15 January 2025

by Drew Deitch
| Published

There are two classic sci-fi films from the 1970s that have received more rip-offs and imitations than any other film from that decade. The first is obvious star wars We've already covered which knockoffs you should see in a previous video, so watch that if you need more lasers and space battles in your life.

Because this time, we're covering the game-changing sci-fi events of the 1970s, Alien. A simple monster movie in space became a generational masterpiece that reshaped the future of science fiction and horror in cinema. And because it's such a historical success, you know the films will continue to inspire and even outright copy Alien Off for decades to come.

So, we decided to scour the vastness of space and even the depths of the oceans in search of the best of the diverse crop. I'm Drew Deitch from the giant Freakin Robot team and this is my top 10 ranking Alien The knockoffs are actually worth your time.

10. Pollution (1980)

You know, we had to include the illusionist maestros, the Italians, and we had a lot of options to choose from. Heck, the Italians even went so far as to make a movie called Already Alien 2! But we will only include one Italian Alien Knockoff and it has to be one of our Italian favourites star wars rip manager, StarcrashPrivate Luigi Cozzi. This is it pollution.

Release the following year after Alien, pollution He brings evil alien eggs to Earth because it's cheaper than building spaceship sets. Lots of fun, bad effects and some lovely effects like the olives used in the alien eggs or the creation of the giant giant monster pollution A great example of the cheesy delights of Italian steal.

9. Lily Cat (1987)

Anime In the 1980s he was inspired a lot Alien. So much so that it came full circle with the short anime film, Foreigner: Monday. but Lily Cat He's the only one who pretty much goes into complete cheating territory.

He also takes his cues from John Carpenter The thing, Lily Cat It is a simple and straightforward story about the crew of a spaceship being terrorized by advanced alien bacteria. Like most 80s anime, the violence and lewdness is brought to a higher level Top. In less than 70 minutes, Lily Cat It is a quick and focused strike Alien Knockout goodness.

8. Life Force (1985)

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Texas chain saw massacre Director Tobe Hooper blends it all together Alien And another movie we covered on this channel, Quatermass and the holeIn the colorful and cheerful blockbuster, Life force.

Based on the novel Space Vampires, Life force Gives a unique spin to the “discovery of an abandoned spaceship” style by placing the spacecraft in a cometary coma. Once the aliens arrive on Earth, you'll be treated to some amazing effects worthy of an entire movie.

7. Leviathan (1989)

A number of films were quickly produced in the late 1980s in anticipation of copying another film, The abyss. Of course since then The abyss They hadn't actually been released yet, and they also had to steal Alien For their conspiracies. And while I can certainly sing his praises Deep Star SixThe best one is the book by George P. Cosmatos Juggernaut.

With an amazingly distinguished cast, Juggernaut Conveys the horrors of claustrophobic space Alien To the deep sea. If you like it Alien Wet and wild imitations, make sure you take some time for them Juggernaut.

6. The Forbidden World (1982)

Like many Italians, Roger Corman was robbed Alien More times than we can count. But, if there's one of his exploitative experiences that stands out in this arena, this should be it Forbidden world.

You won't find anything new here when it comes to the story however Forbidden world He plays strokes with a lot of success. And it's not even 80 minutes long, so this is another short and sweet effects fest that any self-respecting B-movie fan needs to check off their bucket list.

5. Underwater (2020)

Underwater

Oh, did you think this would only be 80s movies? no! Alien It remains an inspiration to filmmakers and Underwater It is an interesting recent example. It was released in theaters in 2020 and was quickly forgotten by audiences. That's their loss because when it comes to the big studio Alien imitation, Underwater He is a major winner.

Excellent production design, a driving script, and some brutal revelations Underwater This kind of Science fiction Horror rarely comes out of Hollywood anymore. If this is under your radar, do yourself a favor and check it out Underwater. It's only 95 minutes! Bless these Alien Movies and their reasonable showing times.

4. Event Horizon (1997)

Hey, I think we've talked about this movie before! Seriously, you can go watch the entire video about Event horizonBut it is worth noting that director Paul W. S. Anderson was not shy about his influence in the making of the film Event horizonand Alien He is all over this movie.

Although it ends up leaning more Hellraiser from Alien,Design the entire production Event horizon It is directly influenced by Ridley Scott's trucker style of sci-fi technology. Want something more supernatural in Alien homage? Event horizon It's your ticket.

3. Deep Rise (1998)

A crew of scoundrels have to take on a seemingly abandoned ship and begin falling victim to a strange monster? No, she didn't come back Boat captainI have booked a pass on Argonautica And it is an absolute blast Deep rise.

Another collection of popular actors and influences from The mummy Director Stephen Sommers allows it Deep rise To be pure popcorn fun that always entertains. If you're not smiling during this movie, you might want to check your pulse.

2. Pitch Black (2000)

Before that he had done nothing but Fast and furious films, Vin Diesel He played the criminal Riddick in Pitch blackone of the best horror and science fiction films of the 2000s.

I've got the usual Alien Story templates: A somewhat misfit spaceship crew, an alien planet, and unknown alien monsters. It all works well but it's the inclusion of the evil Riddick into the mix that really gives this its flavour. And the strange monsters are just adorable. I would watch this over any other Vin Diesel movie anytime. …except maybe Iron giant.

1. Outland (1981)

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The best Alien knockoff is actually a movie you've probably never seen or even related to Alien. outside It's really western in the space with Sean Connery Play the role of a law officer in a mining colony where the illegal drug market is thriving. There's no alien monster in there outside But the film's designs, tones, and themes have always made me argue with that outside It may also occur in Alien universe.

It's also a really great movie that most people seem to have almost forgotten about. If you want to see a story that feels like it belongs alongside corporate horrors Alien, outside It's a home run and that makes it number one Alien knockdown.

What are some of your favorites Alien-Inspired movies? Send us your recommendation in the comments, we love this kind of click! If you want more videos like this, be sure to like the video and subscribe to the channel. And you can hear more in-depth discussions about some of these films by listening to the GenreVision podcast. We have full episodes on Underwater, Event horizonand Deep rise.

Thank you as always for watching at the end of these videos, but if you've really taken your time with this whole list of movies that I personally dig, then an extra special thank you for being so awesome. Take care and I'll see you back here next time on Giant Freakin Robot.


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