Every ‘Alien’ movie and TV show ranked from worst to best, including ‘Alien: Earth’

More than four decades after director Ridley Scott began the “Alien” franchise with the classic 1979 film starring Sigourney Weaver, we’re still being treated to movies set in that strange and terrifying universe.

There have been new chapters from the likes of James Cameron (“Aliens”), David Fincher (“Alien 3”), and a return from Scott (“Prometheus”). There have also been some sillier installments, like the “Alien vs. Predator” movies.

Now, “Alien: Earth,” from the mind of the creator of the “Fargo” TV series, Noah Hawley, marks the first-ever series in the franchise.

Here’s how it ranks compared to the rest of the franchise.

10. “Alien vs. Predator: Requiem” (2007)

Made smack-dab in the dark days of the “Alien” franchise, when Ridley Scott was too busy making movies with Russell Crowe (“Gladiator,” “Body of Lies,” “American Gangster”) to worry about what was happening to his creation, “Requiem” was apparently able to get off the ground solely on the basis of having the alien fight the Predator again.

It’s a terrible sequel, featuring low-grade special effects and zero stars.

We all have to thank Sir Ridley for deciding to make Alien prequels, or who knows what other characters from the 20th Century Fox library the Xenomorph would have fought next.

9. “Alien: Resurrection” (1997)

Marking the last movie starring Sigourney Weaver as the franchise’s main lead Ripley, “Alien: Resurrection” is a disappointing attempt to expand the franchise. You can’t ignore the star’s disinterest in coming back to play a cloned version of her character or Winona Ryder looking so out of place as the new addition.

However, it does have some great character actors sprinkled throughout, including Ron Perlman and Brad Dourif.

8. “AVP: Alien vs. Predator” (2004)

Director Paul W. S. Anderson (the “Resident Evil” movies) was tasked with overseeing this movie about two iconic sci-fi characters going up against each other. It wasn’t very memorable, but it worked enough that an even more forgettable sequel came around three years later.

7. “Alien: Covenant” (2017)

Though the first 30 minutes are some of the best from any of the “Alien” movies, the downfall of this prequel movie is its focus on David’s (Michael Fassbender) god complex, the complete dismissal of Shaw (Noomi Rapace) from the previous movie, and lack of alien screen time.

However, it does get bonus points for the “spine-burster” scene. Ouch.

6. “Alien: Earth” (2025)

Set in the year 2120, two years before the events of the first “Alien” movie, this 8-episode TV series gets the feel of the original movie right, from its industrial spaceship sets to its retro costume design.

There are new additions, too, from new alien creatures to a group of synthetic humans who are on the verge of either saving or destroying Earth. Sure, the series has its flaws, but when it’s right, it’s a thrilling addition to the franchise.

5. “Alien 3” (1992)

Probably the most misunderstood of any of the “Alien” movies, David Fincher’s gritty contribution to the franchise is a thrill to watch, as it picks up right after the events of “Aliens.”

Weaver adds to the Ripley legacy with another powerful performance, and it’s another release with standout character actors, led by Charles S. Dutton, who steals every scene he’s in.

4. “Prometheus” (2012)

Ridley Scott returned to the franchise to tell the prequel story to the “Alien” movies. Noomi Rapace is perfect as Shaw, the fearless scientist in seach of answers. And there are some great scares, with brief moments of genuine existential horror.

But the way it ties to “Alien” is very messy, and we’re still puzzled about why Charlize Theron didn’t turn left when that ship was rolling towards her.

3. “Alien: Romulus” (2024)

“Alien: Romulus” follows a group of teens in a hellish mining colony who go scavenging on a nearby space station to try to make a better life for themselves. Once they get there, however, it isn’t long before all Xenomorph-induced hell breaks loose.

To put it bluntly, “Alien: Romulus” is a monstrous delight because Álvarez relies on practical effects, sets, and creature designs to terrify the audience in a way that more recent entries in the franchise could only dream of.

While the slow start is initially a letdown, the time spent on character development is worth it once Álvarez hurls the gore and body horror madness into overdrive in the second half.

2. “Aliens” (1986)

James Cameron’s entry in the franchise is a legendary piece of sci-fi action because it manages to continue where the original movie left off while telling a completely new and thrilling story.

It pushes further into action than horror, making this installment a well-paced adventure that demands the audience’s attention. It also solidified Ripley as one of the great lead characters, as Weaver received a best actress nomination for her reprisal of the role.

1. “Alien” (1979)

Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic inspired a beloved franchise that equally astounds and frightens to this day, while Weaver’s Ripley became one of the most memorable female roles in modern movies.

Plus, actor John Hurt delivered one of the most unforgettable scenes in cinematic history with the nightmarish birth of the chestburster.

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