The Alien Franchise’s 10 Best Scenes, Ranked

May 2, 2024, 1:05 p.m.

Movies

The Alien Franchise’s 10 Best Scenes, Ranked

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Summary The Alien franchise showcases unforgettable scenes like the Exploding Head in Prometheus, offering morbid fascination and engaging gore effects.

Alien vs. Predator's tug-of-war between the iconic extraterrestrial species delivers a crowd-pleasing showdown with raw power and ferocity.

The Headburster scene in Alien: Resurrection exemplifies grotesque ingenuity with inventive kills, showcasing the franchise's boundary-pushing nature.

The Alien movies rank among the most iconic sci-fi horror franchises of all time, known for delivering some of the most memorable scenes in cinematic history. From the groundbreaking chestburster sequence in Ridley Scott's original Alien to the pulse-pounding confrontation between Ripley and the Alien Queen in James Cameron's Aliens, these films have consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre. The franchise's ability to blend intense action, suspense, and grotesque creature designs has captivated audiences for decades, spawning numerous sequels, prequels, and spinoffs.

Each entry in the Alien series has contributed its own set of unforgettable moments, from the eerie reveal of the xenomorph in the engine room to the shocking android betrayal in Alien. These scenes, crafted by visionary directors and brought to life by talented actors, have become integral parts of the franchise's legacy, defining the Alien movies as a cornerstone of science fiction horror. By looking at the most outstanding and impactful scenes from across the Alien franchise, it will be easier to explore the elements that make them so enduring and effective in the realm of cinematic terror.

Every Movie in the Alien Franchise:

Movie Title Release Year Alien 1979 Aliens 1984 Alien 3 1992 Alien: Resurrection 1997 Alien vs. Predator 2004 Alien vs. Predator: Requiem 2007 Prometheus 2012 Alien: Covenant 2017 Alien: Romulus 2024

10 The Exploding Head

Prometheus (2012)

The decapitated Engineer's head reanimation scene in Prometheus showcases Ridley Scott's signature blend of visual expertise and entertaining gore. As the crew attempts to revive the severed head using electric impulses, the audience is treated to a scene that is equal parts absurd and unsettling. The twitching and blinking of the Engineer's face, coupled with its pained expression, creates a sense of morbid fascination that makes it hard to look away.

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While Prometheus may not be the scariest of the Alien movies, it still manages to capture the essence of what makes Scott's work so compelling. There is a willingness to push the boundaries of what is acceptable on screen and a keen understanding of how to use visual effects to elicit a visceral response. It’s not the most crucial moment in the film's narrative, but the exploding head scene is a memorable example of Scott's unique vision for the Alien franchise.

9 Alien Vs. Predator

AVP: Alien Vs. Predator (2004)

Alien Vs Predator Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Paul W.S. Anderson Release Date August 13, 2004 Writers Paul W.S. Anderson Cast Sanaa Lathan , Raoul Bova , Ewen Bremner , Lance Henriksen , Colin Salmon Runtime 101 minutes prequel(s) Alien Resurrection , Aliens , Alien 3 , Predator 2 , Alien: Covenant , Prometheus

In Alien vs. Predator, the initial confrontation between the two iconic extraterrestrial species, delivers a satisfying, if not groundbreaking, moment. Director Paul W.S. Anderson, known for his divisive filmography, manages to capitalize on the inherent thrill of witnessing these legendary creatures clash on the big screen. The choreography, while not particularly inventive, still succeeds in showcasing the raw power and ferocity of both the Alien and the Predator.

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One standout moment occurs when the Predator grabs the Alien by its tail and swings it around. The scene, while fun and a bit camp, lacks the finesse and artistry found in other entries of the respective franchises. It still, however, provides a gratifying payoff for fans who have long awaited this cinematic showdown. Ultimately, the scene's straightforward approach to the material ensures its place as a crowd-pleasing, if not genre-defining, moment in the series.

