Why Aliens Is the Best Movie in the Alien Franchise
Image: 20th Century Fox / Brandywine Productions – Aliens (1986)
The iconic sequel to the best horror movie of all time
When it comes to the Alien franchise, fans will always debate which installment reigns supreme. Ridley Scott’s original Alien (1979) is often praised as a masterclass in horror and atmosphere, while later entries like Alien 3, Resurrection, and even Prometheus carved out their own followings. But when it comes to sheer impact, entertainment value, and cultural staying power, James Cameron’s Aliens (1986) stands tall as the definitive entry in the series. Here’s why.
Image: 20th Century Fox / Brandywine Productions – Aliens (1986)
A Perfect Blend of Horror and Action
The original Alien was a slow-burn haunted house in space, dripping with suspense and dread. Cameron took that foundation and evolved it into a high-octane action-horror hybrid. Aliens delivers the same terrifying creature designs and claustrophobic tension, but amps up the adrenaline with pulse rifles, flamethrowers, and explosive set pieces. It’s a rare sequel that changes the formula without losing the spirit of the original.
Image: 20th Century Fox / Brandywine Productions – Aliens (1986)
Ellen Ripley Becomes a True Icon
Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley is already memorable in Alien, but in Aliens, she becomes a legend. She’s not just a survivor, she’s a leader, a fighter, and a protector. Her maternal bond with Newt adds depth to her character and grounds the story in raw human emotion. And of course, her power-loader showdown with the Alien Queen, complete with the iconic line, “Get away from her, you b****!”* cemented Ripley as one of the greatest action heroes in cinema.
Image: 20th Century Fox / Brandywine Productions – Aliens (1986)
The Colonial Marines
Let’s be honest: Aliens gave us one of the coolest squads in movie history. From Hudson’s wisecracks to Vasquez’s toughness and Hicks’ quiet reliability, the Colonial Marines brought personality, humor, and firepower to the franchise. Their bravado contrasted perfectly with the creeping terror of the xenomorph hive, making their inevitable downfall even more intense.
Image: 20th Century Fox / Brandywine Productions – Aliens (1986)
The Alien Queen
If the original Alien gave us one monster to haunt our nightmares, Aliens gave us their mother. The introduction of the Alien Queen raised the stakes to an entirely new level. Her massive scale, terrifying design, and brutal intelligence made her not just another xenomorph but an unforgettable villain in her own right. To this day, the Queen stands as one of the most iconic creatures in movie history.
Image: 20th Century Fox / Brandywine Productions – Superior Firepower: The Making of Aliens (2003)
Pacing and Escalation Done Right
Aliens is a masterclass in storytelling rhythm. It doesn’t throw the action at you right away, instead, it builds slowly, introducing Ripley’s trauma, the corporate schemes of Weyland-Yutani, and the overconfidence of the Marines. Then, once the xenomorphs arrive, the film doesn’t let up. The tension rises steadily until the final act explodes into one of the most intense climaxes in science fiction.
A Timeless Influence
Cameron’s Aliens didn’t just make waves in the 80s, it shaped the DNA of action and sci-fi for decades. From video games like Halo and Starcraft to countless films featuring tough squads of soldiers battling alien threats, the fingerprints of Aliens are everywhere. It proved that sequels could redefine a franchise while still respecting the original’s legacy.
Why It’s Still the Ultimate Sequel
While Alien may be the purist’s favorite for its horror roots, Aliens is the entry that gave the franchise its heart-pounding energy and lasting pop culture footprint. It turned Ripley into an icon, introduced the terrifying Alien Queen, and showed us that sequels can sometimes surpass the original. For its perfect blend of horror, action, and unforgettable characters, Aliens remains the best movie in the franchise.
