by 
Ridley Scott’s beloved sci-fi horror flick pits seven unlucky humans against the universe’s deadliest foreign species. Set in the deafening and isolated vastness of space, the crew of the Nostromo must use their wits to survive against the perfect killing machine.
Experience peak horror in this extraterrestrial masterpiece. Find out where you can watch “Alien” in Canada.
Table of Contents
What Is Alien About?
“Alien” is a science fiction horror film that is centered around the crew of a commercial spacecraft named Nostromo. They find themselves in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse against an elusive and lethal alien. On its way back to Earth, the crew of Nostromo picks up a strange distress call in an uncharted region of space. The group investigates the distress signal and uncovers a derelict alien vessel in the middle of nowhere.
However, the seemingly abandoned alien craft houses a deadly species and proceeds to assault one of the crew members. The group promptly departs only to find an unwelcome stowaway – one of the alien creatures has infiltrated the ship. The crew of Nostromo must work together and purge the alien threat before it kills them first.
The 1979 classic initially premiered at a theater in Dallas, Texas. “Alien” had a limited release in U.S. theaters on May 25, 1979, before it was widely released to the public on June 22, 1979. The film was released internationally on July 20, 1979, first in Japan before spreading across Europe. “Alien” chronicles the crew’s struggle for survival within a meager 116-minute runtime.
Who Are in the Cast and Production of Alien?
The now legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott helmed the film. Scott is a prolific filmmaker best known for the “Blade Runner” films. Veteran sci-fi auteurs Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett penned the film’s screenplay. 20th Century Fox collaborated with Brandywine Productions to bring to life the influential sci-fi film. 20th Century Fox also served as the film’s distributor.
“Alien” boasts a cast of veteran Hollywood stars such as:
- Sigourney Weaver as Ripley
- Tom Skeritt as Dallas
- John Hurt as Kane
- Ian Holm as Ash
- Veronica Cartwright as Lambert
- Yaphet Kotto as Parker
- Harry Dean Stanton as Brett
- Bolaj Badejo as the Alien
- Helen Horton as the voice of Mother
What is the Rating for Alien?
“Alien” is rated 18A. The film contains several graphic and gory depictions of on-screen death. It also hosts a bleak and distressing atmosphere, complete with unnerving imagery of terrified crew members and the ghastly visage of alien creatures.
“Alien” is strictly for mature viewing; individuals younger than 18 years old are advised to refrain from watching the film.
How Many People Watch Alien?
The resounding commercial success of “Alien” is a great indication of stellar viewership numbers. The sci-fi horror film is a commercial success; it grossed $3.5 million during its first four days in domestic theaters. Ridley Scott’s beloved sci-fi film grossed $184.7 million at the global box office.
How Are the Reviews for Alien?
“Alien” received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised the film’s terrifying elements, with a special mention for Sigourney Weaver’s career-making performance. However, critics took an issue with its premise, calling it a ‘haunted house film set in space.’ A reassessment of the film’s merits resulted in better reception, with critics doubling down on the film’s inventive set design and thrilling scares.
Rotten Tomatoes awarded “Alien” with a certified fresh score of 98%. Discover what made “Alien” such an influential piece of science fiction according to these critics:
- “Where 2001 and Close Encounters suggested that humanity would bring its best impulses and brightest hopes beyond the clouds, Alien served as a reminder that its worst fears would also be part of the package.” – Keith Phipps of AV Club
- “One of the great strengths of Alien is its pacing. It takes its time. It waits. It allows silences (the majestic opening shots are underscored by Jerry Goldsmith with scarcely audible, far-off metallic chatterings).” – Roger Ebert of Chicago Sun-Times
Where to Watch Alien in Canada?
Relive the horrors of isolation and despair in space on Disney Plus, Crave, and VOD.
Is Alien Available for Streaming?
Disney Plus
“Alien” is streaming on Disney Plus. The streaming platform offers five subscription plans with access to Hulu, ESPN, and Disney’s bountiful library of content. The Disney Plus streaming service hosts a wide array of famous franchises such as “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “The Mandalorian,” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Resolution |
| Basic | CAD$10.49 | HDR / 4K |
| Premium | CAD$14.43 | HDR / 4K |
| Duo Basic | CAD$13.12 | HDR / 4K |
| Trio Basic | CAD$17.05 | HDR / 4K |
| Trio Premium | CAD$26.25 | HDR / 4K |
Crave
The sci-fi horror classic is also available on Crave. Be sure to check out other binge-worthy titles such as “Candyman,” “The Invisible Man,” and “The Batman.”
| Plan | Price | Number of Devices |
| Monthly | CAD$19.99 | 4 Devices |
| Annual | CAD$199.90 | 4 Devices |
Is Alien Available for Rent (VOD)?
You can choose to buy or rent the film via the following VOD streaming services. Please keep in mind that rented films are only available for a limited viewing period.
| Platform | Rent | Purchase |
| Amazon | CAD$4.99 | CAD$14.99 |
| Apple TV | – | CAD$14.99 |
| Google Play | CAD$4.99 | CAD$14.99 |
| Microsoft Store | CAD$4.99 | CAD$14.99 |
| Cineplex Store | CAD$4.99 | CAD$14.99 |
| YouTube | CAD$4.99 | CAD$14.99 |
Is Alien Available on Cable or Free TV?
“Alien” is currently not airing on cable or free TV channels, but you can purchase DVD copies of the film from online retailers.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch Alien?
You don’t need a VPN to enjoy “Alien” on Disney Plus, Crave, or any of the mentioned VOD services.
Outer Space Horror
This Ridley Scott sci-fi horror movie perfectly captures the visceral fear of being stalked and systematically killed by an incomprehensible force of nature. The impressive set design, chilling sound effects, iconic creature design, and palpable fear of the cast deliver an intense and engaging film that continues to evoke scares and morbid fascination to this very day.
Relive the claustrophobic fear and paranoia of “Alien” with Disney Plus, Crave, and VOD.
