14 Most Terrifying Moments From Alien Films

14. Up Close And Personal (Alien 3)

The third instalment in the franchise was given an alien-esque savaging by fans - and James Cameron - upon its initial release. However, following the release of the Assembly Cut, reception towards David Fincher's entry has been retrospectively warmer somewhat.

But whichever way you look at it, the general consensus is that you either rank Alien 3 or the outlandish nonsense of Alien: Resurrection behind the simply far superior Alien and Aliens. Although It must be said there are far more well rounded characters in Alien 3 than in Resurrection.

This lends itself in them developing more in-depth relationships, which manifests when Ripley forms a close bond with Fiorina "Fury" 161's resident physician Jonathan Clemens (Charles Dance). Unluckily for Clemens - and being de riguer for alien films - he soon meets his gratuitous demise. What happens next is equally terrifying and bizarre.

Just, for a moment, dismiss the the terrible CGI depicting the Runner alien. First the terrifying part: as it scurries over to a palpably petrified Ripley, surely this must be it? We're not even near the end of the film but perhaps this is a shocking twist. First Hicks and Newt, now this. Fans will be fuming.

Now for the bizarre: the alien appears, instead, to examine Ripley, then leaves with Clemens' body in tow, clearly knowing a queen lay inside her.