Ever since Alien burst onto the screen in 1979 - literally - the franchise has been a terrifying and unforgettable force in science fiction and horror. Directed by Ridley Scott and followed by James Cameron’s action-heavy sequel Aliens, the series quickly established itself as a genre-defining epic with a singular vision: survival against one of the most perfect lifeforms ever imagined.

From the eerie claustrophobia of the Nostromo to the war-torn surface of LV-426, Aliens evolved from quiet terror to explosive action while keeping the same unrelenting dread at its core. Sigourney Weaver’s iconic performance as Ellen Ripley transformed her into a sci-fi legend - one of the first female action heroes to take center stage in a major blockbuster.

The Xenomorph itself - with design by the legendary H.R. Giger - is now a pop culture icon, appearing in everything from comic books and video games to high-end collectibles and crossover films. Whether you’re a purist for the original slow-burn horror or a fan of the guns-blazing Colonial Marines, Aliens has something for every flavor of fear.

And with prequels (Prometheus, Alien: Covenant) and a new series on the way, the franchise continues to evolve - much like the creatures at its terrifying heart.