Alien: Covenant's Streaming Resurgence on HBO Max

Released in 2017, *Alien: Covenant* was intended to bridge the narrative between Ridley Scott's *Prometheus* and the original *Alien* franchise. Despite its ambitious premise and a star-studded cast, including Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, and Billy Crudup, the film garnered mixed reviews and did not achieve the box office success anticipated by 20th Century Fox, grossing $240.9 million worldwide. Critics noted that while the film had strong visual elements, it struggled to effectively balance its dual identity as both a sequel to *Prometheus* and a prequel to *Alien*.

9 Years Later, Ridley Scott's Forgotten Sci-Fi Horror Gem Is a Late Night Sleeper Hit

As of April 7, 2026, *Alien: Covenant* has made a notable comeback, ranking No. 10 on HBO Max’s Top 10 movies chart in the United States. This resurgence suggests a renewed interest in the *Alien* franchise, particularly as more films from the series become available on the platform. The streaming success indicates that audiences are revisiting the film, perhaps influenced by the recent releases of *Alien: Romulus* and *Alien: Earth*, which have reignited interest in the franchise.

9 Years Later, Ridley Scott's Forgotten Sci-Fi Horror Gem Is a Late Night Sleeper Hit

Critics have highlighted that *Alien: Covenant* contains several compelling ideas but ultimately falters due to poor decision-making and a convoluted narrative. Collider's review pointed out that Scott's focus on the character of David, the android portrayed by Fassbender, detracts from the film's connection to the *Alien* lore. The film attempts to merge themes from *Prometheus* with the horror elements of *Alien*, but critics argue it fails to satisfy fans of either narrative.

9 Years Later, Ridley Scott's Forgotten Sci-Fi Horror Gem Is a Late Night Sleeper Hit

Collider's analysis emphasizes that while *Alien: Covenant* is visually striking, it does not successfully integrate the thematic depth of *Prometheus* with the horror elements expected from an *Alien* film. The review suggests that the film's attempt to navigate both identities results in a disjointed experience that does not fully resonate with audiences.

9 Years Later, Ridley Scott's Forgotten Sci-Fi Horror Gem Is a Late Night Sleeper Hit

Some critics argue that *Alien: Covenant* lacks the necessary depth to stand alone within the franchise. The film's failure to effectively explore its themes and characters has led to a perception that it is a missed opportunity for the *Alien* series. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among fans regarding the direction of the franchise under Scott's vision.

9 Years Later, Ridley Scott's Forgotten Sci-Fi Horror Gem Is a Late Night Sleeper Hit

*Alien: Covenant* serves as a case study in the complexities of franchise filmmaking, illustrating the challenges of balancing narrative expectations with creative ambitions. Its recent streaming success on HBO Max highlights the enduring appeal of the *Alien* franchise, even as it grapples with mixed critical reception and audience expectations. As viewers continue to engage with the film, it remains to be seen how it will influence future installments in the series.

9 Years Later, Ridley Scott's Forgotten Sci-Fi Horror Gem Is a Late Night Sleeper Hit