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Aliens

1986·Movie
2h 17min·R
IMDb8.4Metacritic848.9Rotten Tomatoes93%94%

Where to watch

NetflixfuboTVMGM+PhiloYouTube TV

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

Aliens fingerprint

Relentless energy, stunning style, light on feelings.

Energy

Nerve-racking and pulse-pounding

Fast from start to finish.

  • Tension10
  • Adrenaline9
  • Scare9

Heart

Nostalgic and cathartic

  • Nostalgia8
  • Catharsis7
  • Family Dynamics6

Humor

Some sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay6
  • Dark Humor4
  • Satire & Parody3

World

The future, pop culture, and war

Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.

  • World Immersion10
  • Rewatchability9
  • Novelty8

Craft

Standout direction, performances, and storytelling

  • Direction10
  • Acting9
  • Narrative Structure9

Style

Standout cinematography, editing, and score

A distinctive visual signature.

  • Cinematography9
  • Editing9
  • Music Composition9

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking

Skip it if

Graphic violence bothers youYou scare easilyYou want something quiet and calm

Find more like it

Scary moviesNostalgic moviesEpic movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

This time it's war.

Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo's deadly encounter with the monstrous Alien, returns to Earth after drifting through space in hypersleep for 57 years. Although her story is initially met with skepticism, she agrees to accompany a team of Colonial Marines back to LV-426.
Sci-Fi Horror MasterpieceIndustrial Gothic AtmosphereRelentless SuspenseIconic Female ProtagonistBody Horror ElementsCorporate Dystopia CritiqueTactical Military ActionAtmospheric Sound DesignJames Cameron DirectionCinematic Legacy

Crew

Directed by:
James Cameron, Stan Winston, Derek Cracknell
Written by:
James Cameron, James Cameron, Walter Hill
Produced by:
Walter Hill, Gale Anne Hurd, David Giler
Composed by:
James Horner, Don Sharpe, Robin Clarke

Sequels and Prequels

GoodWatch87
Poster for Aliens

Media

Questions about Aliens

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Aliens legally?

NetflixfuboTVMGM+PhiloYouTube TV

Aliens is included with a subscription to Netflix, fuboTV, Philo, and YouTube TV in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Aliens worth watching?

87
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 88/100 (IMDb 8.4, Rotten Tomatoes 93%, and Metacritic 84). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Aliens rated?

RViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong language

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language.

How long is Aliens?

2 h 17 min

Aliens runs 2 h 17 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Aliens?

Critics89
Audiences89

Yes. Critics average 89 and audiences 89 out of 100, so both groups see Aliens much the same way.

Was Aliens a box office hit?

Budget$19 million
Box office$183 million

Yes, a big one. It cost about $19 million to make and earned $183 million worldwide, 9.9 times its budget.

What language is Aliens in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Aliens?

103ADAEALARATAUAZBABEBGBHBOBRBZ+89

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Aliens in 103 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Aliens use?

Kill the LightsSmall, Secluded WorldDolled-Up InstallmentYou Shall Not Pass!Faster-Than-Light TravelMutually Assured DestructionNice Job Breaking It, Hero!Mama BearArtistic License – Nuclear PhysicsAnkle DragSuper Window JumpFailed a Spot Checkand 356 more

TV Tropes lists 368 storytelling tropes for Aliens, including Kill the Lights, Small, Secluded World, Dolled-Up Installment.