8 The Headburster

Alien: Resurrection (1997)

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet Release Date November 12, 1997 Writers Joss Whedon Cast Sigourney Weaver , Winona Ryder , Dominique Pinon , Ron Perlman , Gary Dourdan , Michael Wincott Runtime 109minutes prequel(s) Aliens , Alien 3

Leland Orser's character, Purvis, takes revenge on his tormentor in a scene that perfectly encapsulates the grotesque ingenuity of Alien: Resurrection. As the chestburster within him nears emergence, Purvis seizes the opportunity to confront the villain responsible for his suffering. In a moment of dark humor and poetic justice, Purvis positions himself so that when the creature violently erupts from his chest, it simultaneously bursts through the head of his adversary.

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Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet's distinctive style shines through in this sequence, particularly in the unsettling, yet morbidly fascinating shot that zooms down Orser's throat to reveal the newborn monstrosity. The scene's blend of body horror, retribution, and twisted wit exemplifies the Alien franchise’s willingness to push boundaries and subvert expectations. Alien: Resurrection is not without its flaws, but this inventive and memorably gruesome kill serves as a highlight.

7 Face Hugger

Alien (1979)

The unveiling of the xenomorph's life cycle in the original Alien film is a pivotal moment that showcases the creature's ingenious and terrifying design. When Kane (John Hurt) encounters an egg and inadvertently becomes the first victim of the facehugger, the chilling display of H.R. Giger's masterful creation is on full display. The facehugger's unique blend of crustacean, arachnid, and serpentine features, combined with its deadly acidic blood and suffocating grip, makes for a truly nightmarish experience.

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As the parasite wraps its tendons around Kane's head and its tail around his throat, the scene effectively communicates the sheer helplessness and horror of the situation. This sequence not only introduces the xenomorph's reproductive process, but also sets the stage for the impending terror that will unfold throughout the film. Hurt's performance, coupled with the realistic and unsettling practical effects, elevates the scene to a level of visceral intensity that has rarely been matched in the franchise or the genre as a whole.

6 The Medbay Scene

Alien: Covenant (2017)

Amy Seimetz and Carmen Ejogo's raw, authentic performances elevate the first death scene in Alien: Covenant, transforming it from a basic display of extraterrestrial horror into a deeply unsettling and emotionally charged moment. As their characters, Maggie Farris and Karine Oram, witness the gruesome emergence of the infant Xenomorph from their crewmate's back, their reactions convey a palpable sense of confusion, fear, and sheer terror. The actors' genuine portrayal of their characters' emotional states grounds the scene in a terrifying reality, making it all the more impactful and memorable.

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Chaos and madness is masterfully orchestrated around the event, but it is Seimetz and Ejogo's performances that truly give the sequence its bite. By refusing to treat their characters as disposable fodder for the alien menace, the actresses imbue the scene with a sense of authenticity and depth. Their unrestrained expressions of fear serve as a potent reminder of the Xenomorph's ability to elicit genuine, primal terror from its victims.

Related 10 Movies That Perfectly Blend Sci-Fi & Horror Few movies utilize aspects of only one genre in their stories, and some of the best sci-fi films include elements of horror and suspense.

5 The Xenomorph Lets Ripley Live

Alien 3 (1992)

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director David Fincher Release Date May 22, 1992 Writers Dan O'Bannon , Ronald Shusett , Vincent Ward , David Giler , Walter Hill , Larry Ferguson Cast Sigourney Weaver , Charles S. Dutton , Charles Dance , Paul McGann , Brian Glover , Ralph Brown Runtime 114minutes

Alien 3's hospital scene, masterfully directed by David Fincher, subverts expectations and ratchets up the tension to nearly unbearable levels. As the xenomorph closes in on Ripley and Clemens, the creature dispatches the film's most sympathetic character with brutal efficiency. However, it is the moment that follows that truly sets this scene apart. In a shocking twist, the alien, after covering Ripley in its drool in one of the movie's most iconic images, inexplicably backs away, leaving her unharmed.

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This action, coupled with Ripley's earlier unease, hints at a deeper, more disturbing truth that the audience is only beginning to grasp. Fincher's expert handling of the scene, which builds suspense in a manner reminiscent of some of Alfred Hitchcock's best movies, elevates the material and adds a layer of psychological horror to the franchise. The sequence also serves as a grim reminder that, even if Ripley survives this encounter, her fate may already be sealed, setting the stage for a sequel that refuses to pull its punches or offer easy answers.

