Aliens (1986)

Aliens
⭐ 8.4/10 IMDb
Genre: Action Adventure Horror
Country: USA
Duration: 2h 17m | Year: 1986

Over 50 years after Ripley’s lifepod is discovered by a salvage crew, she learns that terra-formers are operating on the same planet where the alien species was first encountered. When a company sends a family of colonists to investigate her warnings, all communication with them is suddenly lost. Ripley, alongside a team of colonial marines, is called back to the planet to uncover the truth and confront the lurking danger.

SurvivalAlien InvasionAlienFemale ProtagonistSpace and aliensSoldierFemale warriorSpaceshipSpaceSpace travelMonsterOuter spaceEvil alienSpacecraftCreatureStrong female characterHeroineTrappedCyberpunkCreature featureHuman versus alienDeadly creatureUfoSpace colonyFemale hero

Official Trailer • Courtesy of YouTube

Movie Team / Crew Detail

Movie Crew Info: Aliens

  • Director: James Cameron
  • Producer: Gale Anne Hurd
  • Screenplay: James Cameron
  • Story: James Cameron
  • Cinematography: Adrian Biddle
  • Editor: Ray Lovejoy
  • Music Composer: James Horner
  • Production Designer: Leslie Dilley
  • Art Director: Robert Skotak
  • Visual Effects Supervisor: Robert Skotak
  • Costume Designer: Joseph A. Porro
  • Sound Designer: Don Sharpe
  • Casting Director: Juliet Taylor

Movie Summary

Years after narrowly escaping a deadly alien creature on a distant planet, Ellen Ripley is rescued and awakened from hypersleep. She learns that the mysterious alien she encountered has wiped out the colony established on the same planet, LV-426, where her nightmare began. When contact is lost with the colony, a group of heavily armed space marines is sent to investigate, and Ripley reluctantly joins the mission, hoping to find survivors and finally put an end to the terror.

Upon arriving at LV-426, the team discovers the colony abandoned and overrun by deadly alien creatures. These aliens, known as Xenomorphs, are vicious, fast, and extremely dangerous, capable of killing even the most skilled soldiers. As the marines delve deeper into the colony, they uncover horrifying evidence of the creatures’ rapid infestation and the fate of the colonists. The tension rises as the aliens attack relentlessly, picking off members of the team one by one.

Ripley’s instincts and survival experience become crucial as she guides the remaining marines through the hostile environment. She forms a strong bond with a young girl named Newt, the sole survivor of the colony’s destruction. Together, they face the terrifying challenge of escaping the planet while battling the relentless alien threat. Ripley’s courage, quick thinking, and determination to protect Newt drive much of the action and emotional core of the story.

As the group fights to reach their ship, they face the ultimate horror: the alien queen, a massive, intelligent creature responsible for laying hundreds of deadly eggs. The queen is fiercely protective of her territory and her offspring, making her a fearsome boss for Ripley and the marines. With dwindling numbers and resources, Ripley uses all her grit and resourcefulness to confront the queen in a thrilling, high-stakes battle that tests her limits.

The film combines intense action, suspense, and emotional moments, exploring themes of motherhood, survival, and bravery. Ripley’s character growth from a frightened survivor to a fierce protector adds depth to the story, making her one of the most memorable heroines in science fiction cinema. The steady build-up of suspense, combined with striking visuals of the alien creatures and futuristic settings, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout.

Ultimately, Ripley’s fight against the aliens is more than just a battle for survival—it’s a mission to save an innocent child and stop a terrifying species from spreading and destroying more lives. The movie ends with a mix of relief and lingering tension, leaving viewers both satisfied and eager to see what comes next in Ripley’s saga. “Aliens” is a gripping, action-packed journey into a dangerous world where courage and heart make all the difference.

What This Movie Teaches Us

Aliens teaches us the power of courage and humanity in the face of overwhelming fear. It shows how love and determination—especially through Ripley’s fierce maternal instinct—can drive us to protect others against unimaginable threats. The film explores resilience, teamwork, and sacrifice, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, hope and strength emerge. Ultimately, Aliens inspires us to confront our fears, stand united, and never lose faith in the fight for survival and compassion.

Awards & Nominations

Awards

  • Saturn Awards (1987)

    • Best Science Fiction Film
    • Best Actress (Sigourney Weaver)
    • Best Special Effects
  • BAFTA Awards (1987)

    • Best Production Design (Peter Lamont)
  • Academy Awards (1987)

    • Best Visual Effects
  • Hugo Awards (1987)

    • Best Dramatic Presentation
  • LA Film Critics Association Awards (1986)

    • Best Supporting Actress (Lance Henriksen)

Iconic Scenes

  1. Ripley’s tense return to LV-426, the eerie silence broken by distant alien screeches, setting a chilling tone.
  2. The pulse-pounding drop ship scene, where xenomorphs swarm, and marines’ desperation peaks amid chaotic gunfire.
  3. The claustrophobic hive exploration, walls glistening with alien eggs, as anticipation and dread build relentlessly.
  4. Newt’s rescue, Ripley’s fierce maternal protectiveness clashing with overwhelming terror.
  5. The final showdown: Ripley’s power loader battle against the queen, raw strength and determination lighting the dark, alien lair.

Controversies

The movie "Aliens" (1986), directed by James Cameron, faced relatively few controversies but did attract some criticism and debate. Some critics and viewers debated the film’s intense violence and portrayals of female toughness, particularly Sigourney Weaver's character, Ripley, challenging traditional gender roles. The film’s graphic special effects and battle scenes sparked discussions on violence in media during the 1980s. Additionally, certain international markets imposed cuts to reduce violent content for censorship reasons. Despite this, "Aliens" was largely praised for its storytelling and effects, becoming a landmark in sci-fi and action genres without major public controversies.