We Rewatched The Alien Movies And They’re Completely Different Now

In the vastness of space, no one can respond to your screams, which was the captivating tagline for “Alien” in 1979. However, since then, “Alien” has evolved far beyond being merely a sci-fi horror film. Audiences have been gifted with sequels, prequels, collaborations, comic books, novels, and video games, and the franchise continues to expand.

For many years, the “Alien” film series has reigned supreme at the box office and remains just as captivating today as it was in the past. The 2024 release “Alien: Romulus” proved to be a major hit, introducing one of the most fearsome Xenomorph versions yet, while FX’s “Alien: Earth” takes the franchise in a new direction by transporting the terrifying Xenomorphs from outer space straight into our very own backyards.

It’s been close to half a century since the first “Alien” movie was released, making us believe it’s the right moment to revisit the entire film series. Surprisingly, we found that after so many years, the overall experience of the “Alien” franchise seems refreshingly new today.

How did humanity not know about Xenomorphs?

Upon experiencing Ridley Scott’s “Alien” for the first time, it becomes evident that the Nostromo crew is entirely unaware of the predicament they’ve stumbled upon. With no training or resources to handle the Xenomorph, they must simultaneously learn about the creature and defend themselves against its onslaught. However, after watching all subsequent films in the series, one might ponder if Weyland-Yutani could have equipped the Nostromo crew better for such an encounter.

In the film “Alien vs. Predator,” it is revealed that Predators have visited Earth for millennia, engaging in a ritualistic battle with the Xenomorphs. This unique fight takes place only once every hundred years. Given that some movie characters manage to survive and share their experiences, it’s safe to assume that other humans may have encountered Xenomorphs before. As such, it wouldn’t be surprising if tales about these terrifying creatures had been circulating on Earth for a considerable amount of time.

In the movie titled “Alien vs. Predator: Requiem,” things get even more intense as a Predator squares off against a Xenomorph in contemporary Colorado. This confrontation leads to utter chaos in the town, making it impossible for the Xenomorph’s appearance not to become headline news across the nation. If you wish to preserve the enigma surrounding the Xenomorphs when revisiting the entire “Alien” series, it would be advisable to imagine that the “Alien vs. Predator” films are non-existent from your perspective.

Where were all the hybrids hiding?

As a devoted sci-fi enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the chilling impact of the original “Alien” film, which unleashed a solitary, dread-inducing creature into our collective consciousness, leaving an indelible mark on my nightmares ever since. The sequel, “Aliens,” ratcheted up the tension by swarming the screen with these creatures and introducing a novel variant: the Xenomorph Queen. Ever since then, each “Alien” film has striven to push boundaries by presenting alternate forms of the fearsome Xenomorph.

In the movie “Alien 3”, we encounter a unique creature called a Runner, which is a mix between a dog and a Xenomorph. The extended cut of this film replaces the dog hybrid with an ox-born Xenomorph. In “Alien: Resurrection”, Sigourney Weaver’s character Ripley undergoes transformation with Xenomorph abilities, and there are other aliens with her DNA in their system as well. The “Alien vs. Predator” series introduced various types of Xenomorphs, as did Ridley Scott’s two prequels to the “Alien” franchise. Lastly, the creature known as the Offspring was presented in “Alien: Romulus”, a particularly terrifying Xenomorph that closely resembles humans.

Every time a new Xenomorph is introduced in a movie, it amplifies the tension for that specific narrative, yet when you consider the entire saga, these numerous variations present an issue. If it’s so simple for Xenomorph DNA to combine with other species’, we might expect to encounter diverse variants in every film. This is a case where the practicalities of producing sequels give rise to continuity issues within the storyline that are hard to circumvent.

Ripley’s victory is a bit muted

In the original “Alien,” Ripley achieves a dual triumph over the Xenomorph: first, she destroys it outside the spacecraft, ensuring her own survival; second, she annihilates the deadliest creature in the galaxy. Regrettably, Ripley’s successive victories in the “Alien” series have become increasingly diminished with each new installment.

Nearly half a century after it, “Alien: Romulus” brought viewers back to the remains of the Nostromo. The story opens as a Xenomorph cocoon is found among the ship’s debris, indicating that Ripley’s battle against the Xenomorph was futile in terms of preventing their spread. Although she did manage to save herself, the Xenomorphs continued to multiply.

Absolutely, one could contend that Ripley’s triumph in the initial film might have been less impactful starting with “Aliens.” While she manages to kill one Xenomorph, subsequent movies reveal that countless others are still thriving. As you delve deeper into the “Alien” series, the struggle against the Xenomorphs seems increasingly futile. Watching the earlier films today, you find yourself cheering for every character’s survival, but it’s challenging not to feel that humanity is destined for failure from the outset.

