Release: 1986-07-18
Runtime: 2h 17m (137 minutes)
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.
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Genres: Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Cast: Lance Henriksen, Sigourney Weaver, Bill Paxton, more
Lance Henriksen
as Bishop
Sigourney Weaver
as Ripley
Bill Paxton
as Private Hudson
Michael Biehn
as Corporal Hicks
Daniel Kash
as Private Spunkmeyer
Mark Rolston
as Private Drake
Paul Reiser
as Burke
Tom Woodruff Jr.
as Salvager (uncredited)
Carrie Henn
as Newt
William Armstrong
as Lydecker
Jenette Goldstein
as Private Vasquez
Holly De Jong
as Newt's Mother
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.
This time it's war.
Aliens, directed by James Cameron, is a thrilling science fiction action film that hit theaters on 18 July 1986. This film is the sequel to the 1979 classic, Alien, and is revered as one of the best sequels ever made. With a runtime of 137 minutes, it features a budget of approximately $18.5 million and managed to gross between $131.1 million and $183.3 million at the box office.
Set in a distant future, the film follows Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, who is the only survivor of an alien attack on her spaceship, the Nostromo. When communication is lost with a human colony on the moon LV-426, where the alien species was first encountered, Ripley agrees to join a group of Colonial Marines to investigate the situation. Other notable cast members include Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, Lance Henriksen, and newcomer Carrie Henn.
The development of Aliens faced many challenges, including legal disputes and a lack of interest from the studio, 20th Century Fox. Cameron was relatively inexperienced at the time but was chosen to write and direct due to his previous successes with The Terminator and Rambo: First Blood Part II. After several delays, filming started in September 1985 and wrapped up in January 1986.
Upon its release, Aliens garnered critical acclaim, particularly for its action sequences and Weaver's stellar performance. The film received multiple accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for Weaver, marking a significant recognition for a female lead in a science fiction film. The movie was praised for its intensity, although some critics felt certain scenes were overwhelmingly intense. It became one of the highest-grossing films of 1986 and solidified its place in cinematic history.
Aliens is often credited with expanding the lore of the Alien franchise, introducing new characters and factions, such as the Colonial Marines. The film inspired various merchandise, including video games, comic books, and toys. It was followed by two more sequels: Alien 3 in 1992 and Alien Resurrection in 1997, and a forthcoming prequel, Alien: Romulus, set to release on 16 August 2024.
The film explores themes of motherhood through Ripley's protective instincts towards Newt, a young survivor she encounters. This relationship is a central focus that contrasts with the alien queen's ruthless maternal instincts for her offspring. The film's narrative enhances Ripley's character, transforming her from a survivor into a fierce protector, which resonated strongly with audiences.
Overall, Aliens is regarded as a pioneering action film, known for its strong female lead and groundbreaking special effects. Its impactful dialogues, thrilling action sequences, and emotional depth have ensured its legacy within modern cinema.
