Aliens (1986)
★★★★ — Aliens (1986)
Ridley Scott's Alien (1979) was a modest production that became a cultural phenomenon, and Fox took its time greenlighting a sequel, eventually handing the reins to James Cameron, who had only one feature credit to his name (The Terminator, 1984) when he was brought aboard. Cameron rewrote an early script and pushed the story in a more action-oriented direction, a significant tonal shift that made the studio nervous. Shooting took place largely at Pinewood Studios in England, and the production was notoriously fraught, with the British crew and Cameron clashing repeatedly over working hours and methods. Sigourney Weaver, returning as Ripley, negotiated a substantially larger role and salary than the original, and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, a rare distinction for a science fiction film at the time. Carrie Henn, playing young survivor Newt, was a non-professional cast after an open call.
Now this is how you do a sequel. James Cameron took everything that made Alien great, atmosphere, tension, fear, and turned it up to 11 with an action-packed, emotional rollercoaster. The military vibe, the pacing, the stakes, it’s a perfect mix of horror and sci-fi action that few films can match. Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley is even more compelling here, and the chemistry between her and the crew makes the stakes even more personal. It’s hard to top the original’s haunting dread, but Aliens makes up for it by being an entirely different beast, one that’s equally as influential, if not more so. Iconic moments, great performances, and a sense of terror that doesn’t let up until the credits roll. It’s not just a great sequel; it’s a classic in its own right.
Rating: ★★★★ | Year: 1986 | Watched: 2025-04-10
Where to watch (UK)
Stream: Disney Plus
Rent: Apple TV Store · Rakuten TV · Amazon Video · Sky Store
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Physical: Amazon UK
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Related on Movies With Macca
More from James Cameron: Titanic (1997) · Avatar (2009) · Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) · The Terminator (1984)
More with Sigourney Weaver: Avatar (2009) · Alien (1979) · Alien Resurrection (1997) · Alien³ (1992)
More from the 1980s: Nightmare City (1980) · A Better Tomorrow (1986) · Style Wars (1983) · Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers (1980)
More action: A Better Tomorrow (1986) · The General (1926) · Hand of Death (1976) · Daredevil (2003)
More thriller: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) · Angst (1983) · The Long Walk (2025) · Punishment Park (1971)
