10 Horror Movies That Only Work In The Cinema
2. Alien
Why some people don't think that 1979's Alien is a horror movie makes no sense. Yes, it's set in outer space and features extra-terrestrials, elements traditionally associated with science fiction. But why can't it be a sci-fi movie and a horror movie? Because it does both so well.
The crew of the Nostromo, led by Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley, are mercilessly picked off by an unknown alien killer stalking their every move. As the number of survivors slowly declines, as does the chance of any of the characters making it out alive.
Nowhere on the Nostromo is safe, which means that this movie just does not let up. Audiences don't get a single second to catch their breath before they're plunged right back into the otherworldly terror.
The fact that there's only one alien instead of a whole horde of them slows the pace of the movie right down, dragging out the tension.
As a result, audiences are left hanging on every second of Alien, both desperate to be free from this mental torture, but also praying that this masterful cinematic experience never ends.