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The 2024 release of Alien: Romulus has sparked a massive wave of nostalgia and excitement across social media, causing top alien movies to trend as fans gear up for another thrilling installment in the iconic franchise. Check out the top-grossing and most-watched alien films inside.
Alien: Romulus is directed by Fede Álvarez, who’s known for his work on Don’t Breathe and Evil Dead. Alien: Romulus promises to bring a fresh yet terrifying twist to the beloved series, reintroducing the Xenomorphs that have haunted audiences since the original Alien debuted in 1979.
The film was released last week on Aug. 16 and social media platforms have already been buzzing with fans revisiting classic alien-themed movies. The anticipation has reignited interest in the entire Alien franchise, with many fans binge-watching the original films and discussing their favorite moments from the series online. Hashtags like #AlienDay, #Xenomorph, and #Ripley have been trending, as fans and newcomers alike delve into the sci-fi horror universe that Scott masterfully crafted over four decades ago.
But the excitement isn’t just limited to the Alien series. Other iconic alien movies, such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Independence Day, and Avatar, have also seen a resurgence in popularity. Fans are raving about these classics, drawing comparisons, and discussing the evolution of alien representation in cinema. The conversations are not only about the terror and spectacle these films offer but also the deeper themes they explore, such as survival, humanity, and the unknown.
Alien: Romulus is expected to be a major hit, not just for its thrilling storyline but for its ability to reignite the passion for alien cinema. It’s clear that the Xenomorphs and their extraterrestrial kin are once again claiming their place at the forefront of pop culture.
Check out a list of some of the top-grossing and most-watched alien movies of all time:
Top-Grossing Alien Movies:
- Avatar (2009)
- Gross: $2.923 billion
- Director: James Cameron
- Synopsis: A paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
- Gross: $2.068 billion
- Director: J.J. Abrams
- Synopsis: As a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo and Chewbacca to search for the one hope of restoring peace.
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Gross: $792.9 million (adjusted for inflation, it’s over $1 billion)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Synopsis: A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home world.
- Independence Day (1996)
- Gross: $817.4 million
- Director: Roland Emmerich
- Synopsis: The aliens are coming, and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind’s best weapon is the will to survive.
- Men in Black (1997)
- Gross: $589.4 million
- Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
- Synopsis: A police officer joins a secret organization that polices and monitors extraterrestrial interactions on Earth.
Most Watched Alien Movies (Cultural Impact and Popularity):
- Alien (1979)
- Director: Ridley Scott
- Synopsis: The crew of a commercial spacecraft encounters a deadly lifeform after investigating an unknown transmission.
- The War of the Worlds (1953)
- Director: Byron Haskin
- Synopsis: The film adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic novel, in which Earth is invaded by Martians.
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Synopsis: Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO.
- District 9 (2009)
- Director: Neill Blomkamp
- Synopsis: An extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth suddenly finds a kindred spirit in a government agent who is exposed to their biotechnology.
- Predator (1987)
- Director: John McTiernan
- Synopsis: A team of commandos on a mission in a Central American jungle find themselves hunted by an extraterrestrial warrior.
These films have not only been top-grossers at the box office but have also left a lasting impact on the genre and pop culture. Happy alien watching!
