10 Best Sci-Fi Horror Movies From The '80s

Not only did Ridley Scott's Alien define his career, it redefined the very concept of sci-fi horror. With the genre overflowing with cheesy B-movies, Alien came along and showed that sci-fi could be nightmarishly terrifying.

When the sequel was announced, cinemagoers were excited even though no one expected the follow-up to match its predecessor, especially since James Cameron replaced Ridley Scott as the director. Akthough Aliens doesn't replicate the novelty of the original, it surpassed it in terms of special effects, acting, and action. Sigourney Weaver gives the performance of her career, bagging an Academy Award nomination. (It's worth noting that this was the first time a woman had ever received an Oscar nom for a horror movie).

But no matter how good the action is, Aliens could've been brainless popcorn flick if Cameron didn't focus on the human element. Luckily, he makes the viewers care about every character, especially Ripley's relationship with the young orphan, Newt. Even though their bond could've been regarded as sentimental and indulgent, watching Ripley take on an entire planet of evil to protect one girl helped make her one of the most badass characters in sci-fi history.