Alien universe film order:
1. Prometheus (2012)
2. Alien: Covenant (2017)
3. Alien (1979)
4. Aliens (1986)
5. Alien 3 (1992)
6. Alien: Resurrection (1997)

Spin-off franchise:
- Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)

It’s often daunting to come to a classic film and try to explain why it works so well. Obvious elements spring to mind - the peerless design work, both of the central creature and the sets themselves; the beautifully haunting score; the creation of one of the greatest female action heroes; the perfect pace of the film (slightly spoilt by the Director’s Cut, but the original edit still shines); the “birth” of the creature that may have lost its ability to surprise over time, but still horrifies largely down to the performances that sell this moment so well; the masterful build-up of tension as each character confronts their fate. But, more importantly, this is simply a story that is well told and a reminder of how powerful an experience film can be when all the elements come together so perfectly. Is it any wonder that Alien has been oft-imitated, parodied and copied, but rarely bettered, if at all?

This is still such a masterpiece, hands down!

Watching it and comparing it against other sci-fi and horror at the time this was ahead in tone (you feel part of the crew) and atmosphere. The actors all do amazing. A lot of strobe lights and great sets. It can get slow at times.

Amazing set design, builds a great atmosphere and sense of uncertainty. Holds up to the test of time, great all around movie.

No one listened to the smart woman, everyone dies except the smart woman and her cat. 9 out of 10

One of the best horror-scifi movies ever made..Brilliant direcitng super realistic with great visual effects and editing.

Great set, refreshing to not see a bunch of green screens... Not very scary or great in any aspect aside from being a solid story. Attempts to make unexpected twists, not the greatest twists ever but at least the story has some turns even though you pretty much know where it's heading. It's another film that's just a decent watch, to just watch and not expect to get anything from it... No fear, no fun, no mystery, just a basic film with a hard to mess up storyline and believable enough acting & effects, from an introductory Sci fi Era. Probably innovative at the time, but I'm reviewing based totally on the film as presented to me today.

Another safe watch, as nothing is particularly bad but it's nothing particularly great either. Simple story, executed without tripping over itself.

Ridley Scott's ALIEN is an example of great horror film-making. It's not the creature, but the design of the locations, the smoke, claustophobic rooms and atomsphere. The characters are nicely written, this is not your post-modern horror!

ALIEN has a distinct style, the pacing is deliberate, the tension builds and builds. The film is a real master stroke by Ridley Scott and his team.

The acting is excellent, I can't fault anyone. Weaver has the lead was a gamble, and a brave choice by all concerned. I'm happy to say that it pays off! The design of the ALIEN is fascinating, work of a genius.

The special effects are tremendous, again, there's a distinct style, it's so fantastic!

The score by Goldsmith plays more like a special sound effect, but it does fit the mood of the picture.

The wide-screen frame is used to the max, do not watch this in pan and scan!

ALIEN is a film which should be studied and studied, tons of details in the entire picture.

My favourite a true masterpiece if you say otherwise I'll slap you in the mouth. :wave:

I forgot just how good this is, it's pretty much perfect. The world building, the production design, the monster, and the acting are all top notch.

I was going to give it a 10 then I seen it was rated slightly higher than Aliens and well that is appaling I'm sorry to say folks but Aliens is the far superior movie

3 Thoughts After Re-Watching ‘Alien’:

1. Another reminder as to just how much of a badass Ellen Ripley is. Sigourney is a queen.

2. The alien design is so iconic and genius. From the Facehugger to the final grown abomination — acid blood and all — it’s a pretty damn perfect (and grotesque!) concept.

3. While altogether impressive and obviously a pure CLASSIC, there are parts that drag. A few impatient moments when you’re just waiting to get to the good stuff. Something, from what I remember, the sequel improves upon.