What's so great about "Aliens" is the way it spins the series in a completely new direction - and arguably surpasses its predecessor in the process. Following the slow-burn, nerve-wracking horror of Ridley Scott's inaugural entry, most filmmakers would have attempted something in a similar vein for the sequel. Instead, James Cameron came in and created a stunning epic that stands as one of the greatest films ever made in three different genres - horror, action and sci-fi. No small feat, that.

- Chris Eggertsen