On this day in history, way back in 1979, the hit movie Alien was released in theaters across the U.S. Directed by Ridley Scott, this landmark film revolutionized both science fiction and horror, creating a terrifying new blend that still haunts audiences to this day. Its influence is undeniable—films like The Thing, Event Horizon, Sunshine, and even Prometheus (a prequel of sorts) all bear its atmospheric and narrative DNA.
When looking back at science fiction history, Alien brought a pivotal shift. Its emphasis on blue-collar space workers dealing with corporate malfeasance helped ground sci-fi in a gritty, working-class realism. This was a stark contrast to the clean, idealized futures seen in earlier classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey or Star Trek. The Nostromo wasn’t a starship built for glory—it was a space truck full of tired, underpaid crew just trying to finish a job. That realism made the intrusion of the alien creature all the more horrifying.
The film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, three Saturn Awards (Best Science Fiction Film, Best Director for Scott, and Best Supporting Actress for Veronica Cartwright), and a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. Its legacy lives on—not just in sequels and spin-offs, but in the DNA of sci-fi storytelling itself.
Want to relive the terror? Revisit Alien on your favorite streaming service, check out the Alien video game on Steam, or play the Alien Tabletop Roleplaying game by Free League Publishing at your next get togethor.