Aliens

What’s it about?

Ripley suspects she knows what has happened to a space colony which has lost contact with base, and teams up with the Colonial Marines to confirm – and confront – her fears.

The facts

• Directed by James Cameron (Avatar, The Terminator, Titanic)
• English language
• Runtime: 137 minutes
• Starring Sigourney Weaver, Bill Paxton and Michael Biehn
• Originally classified RP13 in New Zealand on its release in 1986, and now classified M under current law.

Why did it get this rating?

This film was classified by New Zealand’s Chief Censor of Films, a predecessor to Te Mana Whakaatu—Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.

Violence

The marines are heavily armed and use guns and flamethrowers to shoot at aliens.

The aliens’ blood is made of acid, which melts anything it touches. Some acid splashes onto the marines, wounding several and killing one.

Two marines cornered by an alien sacrifice themselves, deciding that it would be better to take the alien with them than to try and put up a fight.

One crew member is ripped in half, exposing his insides.

Shots showing blood or injury are brief.

Horror

Several aliens chase the marines and the wider team. Some scenes show their teeth and claws up close, especially when they get ready to attack people. One very large ‘queen’ alien is shown laying eggs, which is a bit gross.

Smaller aliens skitter around and launch themselves at people, in an attempt to find a human host.

In one scene, a person is shown in significant pain and distress as an alien appears to be inside them, ready to escape.

A child is separated from the group, stalked, and taken captive by an alien.

Some dead bodies are shown trapped in cocoons.

There are a few jump scares.

Offensive language

Words like “f**k” and “sh*t” are used in combat and in banter.

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Quick take: Alien (1979)
• Quick take: Alien: Romulus (2024)