Aliens (1986)
Kernel Score: 94% · 10,644 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Released: 1986-07-18
Runtime: 137 minutes
Is Aliens worth watching?
Must-watch. Ripley returns with a squad of marines in an action-heavy follow-up to Alien. It is tense, exciting and full of great characters, and it's one of the best sequels ever made.
Watch it if you
- like sci-fi action
- enjoy strong female leads
- want tense, creature-filled thrills
Skip it if you
- dislike violence and creature horror
- haven't seen Alien, though it still works
Best for: Action night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Aliens
- Stream: Netflix, Fubo, Philo, YouTube TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
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.
Aliens parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Aliens is an intense R-rated sci-fi action film with frequent violent creature combat.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Features intense combat between marines and aliens, described as tense and action-heavy throughout.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Aliens
If you liked Aliens, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Alien (1979) — 96%: The original, a slower and scarier horror film.
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) — 95%: Another great action sequel from the same director.
- The Terminator (1984) — 90%: The director's first film, a tense sci-fi chase.
- Predator (1987) — 85%: Soldiers hunted by an alien in the jungle.
- Mad Max 2 (1981) — 84%: Tough, high-energy action in a ruined world.
Director
Cast
- Sigourney Weaver as Ripley
- Carrie Henn as Newt
- Michael Biehn as Corporal Hicks
- Paul Reiser as Burke
- Lance Henriksen as Bishop
- Bill Paxton as Private Hudson
- William Hope as Lieutenant Gorman
- Jenette Goldstein as Private Vasquez
- Al Matthews as Sergeant Apone
- Mark Rolston as Private Drake
Aliens FAQ
Is Aliens worth watching?
Must-watch. Ripley returns with a squad of marines in an action-heavy follow-up to Alien. It is tense, exciting and full of great characters, and it's one of the best sequels ever made.
Where can I watch Aliens?
In the US you can stream Aliens on Netflix, Fubo, Philo and YouTube TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Aliens OK for kids?
Aliens is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Aliens is an intense R-rated sci-fi action film with frequent violent creature combat.
What movies are like Aliens?
If you liked Aliens, try Alien, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, The Terminator and Predator.