Lance Henriksen, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser and Bill Paxton are among the other stars to bring memorable characters to life in what remains one of the finest action movies ever made – and arguably the most rewatchable Alien film, even if its narrowly pipped to the overall top spot.

Noah Hawley's contemplative new spin on the Ridley Scott franchise has delivered plenty of enjoyably gross and eerie moments in its first two hours, including one of the gnarlier cat deaths in sci-fi history.

The "Alien" franchise welcomes a new chapter, or rather looks back at one, in the prequel series "Alien: Earth" that further expands the science-fiction lore that has steadily grown for nearly 50 years.