Alien (1979) vs Aliens (1986): Comparing the Classics

Source: 20th Century-Fox

The films “Alien” (1979) and “Aliens” (1986) have become iconic in the science fiction and horror genres. Fans have argued over which film is the best in the franchise for years. To help settle this debate, let’s compare and contrast both films by looking at their budgets, plots, and receptions. Ultimately, we’ll provide our opinion on which one deserves the title of the ultimate “Alien” movie.

Budget:

• “Alien” (1979): Directed by Ridley Scott, the original “Alien” movie had a relatively modest budget for a sci-fi film, reported to be around $11 million. The film was known for its innovative and cost-effective set design and special effects, contributing to its significant impact.

• “Aliens” (1986): Directed by James Cameron, the sequel had a larger budget, reflecting the first film’s success and the studio’s confidence in the franchise. The budget for “Aliens” was approximately $18 million, which allowed for more elaborate sets, special effects, and action sequences.

Plot:

• “Alien” (1979): The first film’s plot is centered around the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo, who encounters a deadly extraterrestrial creature after investigating a distress signal on a moon called LV-426. The film is a tense, claustrophobic thriller that focuses on the horror of the unknown as the crew members are hunted one by one by the alien creature.

• “Aliens” (1986): The sequel takes a different approach, blending action with horror. The plot follows Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo, as she returns to LV-426 with a unit of Colonial Marines after contact with the colony established there is lost. The film expands the universe, introducing the concept of the alien queen and featuring numerous aliens in more of a warlike confrontation with the human characters.

Reception:

• “Alien” (1979): The film was a critical and commercial success. It received an overwhelmingly positive response for its atmosphere, tension, and the performance of Sigourney Weaver as Ripley. It was also praised for its production design and special effects. “Alien” won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and has been inducted into the National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

• “Aliens” (1986): The sequel was also a critical and commercial success, with many praising James Cameron’s ability to shift genres successfully while expanding the original’s story. Sigourney Weaver’s performance in “Aliens” was particularly lauded, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, which was notably rare for a science fiction/action film at the time. The movie also won Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects, showcasing its technical achievements. 

“Aliens” was applauded for its intense action sequences and emotional depth, particularly the maternal themes explored through Ripley’s relationship with the orphaned survivor, Newt. The film managed to avoid the pitfalls of many sequels by not simply rehashing the original but instead expanding upon the universe and exploring new themes.

 Both films have profoundly impacted the science fiction and horror genres, influencing countless works that followed.

Box Office:

• “Alien” (1979): Grossed over $104 million worldwide, which was a significant return on its budget. 

• “Aliens” (1986): Grossed approximately $131 million worldwide. 

The success of both films helped cement the “Alien” franchise as a cultural touchstone and led to several more sequels and prequels, though few have been as critically acclaimed as the first two installments.

Our Take

We believe your preference for “Alien” or “Aliens” depends on the type of film you enjoy. “Alien” follows a traditional horror theme and creates an atmosphere where you feel trapped in space with an unknown alien entity without any information. This movie is perfect for those who are avid fans of horror. 

On the other hand, “Aliens” has a more extravagant feel, and since you already have some knowledge from the first film, there is less mystery involved. This movie has more alien action and a memorable crew, making it enjoyable for horror and action fans. 

At ONTERROR, “Alien” (1979) is our absolute favorite!

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