4 Ash Attacks Ripley

Alien (1979)

Ash's reveal as an android in Alien delivers a shocking twist that continues to be unsettling, even when the scene's outcome is well-known. The sequence's impact lies in its intense build-up, as Ripley uncovers the truth about Ash's mission and confronts him, only to face a cold, calculated murder attempt. When Parker intervenes and decapitates Ash during the struggle, the moment of triumph is short-lived, as the crew is immediately confronted with a new set of horrors.

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The realization that Ash has been a robot all along adds a deeper layer of unease to the already nightmarish situation, hinting at the existence of sinister forces beyond the xenomorph itself. Ian Holm's chilling performance, combined with the sudden and grotesque nature of Ash's decapitation and his subsequent inhuman movements, amplifies the scene's terror. This revelation serves as a powerful reminder that the crew is not only fighting for survival against an alien threat, but also grappling with the machinations of their own employer.

3 “Get Away From Her, You B***h!”

Aliens (1986)

Ripley's iconic line, "Get away from her, you b***h!" as she confronts the Alien Queen in the climactic scene of Aliens, is one of the most satisfying of the franchise. Considered one of James Cameron's best action scenes in his filmography, his skillful direction elevates this seemingly simple one-liner into a moment of pure cinematic magic. The culmination of Ripley's character arc, combined with the harrowing trials she and the Marines have endured, imbues the line with a sense of cathartic release.

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The scene's visual elements, such as the slow pan of the camera, the interplay of light and smoke, and the determination etched on Sigourney Weaver's face, all coalesce to heighten the impact of Ripley's words. This perfect synthesis of dialogue, performance, and mise-en-scène creates a crowd-pleasing moment that has become a touchstone of the franchise. The moment is a testament to Cameron's skill at crafting unforgettable, emotionally charged sequences that resonate with viewers decades after the film’s initial release.

2 The Alien Appears

Alien (1979)

The engine room scene in Alien, where the fully-grown xenomorph reveals itself to the ill-fated Brett (Harry Dean Stanton), remains one of the best monster reveals in horror. For those experiencing Ridley Scott's masterpiece for the first time, without the foreknowledge of the creature's appearance, this scene delivers an unparalleled shock. The glimpses of H.R. Giger's surreal, biomechanical designs in the earlier facehugger and chestburster sequences may have hinted at the nightmarish visage to come, but nothing can truly prepare viewers for the sheer otherworldly terror of the adult alien's unveiling.

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As Brett pursues the indifferent ship's cat, Jones, he finds himself face-to-face with a creature that defies imagination; a sleek, jet-black, slime-dripping monstrosity with an impossibly deadly array of teeth. The xenomorph's design is so strikingly original and unsettling that it etches itself into the psyche, setting a new standard for cinematic extraterrestrial horrors. While subsequent films in the franchise would offer clearer and more prolonged looks at the now-iconic creature, none quite match the primal, sensorial impact of this initial encounter.

1 Chestburster

Alien (1979)

The chestburster scene in Alien is a defining moment of pure fear that has shaped the landscape of sci-fi horror. John Hurt's portrayal of Kane's excruciating demise, as the infant xenomorph bursts from his chest during what should have been a routine meal, showcases the actor's ability to convey absolute terror and disbelief. The haunting cries and the varied reactions of the other crew members, each grappling with the nightmarish event in their own way, lend depth and authenticity to the scene. Their emotionally charged responses underscore the severity of the situation and the inconceivable horror they must now confront.

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The creature presents a chilling contrast to the raw human suffering that surrounds it, amplifying the sense of an otherworldly nightmare made real. The scene's impact is more than just graphic violence, as it unflinchingly portrays the characters' psychological and emotional upheaval. This pivotal moment alters the course of the narrative, marking the beginning of the crew's harrowing battle for survival against a relentless, unfathomable adversary. The scene's lasting influence solidifies its position among the most iconic and groundbreaking moments in the Alien franchise.