Alien (1979)
Kernel Score: 96% · 16,081 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Horror, Science Fiction
Released: 1979-05-25
Runtime: 117 minutes
Is Alien worth watching?
Must-watch. A slow-building haunted-house story set on a space freighter, where a creature picks off the crew. It still works because of its atmosphere, its tension and the design of the monster.
Watch it if you
- like horror that builds dread patiently
- enjoy gritty, lived-in science fiction
- want a film that's influenced decades of copycats
Skip it if you
- dislike gore or body horror
- find slow starts boring
Best for: Lights-off horror night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Alien
- Stream: Netflix, Fubo
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is birthed.
Alien parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Alien is a sci-fi horror film with a deadly creature stalking a spaceship crew.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Intense sci-fi horror violence including a creature killing crew members.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Alien
If you liked Alien, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Aliens (1986) — 94%: The sequel, which swaps dread for intense action
- The Thing (1982) — 93%: Isolated people hunted by something alien and terrifying
- Alien: Romulus (2024) — 82%: Newer film in the same nasty-creature mould
- Blade Runner (1982) — 94%: Same director, and a similarly moody, lived-in future
- Sunshine (2007) — 77%: Crew in deep space facing mounting danger
- A Quiet Place (2018) — 83%: Tense, quiet creature horror with a family at stake
Director
Cast
- Tom Skerritt as Dallas
- Sigourney Weaver as Ripley
- Veronica Cartwright as Lambert
- Harry Dean Stanton as Brett
- John Hurt as Kane
- Ian Holm as Ash
- Yaphet Kotto as Parker
- Bolaji Badejo as Alien
- Helen Horton as Mother (voice)
Alien FAQ
Is Alien worth watching?
Must-watch. A slow-building haunted-house story set on a space freighter, where a creature picks off the crew. It still works because of its atmosphere, its tension and the design of the monster.
Where can I watch Alien?
In the US you can stream Alien on Netflix and Fubo and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Alien OK for kids?
Alien is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Alien is a sci-fi horror film with a deadly creature stalking a spaceship crew.
What movies are like Alien?
If you liked Alien, try Aliens, The Thing, Alien: Romulus and Blade Runner.