13 Mind-Blowing Horror and Sci-Fi Movies Similar to Alien

Alien³ is reminiscent of Alien for several reasons. Both movies explore the theme of encountering deadly alien lifeforms in space. However, while Alien takes place on a commercial spaceship, Alien³ shifts the setting to a maximum-security prison on Fiorina 161. This change in location adds a different layer of suspense and tension to the story. Additionally, Alien³ continues the tradition of having Sigourney Weaver portray the strong and determined protagonist, Ellen Ripley. Despite being unintentionally accompanied by an unwelcome visitor from LV-426, Ripley once again finds herself in a thrilling battle for survival. While Alien³ may not reach the same heights as its predecessor, it still manages to entertain with its mix of action and horror. And although some aspects may feel borrowed from previous films, the talented cast, including Charles S. Dutton and Charles Dance, delivers strong performances.

"Aliens" takes us back to the world of "Alien" with a thrilling and action-packed storyline. Decades after surviving the Nostromo incident, Ellen Ripley is once again thrown into a battle against the Alien Queen and her offspring while trying to re-establish contact with a terraforming colony. While "Alien" introduced us to the horror and suspense of encountering a deadly lifeform, "Aliens" takes it to the next level with a rescue mission, soldiers, and an epic showdown. The characters in "Aliens" are incredibly well-developed, with each one having their own unique personality and contribution to the story. From the underrated Michael Biehn as Hicks to the slimy yet captivating Paul Reiser as Burke, the cast brings depth to their roles. Sigourney Weaver continues to impress as Ripley, the template for the modern action heroine. And let's not forget about Carrie Henn as Newt, who adds an emotional heart to the film.

Alien: Resurrection is reminiscent of Alien in that it continues the story of Ellen Ripley and her battle against the deadly aliens. However, while Alien is a masterpiece that has aged well over the years, Alien: Resurrection falls short in comparison. The fourth installment in the Alien franchise suffers from a weak concept and poor execution. The story feels more like a "haunted house" film rather than a sci-fi masterpiece. Additionally, the characters in Alien: Resurrection are unlikable, including Weaver's saucy clone. This lack of compelling characters makes it difficult for the audience to root for anyone. On the other hand, Alien is a timeless piece of art with outstanding performances, production design, and a haunting score by Jerry Goldsmith. It is a testament to the talent of everyone involved, especially director Ridley Scott. Alien remains an exceptional achievement in the science fiction genre, while Alien: Resurrection falls short of its predecessor's greatness.

Star Crystal takes you on a thrilling journey reminiscent of Alien. Released in 1986, this horror sci-fi film captures the essence of its predecessor with its space setting, encounter with an alien life form, and the crew's fight for survival. While Alien is hailed as a timeless masterpiece, Star Crystal brings its own charm with a more modest budget and a cheesy, B-movie feel. The special effects might not live up to today's standards, and the acting may not be the strongest, but that's part of its appeal. It's a fun, campy adventure that will transport you back to the '80s. So, if you're a fan of Alien and enjoy indulging in some nostalgic sci-fi, give Star Crystal a watch and prepare for a wild ride through space.

"It! The Terror from Beyond Space" is a charming little gem from the 50s that will transport you back in time to the early days of space exploration. While it may not have the same level of sophistication as "Alien," it still manages to captivate with its suspenseful plot and well-developed characters. The story revolves around a rescue mission to Mars that goes awry when the crew is attacked by an unknown life form. The tension and mystery are expertly handled, and you can't help but draw parallels to the highly influential "Alien," which was clearly inspired by this film. Sure, the acting may not be top-notch, and the special effects may seem mediocre by today's standards, but director Edward L. Cahn cleverly keeps the creature in the shadows, creating a sense of menace that lingers throughout the film. The black and white photography adds to its noir aesthetic, giving it a timeless and beautiful look.

Nightbeast, released in 1982, is reminiscent of Alien in terms of its genre and plot. Both movies fall under the categories of Horror and Sci-Fi, and revolve around extraterrestrial beings wreaking havoc on unsuspecting humans. While Alien is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time, Nightbeast is a low-budget gem that offers its own unique charm. Despite its limited resources, Nightbeast manages to entertain with its short runtime of 80 minutes. If you're a fan of obscure horror and enjoy the quirkiness of 80's films, Nightbeast is a must-watch. So grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and prepare yourself for an entertaining ride through the world of low-budget alien movies.

The Man from Planet X" is reminiscent of "Alien" in its exploration of the unknown and the threat that comes from outer space. While "Alien" takes place on a commercial spacecraft, "The Man from Planet X" is set on a remote Scottish island. Both movies feature aliens as key topics, but the way they are portrayed differs. "Alien" presents a deadly and terrifying lifeform, while "The Man from Planet X" offers a more empathetic and mysterious visitor. Despite being made almost 30 years apart, both films have aged well, with "Alien" being praised for its outstanding production design and realistic look of the spaceship's interior, and "The Man from Planet X" maintaining an atmospheric setting on the moor. If you enjoyed the suspense and intrigue of "Alien" and have a fondness for classic science fiction, "The Man from Planet X" is definitely worth a watch.

