Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien’ Franchise Hits New High as ‘Romulus’ Dominates Streaming

In 1979 Ridley Scott reimagined science fiction with Alien, a film that introduced Ellen Ripley and won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The picture launched a franchise that grew to seven titles — nine if the Alien vs. Predator crossovers are included — and attracted filmmakers such as James Cameron and David Fincher.

After uneven entries in the 2000s, the series was revitalized in 2024 when Fede Álvarez delivered Alien: Romulus. The film shifted focus from Ripley to a new generation, starring Cailee Spaeny as Rain Carradine alongside David Jonsson’s android brother Andy, and it grossed $350.9 million worldwide.

Nearly two years on, Romulus remains a fan favorite; FlixPatrol places the film atop HBO Max’s global Top 10 chart. 20th Century Studios has already moved forward with plans for a sequel, though Álvarez may not return to direct. Elsewhere in the franchise, FX and Noah Hawley’s Alien: Earth earned strong responses and is heading toward a second season.

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