The Alien franchise has been part of the science-fiction horror genre for over 45 years. From the spine-chilling original movie to the mind-bending prequels, each film has contributed to the series' lasting legacy. With the upcoming release of Alien: Romulus, it's a perfect time to revisit the six previous installments, rank them, and see how each movie shaped this iconic franchise and set the stage for the new chapter.

(Also read: Venom - The Last Dance trailer: Tom Hardy battles aliens in sequel to his sci-fi action-thriller. Watch ) 1. Alien (1979) – The Original Masterpiece Ridley Scott 's Alien, released in 1979, was a game-changer as it introduced the world to the Xenomorph, a creature that still haunts us today.

HR Giger's terrifying designs, the slow, creeping tension, and the claustrophobic setting of the spaceship made it a classic. Every new film from the franchise, including Alien: Romulus, has to live up to the legacy of this original masterpiece. 2.

Aliens (1986) – The Action-Packed Sequel James Cameron 's Aliens injected the first film's horror with massive action, while maintaining suspense. Cameron expanded the universe with intense battle scenes and introduced new characters who became fan favorites. Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, became an iconic character, and the movie proved that the franchise could evolve and remain relevant.

Alien: Romulus could borrow this blend of action and horror as it aims to appeal to both new and old fans. 3. Alien 3 (1.