Moontrap is reminiscent of Alien because both movies fall under the genres of Horror and Sci-Fi. Just like Alien, Moontrap is set in space and involves encounters with extraterrestrial beings. While Alien focuses on a commercial spacecraft crew facing a deadly lifeform after investigating a mysterious transmission, Moontrap revolves around NASA discovering remains of an ancient humanoid race on the Moon that left behind deadly robots. Both movies explore the theme of encountering otherworldly creatures in a space setting. However, while Alien is highly acclaimed for its outstanding production design, natural performances, and iconic designs by artists like H.R. Giger, Moontrap is a more low-budget B flick that offers good Sci-Fi premises, decent acting, and impressive special effects given its limited resources. Despite not being a classic, Moontrap has its moments that make it worth watching, especially for fans of the genre.

"Inimigo Desconhecido: Enemy Unknown" shares a striking resemblance to "Alien" in terms of its premise and atmosphere. Both movies involve a group of individuals facing a deadly, unknown creature in a confined space. While "Alien" takes place on a commercial spacecraft, "Inimigo Desconhecido: Enemy Unknown" unfolds in enemy lines. The similar vibe between these films lies in the feeling of impending doom and the need for the characters to band together to survive.
However, there are notable differences between the two movies. "Alien" is a classic horror sci-fi film from 1980, while "Inimigo Desconhecido: Enemy Unknown" is a more recent action horror sci-fi film released in 2020. The technology and visual effects in "Alien" may appear dated by today's standards, but the film's attention to detail and iconic design still hold up remarkably well.

Dying aliens kidnap the pop group, Toomorrow, whose social musical instrument's "vibrations" are needed for their race to survive. Although admittedly a higher quality picture than I had expected it would be, "Toomorrow" is hopelessly(no...make that wonderfully) dated and rather short on ideas (in fact, the ideas that are in play are pretty weak). Olivia Newton-John is lovely here, not yet having made her breakthrough in music or films, as the sole female member of a young and very ambitious music band called "Toomorrow" (oooh, groovy!) Their happening tunes are picked up through radiowaves by an extraterrestrial race who are desperate for "new audio vibes". The aliens then embark on a sinister mission...to "kidnap" the band in order to interrogate them for the secrets of their unique "vibrations".

Koi... Mil Gaya is a delightful Indian film that shares similarities with the iconic Alien. While Alien explores the terror of encountering a deadly lifeform in outer space, Koi... Mil Gaya takes a heartwarming approach by following a developmentally disabled young man who continues his father's work in communicating with extraterrestrials. Both films touch upon the themes of alien encounters, outer space, and spaceships, but they do so in completely different genres and tones. Alien is a gripping horror and sci-fi masterpiece that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its realistic performances, outstanding production design, and a haunting score. On the other hand, Koi... Mil Gaya is an action-packed drama and romance that focuses on the miraculous and wonderful aspects of connecting with aliens. It showcases the incredible talent of Hrithik Roshan, who shines in the role of a mentally challenged boy, and offers a great treat for the entire family.

Space Probe Taurus: In the year 2000, the spaceship Hope One sets off to find new galaxies for colonization. However, an encounter with an alien being and a swarm of meteorites sends the ship streaking off course into a sea of monsters on an uncharted world. Now, let's talk about why you should watch this movie. While Space Probe Taurus may not have the same critical acclaim or iconic status as Alien, it does share some similarities with its predecessor. Both films fall under the horror and sci-fi genres and feature spaceships, monsters, and outer space as key topics. However, that's where the similarities end. Unlike Alien, which is known for its outstanding production design and natural performances, Space Probe Taurus is a low-budget film from the 60s that never made it to theaters. It lacks the same level of artistic vision and attention to detail.

Dreamcatcher is reminiscent of Alien in its exploration of outer space and encounters with extraterrestrial beings. While Alien focuses on the crew of a commercial spacecraft encountering a deadly lifeform, Dreamcatcher follows a group of friends on a camping trip who discover that their town is being plagued by parasitic aliens from outer space. Both movies delve into the suspense and horror of encountering unknown creatures from beyond our world. However, where Alien excels in its atmospheric tension and claustrophobic setting, Dreamcatcher takes a different approach by incorporating elements of drama and thriller. The characters in Dreamcatcher are connected by telepathy, adding an intriguing twist to the story. Additionally, Dreamcatcher offers a more expansive plot, involving government conspiracies and the psychological effects of the alien presence. While Alien remains a timeless masterpiece, fans of the genre should give Dreamcatcher a watch for its unique blend of horror, drama, and sci-fi elements.