Ridley Scott’s Sci-Fi Horror Classic Alien Officially Lands on Netflix
By Chris McPherson
Chris is a Senior News Writer for Collider. He's passionate about movies, with a particular fondness for sci-fi, horror, and the works of Christopher Nolan. He enjoys analyzing box office trends, exploring theme parks, and binge-watching Gilmore Girls. His love for Taylor Sheridan's work is... well, let's just say it's a point of mockery among his colleagues.
It's challenging to blend two genres and create something truly unique—let alone introduce one of cinema's most terrifying creatures. Yet, that's exactly what Ridley Scott achieved almost five decades ago when he blended the haunted house trope with a creature feature, set in space. Alien emerged as a landmark film, scaring audiences worldwide.
Now, this classic is joining Netflix in the US, alongside its sequel Aliens, as part of the streamer's monthly catalog refresh.
The story follows the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo, who are awakened from stasis to investigate a distress signal from a nearby moon. Upon discovering a derelict spacecraft, they unwittingly bring a deadly alien lifeform aboard—the iconic xenomorph.
Cast:
- Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley
- Tom Skerritt as Dallas
- Veronica Cartwright as Lambert
- Harry Dean Stanton as Brett
- John Hurt as Kane
- Ian Holm as Ash
- Yaphet Kotto as Parker