The missing plot about Ripley’s daughter adds so much

Today, revisiting “Aliens,” you can recognize and value a rich subplot and aspect of Ripley’s character that wasn’t as apparent to viewers in 1986. The bond between Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) and Newt (played by Carrie Henn) is a significant factor propelling her actions throughout the movie. However, a cut scene enhances their relationship, making it even more vital to the storyline.

In the initial stages of the movie, after Ripley has endured a harrowing experience on the Nostromo, she seeks details about her daughter from Burke (played by Paul Reiser). Unfortunately, Burke informs her that her daughter had passed away in her 60s, while Ripley was frozen in cryosleep. This revelation significantly alters the dynamic between Ripley and Newt, and it also introduces a deeper dimension to the symbolism of Ripley’s fight against the Xenomorph Queen. Essentially, the Queen is merely defending her own offspring, much like how Ripley is protecting her surrogate daughter, Newt.

Ripley’s daughter, Amanda, is a captivating character who isn’t explored much in the films, but other parts of the “Alien” series delve deeper into her story. The game “Alien: Isolation” and its accompanying web series, which unfold 15 years after the initial film, focus on Amanda as she uncovers the truth about the Nostromo’s fate, ultimately facing the Xenomorphs herself. It turns out that combating aliens is something of a family tradition for Ripleys.

Alien 3 really could have been better

The film “Alien 3,” which debuted in May 1992, marked a significant low point for the franchise as it fell short of expectations at the box office and was generally perceived as a critical letdown. Re-watching it today is particularly disheartening because we now understand how close we came to having an exceptional third installment in the series.

Starting from around 1982, David Fincher was already directing music videos, but it wasn’t until 1992 that he took charge of a full-length film for the first time with “Alien 3”. Although he’s now famous for movies like “Seven”, “Fight Club”, and “Zodiac”, his debut in feature films didn’t go as smoothly, as “Alien 3” served as a challenging beginning to his directorial journey. Despite facing obstacles, Fincher’s distinctive style was evident even then, as Sigourney Weaver noted that if the studio had given him more creative freedom, he would have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on “Alien 3”.

In a 2024 interview with Deadline, Weaver expressed that during production, it seemed like David [Fincher] had to constantly battle to film what he envisioned for the next day. She explained that by the time Fincher joined the project, following years of development limbo on “Alien 3”, the studio was more concerned with cost-cutting than producing a high-quality movie. Weaver stated that it was a foolish move not to back Fincher, as he could have produced work comparable to his most acclaimed pieces if given more creative freedom for “Alien 3”.

Alien 3 should have been Ripley’s end point

Although “Alien 3” may not live up to expectations, upon revisiting the series, it’s hard not to feel that David Fincher’s first film should have marked the end of Ripley’s journey. The finale of “Alien 3” transforms Ripley into a hero for mankind. By choosing self-sacrifice and preventing any Xenomorphs from reaching Earth, she gives the last survivor of the Nostromo a fitting conclusion to her tale.

Resurrection” seems to have tarnished the overall series for many fans. This film is set 200 years after the events in Fincher’s movie, and it introduces a Ripley clone enhanced with Xenomorph DNA who fights her way through hordes of aliens as if she were a superhero. Remarkably, this movie has received a higher rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes than “Alien 3,” but ordinary cinema-goers have rated it much lower.

In online conversations, viewers often remark that “Alien: Resurrection” undermines Ripley’s sacrifice at the end of “Alien 3,” which was one of the better aspects of that film. The audience felt disappointed when Ripley acquired superpowers and transformed into a cloned alien hybrid in “Resurrection.” Consequently, for many fans, the finale of Ripley’s journey has become a low point in the Alien series.

Offscreen deaths drag the whole series down

In the “Alien” film series, there’s an unusual pattern that might not be immediately noticeable unless you watch the movies consecutively. Several installments of the franchise set a new normal by eliminating significant characters without any on-screen depiction. Previously, we discussed how Ripley’s daughter experienced both life and death off-camera, and in a deleted scene to boot; however, this is merely the start of such occurrences.

In the sequel “Alien 3,” Ripley’s hard-earned victory in “Aliens” is significantly diminished due to an unfortunate off-screen death. At the beginning of the movie, Ripley crash lands on Fury 161, and Newt perishes during the crash. This sets up a new journey for Ripley, but it weakens the impact of “Aliens.” Moreover, Ridley Scott’s return to the franchise in “Prometheus” left viewers hanging with a major cliffhanger as Elizabeth Shaw (played by Noomi Rapace) embarks on a quest to find the Engineers. Unfortunately, “Alien: Covenant” reveals that Shaw doesn’t survive long enough to uncover any meaningful answers.

The unseen deaths in the “Alien” films contribute to each movie telling distinct tales without being overburdened by previous characters and storylines within the franchise. However, this also creates a challenge for viewers to emotionally connect with any character other than Ripley.

