10 Movies and Shows Like Aliens (1986)

Description: 'The Thing' shares with 'Aliens' a claustrophobic atmosphere and a group of people isolated in a remote location, battling a deadly extraterrestrial entity. Both films excel in building tension and paranoia among the characters, with the alien threat being as much psychological as it is physical. The practical effects in both films are groundbreaking, creating some of the most memorable and horrifying creatures in cinema history.

Fact: 'The Thing' is a remake of the 1951 film 'The Thing from Another World'. The film was initially a box office failure but has since gained a cult following and is now considered a classic. Director John Carpenter was inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, which is evident in the film's themes of cosmic horror.

Description: Similar to 'Aliens' (1986), 'Predator' is a high-octane action-horror film that blends sci-fi elements with intense combat sequences. Both films feature a group of highly trained soldiers facing off against a terrifying extraterrestrial threat. The themes of survival, teamwork, and the unknown are central to both movies. Additionally, both films were produced in the same era and share a gritty, practical effects-driven aesthetic.

Fact: 'Predator' was originally conceived as a vehicle for Arnold Schwarzenegger after the success of 'Commando'. The Predator's design was created by special effects artist Stan Winston, who also worked on 'Aliens'. The film's jungle setting was inspired by the Vietnam War, adding a layer of realism to the sci-fi premise.

Description: 'The Abyss' and 'Aliens' both feature a group of people encountering an alien intelligence in an isolated and hostile environment. Both films were directed by James Cameron and share his signature blend of action, suspense, and groundbreaking special effects. The themes of first contact and the potential for both wonder and terror are central to both stories.

Fact: 'The Abyss' was notoriously difficult to film, with actors enduring long hours underwater. The film's underwater sequences were groundbreaking for their time, using real underwater sets and innovative filming techniques. The extended director's cut provides a significantly different and more nuanced ending than the theatrical version.

Description: Like 'Aliens', 'Event Horizon' combines sci-fi with horror, set in the confines of a spaceship where the crew must confront an otherworldly terror. Both films explore themes of isolation, the unknown, and the limits of human endurance. The visual style of 'Event Horizon' also mirrors the dark, industrial aesthetic of 'Aliens', creating a similarly oppressive atmosphere.

Fact: 'Event Horizon' was heavily influenced by classic horror films like 'The Shining' and 'Hellraiser'. The film's original cut was much longer and more graphic, but it was trimmed down for theatrical release. The movie's tagline, 'Infinite space, infinite terror', perfectly encapsulates its blend of sci-fi and horror.

Description: 'Starship Troopers' and 'Aliens' both depict humanity at war with a relentless alien species, with a focus on military tactics and camaraderie. Both films feature strong, charismatic leads and a mix of action and horror elements. The satirical tone of 'Starship Troopers' contrasts with the more straightforward approach of 'Aliens', but both films are iconic in their portrayal of interstellar conflict.

Fact: 'Starship Troopers' is based on the novel by Robert A. Heinlein, though the film takes a more satirical approach. The film's over-the-top violence and propaganda-style commercials were intentional critiques of militarism and media manipulation. Director Paul Verhoeven also directed 'RoboCop', another film known for its blend of action and social commentary.

Description: 'District 9' shares with 'Aliens' a gritty, realistic portrayal of humanity's interaction with alien life. Both films explore themes of colonialism, corporate greed, and the militarization of alien technology. The documentary-style approach of 'District 9' gives it a raw, immediate feel, much like the intense, in-your-face action of 'Aliens'.

Fact: 'District 9' was made on a relatively modest budget of $30 million but was a critical and commercial success. The film's protagonist, Wikus van de Merwe, was played by Sharlto Copley, who had no prior acting experience. The movie's setting was inspired by real-life events in apartheid-era South Africa.

Description: 'Pandorum' shares with 'Aliens' a setting of a spaceship overrun by hostile creatures, with the crew fighting for survival. Both films explore themes of isolation, madness, and the breakdown of social order in extreme conditions. The dark, labyrinthine corridors of the spaceship in 'Pandorum' evoke the same sense of dread as the derelict ship in 'Aliens'.

Fact: 'Pandorum' was influenced by classic sci-fi horror films like 'Alien' and 'Event Horizon'. The film's title refers to a fictional psychological disorder caused by deep space travel. The movie's twist ending was a point of much discussion among fans and critics alike.

Description: 'Prometheus', a prequel to the 'Alien' franchise, shares with 'Aliens' a focus on exploration, ancient alien civilizations, and the dangers of encountering the unknown. Both films feature strong female leads and a mix of scientific curiosity and horror. The visual style of 'Prometheus', with its sleek yet ominous technology, is a spiritual successor to the industrial aesthetic of 'Aliens'.

Fact: 'Prometheus' was originally conceived as a direct prequel to 'Alien' but evolved into a more standalone story. The film's script was co-written by Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof, with Ridley Scott returning to direct. The movie's opening sequence, depicting an 'Engineer' sacrificing himself to create life on Earth, was a topic of much debate and analysis among fans.

Description: 'Annihilation' shares with 'Aliens' a focus on a team venturing into an unknown and hostile environment, encountering bizarre and deadly life forms. Both films delve into themes of transformation, survival, and the incomprehensible nature of alien intelligence. The visual storytelling in 'Annihilation' is as striking and innovative as the creature designs in 'Aliens'.

Fact: 'Annihilation' is based on the first book of Jeff VanderMeer's 'Southern Reach Trilogy'. Director Alex Garland chose to diverge significantly from the source material to create a more cinematic experience. The film's haunting score was composed by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, who also worked on 'Ex Machina'.

Description: 'Life' mirrors 'Aliens' in its premise of a crew trapped in a confined space with a rapidly evolving alien life form. Both films emphasize the unpredictability and adaptability of the alien threat, leading to intense and suspenseful sequences. The scientific curiosity turning into horror is a theme common to both movies.

Fact: 'Life' was originally pitched as a more straightforward sci-fi film but was reworked to include horror elements. The alien creature, named 'Calvin', was designed to be as realistic as possible based on real-life microorganisms. The film's ending was kept secret from the cast until the final days of shooting to preserve its impact.