster movies — and I rate these above 'Superman' and 'Fantastic Four' Netflix just added the first 5 'Mission Impossible' movies — here's my ranking from best to worst I've already seen 65 movies in theatres this year — here's the 5 best and 5 worst 'I have great plans and ambitions': Noah Hawley’s multi-season vision for 'Alien: Earth' has me counting down like it’s Christmas I've watched 43 shows in 2025 so far — here's the 9 worth watching right now All ‘Conjuring’ movies ranked from worst to best ‘Alien: Earth’ is my most anticipated new TV show in years — here’s 3 reasons I’m excited, and 2 I’m worried Entertainment All 9 'Alien' movies ranked from worst to best Alix Blackburn 27 September 2025 Nine iconic movies. One ranking. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (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. You may like Every ‘Jurassic Park’ movie, ranked 'Alien: Earth' series for FX — release date, trailers, plot and more 'Alien: Earth' producer says the series will feature 'more Xenomorph' than any of the movies — and I'm here for it 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) Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) Trailer #1 - YouTube 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. Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Stream it on Hulu 8. ‘Alien: Resurrection’ (1997) Alien Resurrection (1997) Trailer #1 - YouTube 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. You may like Every ‘Jurassic Park’ movie, ranked 'Alien: Earth' series for FX — release date, trailers, plot and more 'Alien: Earth' producer says the series will feature 'more Xenomorph' than any of the movies — and I'm here for it 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. Stream it on Hulu 7. ‘Alien vs. Predator’ (2004) AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004) Official Trailer #1 - Alien Movie HD - YouTube 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. Stream it on Hulu 6. ‘Alien: Covenant’ (2017) Alien: Covenant | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX - YouTube “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. Stream it on Hulu 5. ‘Alien 3’ (1992) Alien 3 (1992) Trailer #1 - YouTube 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. Stream it on Hulu 4. ‘Prometheus’ (2012) Prometheus | Official US Trailer | 20th Century FOX - YouTube 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. Stream it on Hulu 3. ‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024) Alien: Romulus | Official Trailer - YouTube “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. Stream it on Hulu 2. ‘Aliens’ (1986) Aliens (1986) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers - YouTube 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. Stream it on Hulu 1. ‘Alien’ (1979) Alien Trailer HD (Original 1979 Ridley Scott Film) Sigourney Weaver - YouTube 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. Stream it on Hulu Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button! More from Tom's Guide How to watch the 'Alien' movies in order 'Alien: Earth' might just be my favorite show of all time All ‘Predator’ movies ranked from best to worst Streaming device deals not to miss Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021) $39.99View Deal See all prices Google Chromecast with Google TV $30.32View Deal See all prices Apple TV 4K (2022) $135.49View Deal See all prices Roku Express 4K+ (2021) $29.99View Deal See all prices Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max 2023 $39.99View Deal See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Alix Blackburn Social Links Navigation 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. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Every ‘Jurassic Park’ movie, ranked 'Alien: Earth' series for FX — release date, trailers, plot and more 'Alien: Earth' producer says the series will feature 'more Xenomorph' than any of the movies — and I'm here for it New 'Alien: Earth' preview gives us our best look at the series yet — and drops fresh footage of the terrifying Xenomorph I watched all of the summer blockbuster movies — and I rate these above 'Superman' and 'Fantastic Four' Netflix just added the first 5 'Mission Impossible' movies — here's my ranking from best to worst Latest in Movies 'The Strangers – Chapter 2' feels so repetitive that it's like a horror-mode 'Groundhog Day' 'One Battle After Another' review: Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio deliver an ambitious epic 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' movie drops first trailer and release date and it looks like the best Star Wars since 'Andor' 'The Strangers – Chapter 2' director teases chilling backstory reveals in new sequel: 'We wanted to look under the hood a little bit' 7 top new movies to stream this week on Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV Plus and more (Sept. 23-29) I've already seen 65 movies in theatres this year — here's the 5 best and 5 worst Latest in Opinion I tested the AirPods Pro 3 and the way they seamlessly pair with my iPhone is almost magical Apple TV Plus’ new romantic drama movie with 'Ted Lasso’s' Brett Goldstein is one of the most pleasant surprises of 2025 — and it’ll leave you a sobbing mess I almost skipped Hulu’s new psychological thriller movie — here’s why I’m glad I ignored the critics I swapped my tight top mattress for a Euro top — why I think most side sleepers should do the same I've been skeptical about AI on phones — the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip coming to Android could make me a believer Corsair’s Vanguard Pro 96 keyboard has convinced me that magnetic switches aren’t just hype LATEST ARTICLES Want to give your bedroom a ‘dopamine decor’ makeover? 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