All The Alien Movies Now On Hulu: Which To Watch (and Which To Avoid)

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 27, 2025

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Are you a fan of terrifying science fiction and iconic cinematic monsters? Hulu's streaming library currently boasts a selection of films from the legendary Alien franchise. But with multiple sequels, prequels, and crossovers, choosing which to watch can be overwhelming. This guide cuts through the cosmic chaos, offering a definitive ranking of Alien movies on Hulu, helping you decide which to prioritize and which to avoid.

The Essential Alien Viewing:

This section focuses on the undisputed classics of the Alien franchise, the films that defined the series and cemented its place in cinematic history. These are the Alien movies you absolutely must watch.

Alien (1979): A Masterpiece of Sci-Fi Horror

• Groundbreaking special effects: For its time, the practical effects in Alien were revolutionary, creating a truly terrifying and believable creature.
• Terrifying creature design: H.R. Giger's biomechanical design for the Xenomorph is instantly recognizable and remains one of the most iconic monster designs in cinema.
• Ridley Scott's masterful direction: Ridley Scott's vision created a slow-burn masterpiece of suspense and dread, building tension masterfully.
• Iconic status in cinema history: Alien is not just a horror film; it's a cultural touchstone, influencing countless films and shaping the sci-fi horror genre.
• Strong female protagonist (Ripley): Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ellen Ripley is legendary, establishing a powerful and enduring female lead in action cinema.

The impact of the original Alien movie is undeniable. Its influence can be seen in countless sci-fi horror films that followed, solidifying its place as a seminal work in the genre. This Ridley Scott Alien film redefined what was possible in science fiction horror.

Aliens (1986): Action-Packed Sci-Fi Thriller

• High-octane action sequences: James Cameron injected a massive dose of action into the sequel, creating thrilling and intense firefights.
• Memorable characters (Hicks, Newt): Aliens introduced memorable supporting characters who deepened the emotional stakes of the story.
• James Cameron's direction: Cameron’s distinct style infused the film with a high-energy pace and unforgettable action sequences.
• Expansion of the Alien universe: Aliens broadened the scope of the Alien universe, introducing new elements and expanding the lore.
• Thrilling battle scenes: The climactic battle between Ripley and the Xenomorphs is a truly iconic moment in cinematic history.

While maintaining the core elements of the original Alien film, Aliens shifts the tone significantly towards action-adventure. The difference between Ridley Scott's slow-burn suspense and James Cameron's intense action is a key aspect of understanding the franchise. This Aliens movie perfectly balances action and suspense.

The "Maybe" Movies: Worth a Watch, Depending on Your Preferences

These Alien movies offer different experiences and may not appeal to all fans. Their quality is subjective, making them worth watching depending on your personal preferences and tolerance for genre shifts.

Alien³ (1992): A Darker, More Atmospheric Entry

• Different tone than previous films: Alien³ adopts a darker, more atmospheric tone, abandoning some of the action elements of Aliens.
• Exploration of Ripley's psychological state: The film delves deeper into Ripley's psychological trauma and her struggle with survival.
• David Fincher's direction: David Fincher's distinctive style gives the film a gritty and claustrophobic feel.
• Divisive amongst fans: This installment is often considered the most divisive in the franchise due to its darker themes and slower pace.
• Darker themes: Alien 3 explores themes of isolation, despair, and the psychological toll of trauma.

The critical reception of Alien 3 was mixed, and it remains a divisive entry in the franchise. Its darker, more atmospheric approach is a significant departure from the previous films, which makes this Alien 3 movie a truly unique experience.

Alien: Resurrection (1997): A Unique, if Flawed, Chapter

• Return of Ripley (clone): Sigourney Weaver returns as a cloned version of Ripley, leading to a unique and unconventional storyline.
• Unique storyline: The film takes the franchise in a new direction, exploring themes of cloning and identity.
• Departure from previous films' style: Alien: Resurrection is visually distinct and boasts a more action-oriented style compared to Alien³.
• Visually striking scenes: Despite its flaws, Alien: Resurrection features some visually striking scenes and creative creature designs.
• Criticized for its plot: The film's plot is often criticized for being convoluted and inconsistent with the established lore.

Alien: Resurrection is a significant departure from the tone and style of the previous films. While it has its flaws, its unique approach and visually interesting elements make it a noteworthy (though perhaps not essential) part of the Alien franchise.

Movies to Skip (For Now):

These crossover films stray from the core themes and tone of the original Alien movies, offering a different experience that many fans find less satisfying.

Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007): Crossover Films

• Focus on action over atmosphere and suspense: These films prioritize action over the suspenseful atmosphere of the original Alien movies.
• Considered less impactful than the main Alien films: These crossover films are generally considered to be inferior to the main entries in the franchise.
• Deviation from the established lore and tone: The Alien vs. Predator films diverge significantly from the established lore and tone of the main series.
• Generally not highly-rated: Critics and fans alike have generally given these films lower ratings than the other Alien films.

While offering some action-packed entertainment, the Alien vs. Predator movies are a significant departure from the core elements that make the original Alien trilogy so successful. They're not essential viewing for fans of the main Alien films.

Conclusion:

Hulu offers a range of Alien movies, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This guide highlights the must-watch films – Alien and Aliens – while providing context for the others. While Alien³ and Alien: Resurrection offer different perspectives, the Alien vs. Predator films can likely be skipped on your first viewing. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and start your Alien movie marathon on Hulu today! Don't miss out on the ultimate Alien viewing experience. Find your favorite Alien movie on Hulu now!