Aliens is a 1986 science fiction action film directed by James Cameron, serving as a thrilling sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic Alien. Set in the same universe, the film stars Sigourney Weaver, who reprises her role as the resilient Ellen Ripley, alongside Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, Lance Henriksen, and Bill Paxton.

The story picks up decades after the events of Alien. Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the first deadly encounter with the xenomorph species, is rescued from hypersleep. She is persuaded to join a team of colonial marines on a mission to investigate the colony on planet LV-426, where contact has been lost. Once on the planet, they make a horrifying discovery: the colonists have been wiped out by the same terrifying aliens Ripley encountered years before.

As the team struggles to survive the onslaught of xenomorphs, Ripley forms a protective bond with Newt (Carrie Henn), the only surviving child of the colony. The film escalates into a battle for survival, with Ripley overcoming her fears and taking a fierce stand against the relentless alien threat to save both herself and Newt.

Aliens is celebrated for its tension-filled action sequences and claustrophobic atmosphere. Sigourney Weaver delivers an iconic performance as Ripley, blending vulnerability with strength in a role that has become one of cinema’s most enduring heroines. James Cameron’s direction deepens the Alien mythology while expanding the franchise into new territory by adding complex characters and larger-scale action.

Praised for its groundbreaking visual effects, practical creature designs, and masterful pacing, Aliens was a critical and commercial success. It garnered Academy Awards for Best Sound Effects Editing and Best Visual Effects, cementing its legacy as a seminal work in both science fiction and horror genres, and solidifying the Alien franchise as a cultural phenomenon.