As Ridley Scott prepares to return to the sci-fi world with The Dog Stars in 2026, his true classic Alien continues to hold its place among the most popular films globally. This 1979 sci-fi masterpiece is still reaching millions of viewers through its exclusive release on HBO Max in the United States and remains one of the highlights of Scott's career.

Scott's cinematic journey has been quite tumultuous in recent years. After a nearly decade-long hiatus, he will return to the sci-fi genre as the director of The Dog Stars, having recently focused on historical epics. However, films like The Last Duel starring Matt Damon and Napoleon featuring Joaquin Phoenix have been among the most controversial releases of his career.

In contrast, Alien is a work by Scott that is in no way controversial, serving as both director and producer. This 1979 sci-fi film has been warmly received by critics and audiences alike and is regarded as one of the most influential films ever made. Alien follows seven astronauts hunted by a terrifying predator in deep space, featuring a cast that includes Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, and Ian Holm.

The film's success is immense. Made with a budget of $11 million, Alien grossed $109 million worldwide, earning a score of 93% from critics and 94% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Written by Dan O'Bannon and with a story by Ronald Shusett, the film still holds a prestigious place among the best sci-fi films today.

The legacy of Alien is not limited to the original film. The franchise continues to thrive with new releases, including Alien: Romulus set to premiere in 2024 and Alien: Earth in 2025. Despite nearly 50 years since the film's debut, Alien still maintains its status as one of the world's most popular films. Undoubtedly Scott's greatest work, Alien is also one of the most significant sci-fi films of all time.