What about the Alien movies we didn’t get?

For devoted fans of the “Alien” series, there’s a wealth of content available, but when revisiting the films today, it’s challenging not to ponder abandoned projects that could have further enriched the franchise. It’s even conceivable that some of the most exceptional “Alien” movies remain unmade.

The movie known as “Alien 3” is notorious for its lengthy production process, which may explain why the final product appears disjointed. While David Giler, Walter Hill, and Larry Ferguson are credited as the screenplay writers, others also attempted their hand at the script. Notably, renowned sci-fi author William Gibson penned his own interpretation of “Alien 3,” but it wasn’t revealed to the public until Pat Cadigan transformed the screenplay into a novel in 2021.

During the 2010s, director Neill Blomkamp (“District 9” and “Elysium”) had originally been set to direct a fifth Alien movie, which would have continued the storyline from “Aliens,” ignoring both “Alien 3” and “Alien: Resurrection.” However, this project never progressed beyond initial plans as Ridley Scott began working on “Alien: Covenant” instead. Interestingly, after “Covenant’s” release, Scott abandoned his intentions to complete the prequel trilogy with a sixth movie called “Alien: Awakening,” leaving us uncertain about how the story of David (Michael Fassbender), the Engineers, and the black goo ultimately concludes.

Video games have given us a new perspective on Alien

Similar to other popular science fiction series, “Alien” has transcended its movie franchise status. It has grown into a rich tapestry of “Alien” lore, offering dedicated fans an engaging dive. While comic books and video games connected to the franchise can enhance your knowledge, there’s one extension of the universe that promises to alter your perspective on the “Alien” films altogether.

Isolation” offers a chilling survival horror adventure that may linger in your thoughts and disturb your sleep after you’ve played it. The narrative revolves around Amanda, Ripley’s daughter, 15 years following the original film’s events. While the story appeals to fans of “Alien”, the gameplay is what truly makes this experience captivating.

In the game “Alien: Isolation”, players must constantly avoid being detected by Xenomorphs, as these creatures are far more intelligent than ordinary video game adversaries. As the game progresses, the Xenomorphs become adept at learning from your actions and behaviors, allowing them to predict where you might hide or attempt to escape. After playing “Alien: Isolation” for several hours, one can truly grasp the palpable terror experienced by characters in the “Alien” films. This newfound understanding makes it easier to empathize with the protagonists when watching the movies again.

The Alien movies don’t make for an ideal marathon

Generally speaking, many people consider the “Alien” science fiction series to be among the best of all time. Its strengths lie in classic movies such as “Alien” and “Aliens,” while even less popular installments like “Alien: Resurrection” still offer something for sci-fi enthusiasts to appreciate. The franchise caters to a wide range of tastes, offering science fiction, horror, action, or even humor that borders on comedy. This diversity is what makes “Alien” an exceptional series. However, due to its vast array of styles, it might not be ideal for a movie marathon.

Watching all the “Alien” movies one after another can be challenging due to the stark contrasts in tone between them, such as moving from the humorous overtones of “Alien vs. Predator: Requiem” to the seriousness of “Prometheus”. The primary issue, though, is that when watched consecutively, the overall narrative becomes confusing and doesn’t hold together logically.

It’s evident from the “Alien” movie series that the filmmakers didn’t focus on maintaining a consistent universe across films. The stories and themes in the franchise are disjointed, with numerous lore inconsistencies. Fans often criticize the prequels “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant,” which were intended to precede the original “Alien,” as instances of this confusion. The depictions of Xenomorphs and black goo in these films don’t align neatly with the storyline of the original “Alien.” Unfortunately, for better or worse, each “Alien” movie works best when viewed as a standalone story.

The Alien franchise changed movies forever

Watching the “Alien” movies nowadays offers a unique experience due to the extensive reach of the franchise’s influence. The impact of “Alien” and “Aliens” is far-reaching, and it can still be felt in science fiction, horror, and action films today. The original film set a precedent for other space-themed horror movies like “Event Horizon,” while Ripley’s trailblazing role as an action heroine in the second movie laid the foundation for characters such as Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) from “The Terminator” and Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) from “Rogue One.

The impact of the franchise extends far beyond its films, as video games have drawn significant inspiration from the “Alien” universe. References to “Alien” can be found abundantly in various games, such as the Mother Brain in “Metroid” and the Flood enemies in the “Halo” series. The 2022 horror game “Scorn” heavily borrowed from the “Alien” influence, creating a new world inspired by H.R. Giger’s work, who designed the Xenomorph originally. Science fiction has been so deeply influenced by the “Alien” franchise that you’ve likely encountered elements derived from it, even if you haven’t watched the movies – and this trend is unlikely to slow down.

2025-07-08 04:01