The tagline “In space, no one can hear you scream” set the tone for the 1979 film “Alien,” and over the years, viewers have heard a variety of sounds, from terrifying screams to gruesome squelches as creatures hatch from chests or latch onto faces.

This sci-fi horror series has introduced audiences to one of cinema’s greatest heroines: Ellen Ripley, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver. She battled various monsters in four films but hasn’t appeared in an “Alien” feature since the 1990s. The franchise also features a range of android characters, from Michael Fassbender in “Prometheus” to David Jonsson in the latest installment, “Alien: Romulus,” all while showcasing the troublesome Weyland-Yutani Corporation, which seems to prioritize alien creatures over human safety. And let’s not forget the iconic Xenomorph, the terrifying monster that has become synonymous with the series.

The latest addition, “Romulus,” hits theaters Friday and takes inspiration from Ridley Scott’s original film. This new entry, alongside the older titles, is also available for streaming on Hulu. But how does “Romulus” compare to the classic scares from the past? Here’s a comprehensive ranking of all the “Alien” movies released to date. (Note: The “Alien vs. Predator” series is not included as it forms a separate entity and, frankly, isn’t that great.)

7. ‘Alien: Resurrection’ (1997)

The fourth film revolves around a series of scientific mishaps and the military’s choice to clone Ripley 200 years after her selfless act (as seen in “Alien 3”) to create a hybrid that produces a new alien queen. While the story is not particularly deep, “Resurrection” offers a plethora of alien creatures that a group of mercenaries, featuring Ron Perlman and Winona Ryder, must confront, and it includes a bizarre humanoid monster sharing an unexpectedly emotional moment before being ejected from a spacecraft.

6. ‘Alien 3’ (1992)

In this installment, Ripley finds herself stuck on a planet inhabited solely by male inmates and not much else. Unfortunately, she carries an Alien on her ship. Director David Fincher touches on themes of gender while also providing striking visuals; Ripley even shaves her head to blend in among the men. However, the film disappoints in terms of Xenomorph action, and the CGI doesn’t hold up well.

5. ‘Alien: Covenant’ (2017)

This movie combines the philosophical elements of “Prometheus” with the intense horror of earlier entries. A ship tasked with carrying humanity’s future makes a disastrous detour to a seemingly utopian planet, unleashing chaos when some crew members are infected by an alien organism. While the alien creatures are effectively designed, Michael Fassbender shines in his dual role as the androids David and Walter.

4. ‘Prometheus’ (2012)

This prequel is one of the most polarizing films among fans, acting as a sort of surprise addition to the “Alien” saga, slowly disclosing its connections while following human archaeologists investigating the origins of humanity and an ancient race known as Engineers. “Prometheus” prioritizes thought-provoking ideas over action, although it is filled with horror, including a memorable scene where Noomi Rapace performs a self-surgery C-section.

3. ‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024)

In the film directed by Fede Alvarez (“Don’t Breathe”), the focus is on the human elements before throwing them into a terrifying scenario. Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny) and her companions are simply seeking a better existence when they stumble upon an abandoned space station that becomes a nightmare. “Romulus” combines the successful themes from the earlier films—intense action and a sense of seclusion—with fresh narrative twists that expand the franchise’s lore.

2. ‘Aliens’ (1986)

This action-packed sequel by James Cameron brings Ripley back to consciousness after half a century in deep sleep, sending her back to LV-426, where she first encountered an alien species. Now a terraformed colony, Ripley joins forces with a team of space marines, featuring a standout performance by Bill Paxton, to battle the extraterrestrial threats. It’s a must-see, especially for Ripley’s evolution into a feminist icon and maternal figure as she faces off against the alien queen.

1. ‘Alien’ (1979)

Ridley Scott’s initial “Alien” installment not only stands out as the finest in the series but also ranks among the greatest sci-fi films ever, expertly crafting an atmosphere of relentless fear. A group of space miners responds to a distress signal, only to find themselves pursued by a Xenomorph that picks them off one by one. Even years after its release, the horrifying image of the alien erupting from John Hurt’s chest is still breathtakingly scary, cringe-worthy, and incredibly memorable.