10 Movies and Shows Like Alien (1979)

Description: Like Alien, The Thing is a masterclass in suspense and horror set in an isolated environment. Both films feature a small group of people facing an unknown, terrifying extraterrestrial threat. The Thing also shares Alien's claustrophobic atmosphere and a strong emphasis on practical effects to create its creature.

Fact: The Thing was initially a box office failure but has since become a cult classic. The film's special effects were groundbreaking for their time and still hold up today. Director John Carpenter was inspired by the original Alien when making The Thing.

Description: The Abyss shares Alien's sense of wonder and terror in the face of the unknown, though set underwater rather than in space. Both films feature a crew encountering an alien intelligence, with The Abyss focusing more on the potential for communication and understanding.

Fact: The Abyss was notoriously difficult to film, with many actors suffering from exhaustion. The film's underwater scenes were groundbreaking for their time. The extended cut of the film provides a more complete story.

Description: Event Horizon shares Alien's blend of science fiction and horror, set aboard a spaceship with a crew facing an unimaginable terror. Both films explore themes of isolation and the unknown, with Event Horizon adding a supernatural twist to the horror.

Fact: Event Horizon was heavily influenced by both Alien and Hellraiser. The original cut of the film was much longer, but much of the footage was lost. The film has gained a cult following despite its initial mixed reception.

Description: Sphere, like Alien, is a sci-fi thriller that explores the psychological effects of encountering the unknown. Both films feature a small group of people isolated in a confined space, facing a threat that plays on their fears and desires.

Fact: Sphere is based on the novel by Michael Crichton. The film's underwater sets were some of the largest ever built at the time. The ending of the film differs significantly from the book.

Description: Sunshine, like Alien, is a sci-fi thriller set in space with a crew facing existential threats. While Sunshine focuses more on the psychological and philosophical aspects of space travel, it shares Alien's tension and visual grandeur.

Fact: Sunshine was directed by Danny Boyle, known for his visually striking films. The film's third act shifts dramatically in tone, which divided audiences. The soundtrack was composed by Underworld and John Murphy.

Description: Pandorum shares Alien's setting of a spaceship in deep space with a crew facing a terrifying threat. Both films explore themes of paranoia and survival, with Pandorum adding a psychological twist to the horror.

Fact: Pandorum was originally conceived as a trilogy, but the sequels were never made. The film's title refers to a psychological disorder caused by deep space travel. The creatures in Pandorum were inspired by deep-sea fish.

Description: Prometheus is a direct prequel to Alien, sharing the same universe and themes of exploration and horror. Both films delve into the origins of life and the dangers of encountering unknown alien species, with Prometheus expanding on the mythology of the Alien franchise.

Fact: Prometheus was originally conceived as a standalone film before being tied to the Alien series. The film's visual effects were groundbreaking, especially the holographic maps. The Engineer's design was inspired by ancient astronaut theories.

Description: Annihilation, like Alien, is a sci-fi horror that explores the fear of the unknown and features a strong female lead. Both films deal with themes of isolation and the transformation of life forms, with Annihilation taking a more psychological and surreal approach.

Fact: Annihilation is based on the first book of the Southern Reach Trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer. The film's ending was intentionally left ambiguous to provoke discussion. The bear scene is one of the most terrifying moments in modern horror cinema.

Description: Life is a direct homage to Alien, featuring a crew aboard a space station who discover a deadly alien life form. The film mirrors Alien's tension and horror as the creature evolves and becomes more dangerous, with a similar claustrophobic setting.

Fact: The alien in Life, named Calvin, was designed to be a realistic extraterrestrial organism. The film's ending was a topic of much debate among viewers. Life features an international cast, reflecting the global nature of space exploration.

Description: Underwater is a sci-fi horror that shares Alien's setting of a small crew facing a deadly threat in an isolated environment. Both films feature strong female leads and a relentless pace, with Underwater adding a deep-sea twist to the horror.

Fact: Underwater was inspired by real-life deep-sea exploration. The film's creatures were designed to be Lovecraftian in nature. The production faced numerous challenges, including extensive underwater filming.