Ranking each film in the Alien series, dubbed Alien: Earth
The Alien vs. Predator (AvP) film series, a thrilling blend of two iconic franchises, made its debut in 2004 with the release of the eponymous film. Set in the then-present-day, the story follows an expedition investigating a heat signal beneath Antarctic ice, leading to a chaotic battle between Predators and Xenomorphs. The film aimed to connect both franchises, with Lance Henriksen reprising his role as Charles Bishop Weyland, linking it to the broader Alien lore through Weyland Industries.
The original AvP film received a mixed critical reception, with some outlets finding it to be a "surprisingly good time." However, the sequel, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), directly following the events of the first AvP, faced a notably poor critical reception, scoring only 12% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film focused on the aftermath of the battle in a small Colorado town where a hybrid "Predalien" causes chaos. Despite a lukewarm box office performance, the film is considered an all-time low for both Alien and Predator franchises.
Critical reception of the AvP series has been mixed to negative. The films face criticism regarding their impact on the broader Alien canon, with subsequent Alien prequels disregarding and superseding AvP’s story elements. In contrast, the core Alien series enjoys significant critical acclaim and is considered one of the greatest science fiction and horror franchises.
Meanwhile, the Alien series continues to evolve, with notable entries such as Alien: Covenant (2017). This film follows a group of space colonists who meet David, the AI from Prometheus. Michael Fassbender plays two different androids in the film, and the xenomorph finally appears in this second prequel installment. The film is considered a more successful balancing of elements that make an Alien movie great than its predecessor.
Another notable entry is Alien: Resurrection (1997), which features Sigourney Weaver delivering an incredible performance as a traumatized Ripley. However, the film is often criticized for its disconnectedness from the lore that defined the series and its story in search of a purpose.
In the future, Alien: Romulus (2024) is set to be released, featuring compelling young actors, with Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson delivering standout performances. The film insists on linking back to the original Alien, promising a continuation of the franchise's rich legacy.
In summary, the AvP series is known for its ambitious crossover concept, moderate initial interest, but ultimately mixed to negative critical reception and contested place within the official Alien canon. Meanwhile, the core Alien series continues to captivate audiences with its gripping storylines and iconic characters.
The AvP series, falling under the realm of movies-and-tv and science-fi-and-fantasy, experienced mixed to negative critical reception despite its initial promise, with the films often criticized for their impact on the broader Alien canon. In contrast, the core Alien series, also within the entertainment sector of science-fi-and-fantasy, continues to captivate audiences with its gripping storylines and iconic characters.
