Science Fiction is exactly my go to genre of film. With that being said, I appreciate quality filmmaking across the board and I will always admire creativity and that’s (for the most part) what the Alien franchise brings to the table. There’s a good many throw away sci-fi films that unfortunately dilute the genre and is partly why I’m not always ready to see just any space related feature. Four out of the six core Alien films really are a masterclass of sorts on how to put together a satisfying intelligent science fiction film. This franchise has proven over the years that you don’t have to choose between being fun or smart, a film of this nature can be both and that’s where the real magic is made.
1. Aliens
Not only is Aliens the best film of this franchise, it’s also one of the best films ever made – period. This really is an exceptional example of what can come out of a director, writer, and cast who know what they’re doing. James Cameron is one of the best directors in the business if you ask me and is responsible for some truly great films that have stood the test of time, this being one. He knows how to shoot these scenes so as to give them the most impact and honestly the visuals and effects do not come off as dated when viewed today.
CGI wasn’t as widespread back in 1986 so the effects are so realistic and mesmerizing. The action is intense as well and you feel that sense of dread and anxiety but also adrenalin as Weaver and her team fight against these evil creatures. The script pairs well with all of this pristine cinematography and other worldly visuals. Weaver’s lead character is well developed and there are several quality storylines that pan out between her and a couple of characters. You feel a connection to the characters that you don’t always feel in films like this. Sometimes people in these kinds of projects are viewed as bodies to be discarded but not here.
This really is a wonderful example of the magic of cinema. A well written story with quality characters and breathtaking visuals. If you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing this, please do! It’ll be time well spent!
2. Alien Covenant
I was already a committed fan of this franchise and had seen all the previous films when I ventured to the theater in 2017 to see Ridley Scott’s latest, Alien Covenant. Like Aliens, this is a science fiction film that knows how to both entertain you and give you a quality story. The characters involved here aren’t as well drawn as those in the 1986 film, but the rest of the elements that made the James Cameron sequel so great are present here. The special effects and visuals are absolutely gorgeous and haunting at the same time. Scott’s talent behind the camera are on full display in this sequel to Prometheus.
The storyline that was started in that film is continued here and it’s one that I find interesting since it’s so expansive and filled with wonder/mystery. The cast does a nice job as well, Michael Fassbender especially. Fassbender reprises his robotic role of David from Prometheus and he does it oh so well. Some may disagree with my high ranking of this but I felt so very satisfied after it was over and it really does deliver on all the major aspects of a film associated with this series.
3. Alien
The original! The screams from space that started it all! My general feeling on this iconic film is that it’s very well made and deserves its place in cinematic history; it’s just that it’s not the best the franchise has to offer. The cinematography and practical effects are something to behold and I’m still impressed today in 2022 when I go back and view this film.
Again, Ridley Scott’s talents are front and center and it’s no wonder as to why he’s considered one of the best in the industry. There’s a forceful sense of dread and suspense that is ever present throughout and that pulls you in and keeps you engaged. The cast does a great job doing that as well. Sigourney Weaver turns in a wonderful performance as Ripley, the first of many. The supporting cast, though certainly less known, also do a nice job conveying the foreboding fear they’re all experiencing. Alien is a very good film and one everyone should see at least once.
4. Prometheus
Now don’t be fooled, even though this is listed at number four, I do really like this film. Prometheus is a film I can’t imagine not liking, to be honest. The writing is so creative, the visuals are mind-blowing, and the cast is oh so talented. Ridley Scott continues to show off his raw talent. Some didn’t care for the deeper more expansive storyline but I disagree. The storyline, I think, is very interesting and engaging.
Now it is true that while the plot is very intriguing, the characters are not quite as interesting as ones in previous films. Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, and others do a very nice job. It’s not their fault that their roles are a little less developed, it’s just that the script prioritizes other aspects more.
Another detail here that’s not quite as good as the three films I’ve already ranked is scare factor. There is a somewhat diminished sense of fright. On the other hand there is a heightened sense of wonder. It would have been nice to have a higher level of fright while maintaining the fantastic sense of wonder that’s present. Prometheus really isn’t a film I have very many critiques of. This is a really good film, it’s just that it’s not as good as other entries in this series.
5. Alien: Resurrection
At this point in the ranking, there’s only two left and to be honest I’ve never been a fan of either of these. They are both undoubtedly the weakest links in the franchise. The only reason why I prefer Alien: Resurrection over Alien3 is because it’s at least kind of wild and insane where as 3 is really just unforgivably dull and uninteresting.
This fourth film has certain parallels to Batman & Robin to me in that it’s the fourth film and it has a lot of strange stuff in it. Both of these films have been routinely lampooned. There are for sure some odd details in this script and there’s a sort of tired energy that you feel watching this. The characters are actually the worst aspect though. There isn’t a single interesting or relatable character here. In past films we had these well drawn roles and here it’s all very hokey and one dimensional. This film just isn’t even operating on the same level as Alien and Aliens.
This sort of reminds me of a straight to DVD Disney sequel of a classic Disney masterpiece, it has that vibe. I don’t recommend it to folks unless maybe you want to have some drinks and not take it too seriously.
6. Alien3
Now we get to the bottom of this wonderful franchise! Unfortunately, this particular part of the series is not nearly as wonderful as the rest. David Fincher is a beautifully gifted director but this is a stinker on his resume. First of all, the beginning of this film completely undoes the happy ending we all felt great about in Aliens and replaces it with a grotesque one and that energy permeates the entire duration of the film.
This is an incredibly dark film that just doesn’t earn the kind of tone it has. If you’re going to go that dour of a route you’d better earn it. So the tone and script really isn’t very good at all and then we have these computer oriented effects that are not nearly as striking as they were in the previous two. The only real upside in this film is Sigourney Weaver herself who’s always really good. There’s just no real excitement or joy or wonder to be found in this. It’s unfortunate.
Alien really is one of the best and most entertaining film franchises to come out of Hollywood. Yes, there are two films within that don’t work very well but my god the rest of them are just so damn good! If you’ve somehow never delved into this series, I highly encourage it! My suggestion is actually to just skip number 3 and 4. You’re not missing much at all by doing this.
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