Ridley Scott’s original horror and James Cameron’s bug-hunt sequel have defined their respective genres to such a degree that you either follow their blueprint, or risk being accused of doing it wrong.

Like the first two Terminator movies, the spectacular double-whammy of Alien and Aliens continue to make life difficult for every movie or TV show that ventures onto their turf. Sadly, the xenomorph has never again hit the heights it did in those first two classic movies. Designed by Swiss artist HR Giger, it’s an unholy alliance of teeth, acid blood and slime whose complete lack of empathy makes it one of the most chilling creatures ever to terrorize a movie screen. The other is the lethal alien that gives the saga its name. The first is Sigourney Weaver, whose Ellen Ripley evolved from the coldly efficient warrant officer of the Nostromo, into one of cinemas most iconic, relatable heroes – a particularly impressive achievement in an era when action stars were always male. The Martian (2015)īeyond their masterful approaches to suspense (Alien) and action (Aliens), the movies have two trump cards in their arsenal. But there's fantastic world-building here, and an underlying story about oppression, control and government secrets that makes for tense viewing. It's a space opera western with some goofy characters and dialogue.

They smuggle aboard a psychic and her brother without realising all of the secrets they have and people they're escaping from.

You don't need to have seen Firefly to enjoy Serenity (although we highly recommend you watch it if you haven't already), which is set in 2517 and follows the story of the crew of the spaceship Serenity – think of them a bit like space pirates, but good ones. Written and directed by Joss Whedon (of Buffy fame), rather than give up on the story and the characters, he wrote a film that followed on from the final episode of Firefly, and that's how Serenity was born. (Image credit: Serenity / Universal Pictures)īack in 2002, the TV series Firefly only lasted one season, despite great ratings – luckily it's become a cult classic since.

Best sci fi audio books