Aliens (1986)
1986 • TMDB 8.0 • 2h 17m • Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Overview
Fifty-seven years after drifting in hypersleep, Ellen Ripley wakes to a world that doubts her story about the alien that wiped out the Nostromo’s crew. When contact is lost with the colony on LV-426, the same moon where her crew first found the creature, she agrees to return — this time with a squad of Colonial Marines, a company man named Burke, and the android Bishop. What they find is a colony overrun, a lone survivor named Newt, and a hive of xenomorphs far deadlier than anyone imagined. James Cameron trades the first film’s slow-burn horror for relentless, large-scale action, building to one of the most famous showdowns in science fiction as Ripley faces the Alien Queen to save Newt. With groundbreaking effects, a pounding score, and Sigourney Weaver’s iconic, Oscar-nominated performance, Aliens is the rare sequel that equals — and many fans argue surpasses — its predecessor.
Director & Cast
- Director: James Cameron
- Sigourney Weaver (Ripley)
- Carrie Henn (Newt)
- Michael Biehn (Corporal Hicks)
- Paul Reiser (Burke)
- Lance Henriksen (Bishop)
- Bill Paxton (Private Hudson)
- William Hope (Lieutenant Gorman)
- Jenette Goldstein (Private Vasquez)
- Al Matthews (Sergeant Apone)
Why Watch Aliens?
Aliens works as both a masterclass in action filmmaking and a surprisingly emotional story about a woman who has lost everything and finds a reason to fight again. Cameron stages set piece after set piece — the colony sweep, the sentry guns, the loader fight — without ever losing the characters, and the film’s practical effects still hold up decades later. It is also one of the great ensemble films: Bill Paxton’s Hudson, Michael Biehn’s Hicks, and Lance Henriksen’s Bishop are all unforgettable.
Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer on YouTube: Aliens | #TBT Trailer | 20th Century FOX
Where to Watch
In the US, Aliens streams on Netflix (including Netflix Standard with Ads), fuboTV, Philo, and YouTube TV. It is also available to rent from $3.99 (Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand) or to buy from $7.99 in 4K. Check current availability on JustWatch US.
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Poster: TMDB. Rating and runtime verified on TMDB. Streaming status checked on JustWatch US, October 29, 2026.
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