10 Movies and Shows Similar to Alien: Romulus (2024)

Description: As the original film in the franchise, 'Alien' shares the same universe and foundational themes with 'Alien: Romulus'. Both films explore the terror of an unknown, highly aggressive extraterrestrial species in a claustrophobic space setting. The visual aesthetics of the Xenomorph and the tension-filled atmosphere are direct influences.

Fact: The chestburster scene was so shocking that the actors' genuine reactions were captured on film. H.R. Giger's biomechanical designs for the Xenomorph were groundbreaking. The film's tagline, 'In space no one can hear you scream,' is iconic.

Description: John Carpenter's 'The Thing' shares the theme of paranoia and an alien entity that can mimic humans, creating a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere similar to 'Alien: Romulus'. The practical effects and body horror are also comparable.

Fact: The film was initially a box office flop but later became a cult classic. The special effects were done by Rob Bottin, who was only 22 at the time. Kurt Russell's beard was a personal choice, not part of the script.

Description: Directed by James Cameron, 'Aliens' expands on the universe introduced in 'Alien' with more action and military elements, which might parallel the intensity and combat scenarios in 'Alien: Romulus'. The themes of survival against overwhelming odds and the maternal bond (Ripley and Newt) could resonate with the new film.

Fact: Sigourney Weaver was nominated for an Academy Award for her role. The film introduced the concept of the Alien Queen. The power loader fight scene was a technical marvel at the time.

Description: This sci-fi horror film shares the 'haunted house in space' concept with 'Alien: Romulus', featuring a crew encountering unimaginable horrors. The film's blend of psychological and physical terror mirrors the 'Alien' franchise's approach.

Fact: The film was heavily influenced by 'Alien' and 'Hellraiser'. The original cut was much longer but was deemed too disturbing. Sam Neill's performance was inspired by 'The Shining'.

Description: Like 'Alien: Romulus', 'Pandorum' involves a spaceship crew dealing with both internal and external threats, including mutated creatures. The film's dark, claustrophobic setting and survival themes are reminiscent of the 'Alien' series.

Fact: The film's title refers to a psychological disorder in the story. The script was on the 'Black List' of best unproduced screenplays. The creatures were designed to be more humanoid than typical aliens.

Description: As a prequel to the 'Alien' series, 'Prometheus' delves into the origins of the Xenomorphs and the Engineers, which might connect to the lore explored in 'Alien: Romulus'. The film's philosophical questions about creation and the horror of biological experimentation are thematic parallels.

Fact: Ridley Scott returned to direct the 'Alien' universe after 33 years. The film's visual effects were partially inspired by 'Alien'. The script went through multiple revisions, originally conceived as a direct prequel.

Description: This sequel to 'Prometheus' bridges the gap between the prequels and the original 'Alien', featuring similar themes of creation, AI, and the horror of the Xenomorphs. The film's darker tone and exploration of the Engineers' technology might align with 'Alien: Romulus'.

Fact: The film's title refers to the ship Covenant and the biblical covenant. Michael Fassbender plays dual roles as androids David and Walter. The Neomorphs were a new type of alien introduced in this film.

Description: While more cerebral, 'Annihilation' shares the 'Alien' series' themes of encountering the unknown and biological horror. The film's eerie atmosphere and mutated creatures could be seen as a more abstract take on 'Alien: Romulus'.

Fact: The film is based on the first book of Jeff VanderMeer's Southern Reach Trilogy. The bear creature's scream includes human vocalizations. Natalie Portman prepared by reading scientific texts on mutation.

Description: This film's premise of a Martian lifeform turning deadly aboard a space station parallels the 'Alien' series' themes. The creature's rapid evolution and intelligence make it a formidable foe, similar to the Xenomorphs.

Fact: The film's ending was kept secret from the cast until filming. The creature, Calvin, was designed by the same team behind 'Venom'. The zero-gravity scenes were achieved with wirework and CGI.

Description: This film's deep-sea setting replaces space but maintains the claustrophobic and isolated horror of 'Alien: Romulus'. The crew's fight against unknown creatures and the high-stakes survival scenario are direct parallels.

Fact: The film was inspired by 'Alien' and 'The Abyss'. Kristen Stewart's character was originally written as male. The creatures were designed to be Lovecraftian in nature.