Movies That Are Way Better Than You Remember

In space, no one can hear you scream at the screen — which is a good thing, because irate fans hated Alien 3. After Ridley Scott directed one of the greatest sci-fi films ever, Alien, and James Cameron made one of the greatest action films ever, Aliens, David Fincher's follow-up was ... well, not the greatest anything. Critics and audiences despised Alien 3, though the film's box office wasn't that bad, earning $54 million domestically and $158 million worldwide. Sure, it was the lowest of the series proper, but it was still profitable on a $55 million budget. 

Of course, Alien 3 committed arguably the worst of all cinematic sins — it was disappointing. Following two of the greatest genre films ever is tough, especially when your movie is the cinematic swan song for one of the most beloved movie characters ever, Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley (who came back as a clone four years later). It was a big ask, and Fox handed the reins to first-time feature film director David Fincher. Alien 3 was an inauspicious debut for the future director of Seven, Fight Club, and Zodiac, who at 27 years old basically told the head of Fox to fire him and has since disavowed the film. 

However, Alien 3 is actually pretty good. In addition to featuring one of the most iconic shots of the entire series (pictured), the film has a great otherworldly vibe, focuses on a pretty cool prison planet, and has Weaver giving an incredible performance. While it suffered in 1992 because it followed two masterpieces, its reputation has improved after two decades of disappointments and duds. Alien 3 isn't Fincher's best, but it does show signs of his remarkable creative vision.