One of the most influential science-fiction films of all time was released 45 years ago: Alien . In the time since Sigourney Weaver kicked the titular xenomorph off her escape capsule, there have been three additional films in the main franchise, two crossovers with the Predator franchise, two prequels, and countless rip-offs. With the arrival of Alien: Romulus this week, here are 10 of the best movies inspired by Alien you can stream right now.
Supposedly, during the production of this erotic science-fiction thriller, H.R. Giger, the award-winning designer who created the creatures in this film and Alien , told the producers of Species that its script had too many similarities to Ridley Scott’s classic, including creatures bursting from someone’s chest.
“Why must Species be made so much in a repeat way?” Giger asked in Cinefantastique magazine. “We must have better ideas and should not be known as the rip-off people of other films.” Where to stream: MGM+, Tubi, Hoopla, Pluto TV, Digital rental If it hadn’t come out a few months before The Abyss , this horror film would have been accused of ripping off James Cameron’s masterpiece about benevolent beings under the sea.
Instead, critics rightfully accused filmmakers of cribbing its story of a creature that hunts down the crew of an underwater military base from Alien . Despite losing points on originality, it’s still a fun watch. Where to stream: Digital rental The sci-fi psychological horror film Event Horizo.