Few science-fiction horror franchises command the cultural weight of 20th Century Studios’ Alien series. Since Ridley Scott’s Alien terrified cinema audiences in 1979, the franchise has produced several memorable sequels, reinventions, and spin-offs. Now, one of its most well-received modern entries is finally finding a permanent streaming home.
From January 1, 2026, Prime Video will add Alien: Romulus, Fede Álvarez’s 2024 instalment, to its streaming catalogue. The move ends a lengthy absence from major streaming platforms and marks the film’s first appearance on a subscription-based service.
Until now, Alien: Romulus had only been available through digital rental and purchase, limiting its reach despite strong audience reception. Its arrival on Prime Video opens the door to a far wider audience, particularly viewers who may have missed the film during its theatrical run or digital release window.
The timing is notable. Alien: Romulus earned an 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, an achievement that stands out in a franchise with a long and uneven sequel history. For many fans, the film succeeded where others struggled, restoring genuine fear to the Xenomorph and re-establishing the franchise’s horror roots.
Set within the familiar Alien universe, Romulus follows a group of humans attempting to survive a deadly encounter with the franchise’s iconic creature. The film is led by a younger cast, including Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, and Isabela Merced, whose performances helped ground the terror in character-driven storytelling rather than spectacle alone.
Critics and audiences alike credited Álvarez with updating the Xenomorph for a modern audience while respecting the franchise’s original tone. The result was widely regarded as the most frightening Alien sequel in decades, balancing suspense, violence, and atmosphere with contemporary filmmaking techniques.
The film also proved commercially successful. Alien: Romulus grossed approximately R6.56 billion at the global box office in 2024 and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects, further cementing its status as a standout entry in the long-running series.
While official details remain limited, a sequel is reportedly in development. Industry speculation suggests it may explore the aftermath of Romulus and potentially further connect the Alien and Predator franchises, both of which have undergone recent reboots.
Although the long-term direction of the Alien franchise remains uncertain, Alien: Romulus continues to occupy a fresh space in popular culture. Its addition to Prime Video could significantly boost its profile, introduce the film to new fans, and help shape what may be a strong second half of the 2020s for one of cinema’s most enduring sci-fi horror properties.
