
Aliens (1986)
Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo's deadly encounter with the monstrous Alien, returns to Earth after drifting through space in hypersleep for 57 years. Although her story is initially met with skepticism, she agrees to accompany a team of Colonial Marines back to LV-426.
Details
Budget
$18,500,000
Rating
8/10 (9999 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
SLM Production Group, 20th Century Fox, Brandywine Productions
About Aliens
James Cameron's 1986 film "Aliens" functions as a direct sequel to Ridley Scott's 1979 horror film "Alien." It shifts the tone from horror to action, focusing on intense sequences and military science fiction elements. The narrative brings back Ellen Ripley, who joins a team of Colonial Marines sent to investigate a loss of contact with a human colony on LV-426, the planet where the original alien species was discovered.
Reviews of "Aliens" often discuss its approach to expanding the "Alien" universe. Some appreciate how the film develops Ripley's character, transforming her into a more determined figure while retaining a nurturing side, especially in her interactions with the young survivor Newt. The film introduces numerous extraterrestrial creatures and large-scale combat, distinguishing it from the isolated tension of its predecessor. Its critical reception includes high ratings from sources like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic.
Despite its acclaim, "Aliens" also attracted some critique. A few viewers found its action-oriented style to be a departure from the horror focus of the original, with one reviewer feeling it discarded the established tone for a more conventional action film. Aspects such as the number of characters and film length were also noted by some as drawbacks. However, many consider it a successful follow-up that broadened the scope of the franchise.
Why you might be searching for Aliens
People often search for "Aliens" when remembering its blend of military sci-fi with horror, particularly focusing on the warrior woman protagonist Ripley, the space marines, and the numerous alien creatures. Specific scenes like the battle with the alien queen or the presence of an android character are also common search queries.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer praises the film as an all-time favorite, noting that it maintains some of the original's drama and suspense while introducing more action, leading to a more engaging story. They also highlighted Ripley's character development, becoming more determined while retaining her nurturing qualities with Newt.
Read the full reviewA review notes the challenge of creating a sequel to a classic and commends director James Cameron for not simply copying the original's format but for enhancing its mood with added thrills and exhilaration.
Read the full reviewOne critic expressed disappointment, believing the film is a "shoot 'em up" that deviates from the horror elements of the franchise, comparing it unfavorably to the original "Alien" and suggesting it became a generic action film.
Read the full reviewA reviewer found the film disappointing compared to "Alien" (1979), citing too many characters, a lack of charisma among the actors (including Sigourney Weaver), excessive length, and a perceived lack of depth as reasons for its failure.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Aliens" on Hulu. Additionally, it is available to rent or purchase through various platforms listed on sites like What's After the Movie?.
No, "Aliens" is a science fiction-action film and is not based on a true story. It is the second film in the "Alien" franchise, continuing the story of Ellen Ripley.
At the end of "Aliens," Ripley, along with Hicks, Newt, and a severely damaged Bishop, enters hypersleep for the journey back to Earth after defeating the Xenomorph Queen. The Queen had stowed away on the dropship and attacked the crew, but Ripley battled it using a power loader and expelled it into space through an airlock.
Yes, "Aliens" is widely considered a highly acclaimed film, with a 93% Tomatometer score and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised its action, Sigourney Weaver's performance, and its ability to expand on the original "Alien" film.