A startling and visually stunning sci-fi horror about humanity’s (or more precisely, women’s) survival against the unknown, Scott’s sophomore feature, Alien, follows the ill-fated crew of a spaceship as they attempt to expel a malevolent entity after it infiltrates their vessel—delivering one of the most grotesque and iconic reveals in movie history. Sigourney Weaver gradually takes center stage as Ellen Ripley, a warrant officer who joins the ranks of Sally Hardesty and Laurie Strode in defining the “final girl” archetype of the horror genre.
Even without considering the countless sequels, comics, video games, and other media it inspired, Alien stands tall as one of the finest achievements in Scott’s illustrious career. More than that, it’s simply one of the greatest films ever made. Period.