Aliens

Aliens

Year: 1986

Runtime: 137 min

Language: English

Director: James Cameron

ActionSci-FiThriller

Years after surviving an attack by the deadly Xenomorphs, Warrant Officer Ripley joins a rescue team investigating a colony on LV-426. When contact is lost, they discover the planet is overrun by the terrifying creatures, forcing Ripley to confront her past trauma and fight for survival once again.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Aliens (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Aliens (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

57 years after the events of *Nostromo*

The time period in *Aliens* is marked by the aftermath of the first encounter with the Alien species, leading to skepticism and military exploration. It showcases a future where space travel is feasible, and corporations seek to exploit exotic life forms, highlighting themes of corporate greed and human survival.

Location

Zeta Reticuli, LV-426, Hadley's Hope

Zeta Reticuli is a binary star system known for its potential to host life, while LV-426 is an exomoon that has been transformed into Hadley's Hope, a terraforming colony. The colony is an ambitious project where families have worked to create a livable environment but ultimately becomes the site of a catastrophic alien encounter.

🌌 Space 🏙️ Colony

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:11

Main Characters – Aliens (1986)

Meet the key characters of Aliens (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver)

Ellen Ripley is a resourceful and strong-willed character, marked by her traumatic experiences from the first film. She evolves from a reluctant participant in the mission to a determined leader willing to face her fears in order to save Newt and her fellow marines.

🦸‍♀️ Hero 🎖️ Leader 😨 Traumatized

Carter Burke (Paul Reiser)

Carter Burke is the corporate representative whose greed drives the plot's central conflicts. Initially appearing as a supportive ally, his true motives unfold, revealing him as a manipulative figure willing to place others in danger for his ambitions.

💰 Greedy 🕵️‍♂️ Manipulative

Newt (Carrie Henn)

Newt is a young girl who embodies innocence and resilience. Her cleverness in evading danger and forming a bond with Ripley serves as a focal point for Ripley's protective instincts, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

👧 Survivor 💔 Innocent

Hicks (Michael Biehn)

Corporal Dwayne Hicks is a solid and reliable marine who becomes a key ally to Ripley during the crisis. His bravery and willingness to support Ripley reinforces themes of teamwork and loyalty amid chaos.

⚔️ Brave 👨‍✈️ Loyal

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:11

Major Themes – Aliens (1986)

Explore the central themes of Aliens (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔫 Survival

Survival is a central theme in *Aliens*, as Ripley battles not only the alien threat but also the duplicity of corporate interests. The film explores the lengths to which individuals will go to protect themselves and loved ones in the face of overwhelming danger, emphasizing resilience and resourcefulness.

👩‍🚀 Feminism

Ellen Ripley emerges as a strong, complex female protagonist in a genre traditionally dominated by male characters. Her determination to confront danger and protect Newt reflects themes of motherhood and female empowerment, breaking gender stereotypes in action and science fiction.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a significant theme as Ripley confronts the treacherous motives behind the Weyland-Yutani Corporation's actions. The revelation of Burke's deceitful intentions adds layers of tension and distrust among the characters, contributing to the film's dramatic stakes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:11

Unlock the Full Story of Aliens

Don't stop at just watching — explore Aliens in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Aliens is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Aliens Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Aliens, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Aliens Summary

Aliens Timeline

Track the full timeline of Aliens with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Aliens Timeline

More About Aliens

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Aliens: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Aliens

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