I don't know...maybe Aliens is actually better than Alien after all?

Alien and Aliens - apples and oranges.

I prefer Alien's focus on tech and glamor shots of retro-futuristic spaceship panels. It's fun to imagine being in a ship like that, using CRT terminals and flipping satisfying-looking switches. And it has one of the coolest self-destruct sequences. Kind of like David Bowman killing Hal.

yeah I think Aliens is best out of all the films

While I would have no argument with someone who says Alien is the better film… I prefer Aliens.

Ridley is all about world-building and atmosphere, Cameron is much better with character and storytelling. Ripley is much more complex and interesting in Aliens (Weaver was nominated for Best Actress for her performance) and the space marines, Bishop, Burke, Newt are all such vivid and unforgettable characters.

The last 40 minutes are popcorn perfection, just thrilling in a way that Alien isn’t.

Alien has a cold purity - like the xenomorph itself - it’s nasty and nihilistic, and by the and you almost want to slit your wrists.

Well, I guess that the difference between the 70’s and 80’s.

No way. I don't get what people like so much about Cameron.

I prefer Aliens for rewatchability. Alien is more moody and gets you thinking.

I've always liked Aliens more, but on some level I can concede that Alien is the better crafted movie. Aliens, for as great as it is, has a twinge of '80s camp, and the Alien cast seems more realistic and mundane, which adds to the gravitas of the situation.

Also, I think that the creature from Alien is superior both in appearance (smooth dome) and the way it moves so slowly yet creepily. There was an aura of mystique that it had that is missing in Aliens.

Both are great movies though!

ALIEN feels more about the story while ALIENS is all out war with story being 2nd