Five Reasons to Love Alien (1979)

Would you pick Alien as a comfort movie? I didn’t realize that I would until last weekend. I had a long day, and I wanted to watch one of my favorite horror movies to relax. My mind immediately went to Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic, Alien. Why, you ask? Let me share with you five reasons why Alien has become one of my favorite comfort movies, even though it’s also among my top favorite horror movies of all time.

#1 – Ridley is a Badass Final Girl

When I first saw Alien, I was 15 years old, at that age where you look for strong characters in movies. Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of Ripley was a revelation—she was a badass without being overly harsh. She made tough decisions, even when they went against the advice of the men around her. Ripley was my first introduction to the “final girl” trope, and she remains one of my favorite characters in horror movies. The way she fought against one of the toughest monsters in the universe is truly inspiring.

#2 – The Haunting Score Makes the Tension Unbearable

The music in Alien adds an extra layer of terror to the movie. Jerry Goldsmith’s haunting score is one of the reasons why this horror film is so effective. The use of silence punctuated by sudden musical cues makes the tension even more intense. Watching Alien again, I was reminded of how the sparse use of music creates a sense of dread that is hard to shake. It adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere, keeping you on edge throughout.

#3 – The Crew’s Dynamics Reflect Realistic Relationships

What makes Alien so unique among horror movies is the way the crew interacts. Each member has a distinct personality, which creates believable group dynamics. Whether it’s Brett and Parker worrying about their pay, Lambert’s nervousness, or Ash’s eerie calmness, the crew feels like a real group of co-workers dealing with an extraordinary situation. This makes their encounters with the alien all the more intense, as they struggle with their own fears and conflicts while trying to survive.

#4 – Alien is Still Scary after All these Years

Despite its age, Alien remains one of the scariest horror movies ever made. The chest-bursting scene and the scenes involving the alien itself are just as shocking today as they were decades ago. Even though I know what’s coming, the buildup to these moments keeps me on the edge of my seat. The corporation’s ruthlessness, highlighted by the tagline “In Space No One Can Hear You Scream,” adds a sense of existential dread that makes this film timeless in its horror.

#5 – Jones the Cat: The Unsung Hero

One aspect of Alien that brings me comfort is Jones the cat. In a time when animals in horror movies often met tragic ends, Jones survived and even made it to the sequel, Aliens. Jones adds a touch of humanity to the starship “Nostromo,” showing that even in the midst of terror, the crew still cared for their furry companion. Ripley’s bond with Jones is one of the warmest parts of the film, and I can’t help but smile when he emerges unscathed.

For all these reasons, Alien is my favorite comfort movie. It’s the perfect blend of horror and humanity, with one of the best final girls in film history. Whether it’s the haunting score, the relatable crew dynamics, or Jones the cat, there’s something about Alien that makes it a horror movie I can watch again and again. Would you consider it a comfort movie? If so, let me know why!

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