July 18: Aliens (1986)

Milestone Years

• 40th Anniversary: July 18, 2026
• 50th Anniversary: July 18, 2036
• 75th Anniversary: July 18, 2061

Inspiration Behind the Movie

James Cameron was inspired by his love for military sci-fi and wanted to expand on Ridley Scott’s Alien by adding a war-film edge and stronger action themes. The character of Ripley became a feminist icon, and the film explored themes of survival, motherhood, and trauma.

You Might Not Know

• Sigourney Weaver received an Oscar nomination for her role, rare for a sci-fi film.
• The alien queen was a massive puppet operated by 14 people.
• Bill Paxton improvised the iconic line, “Game over, man! Game over!”
• The cast underwent military training to bond as a squad.
• Much of the set was recycled from the movie The Shining’s air vents.

Food Ideas

• Facehugger deviled eggs
• Alien slime gelatin shots
• Space rations (freeze-dried snacks)
• LV-426 loaded nachos
• Ripley’s flamethrower hot wings

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a double feature with Alien and Aliens.
• Set up a Nerf blaster “bug hunt” game.
• Create Ripley or Space Marine cosplay.
• Craft alien egg decorations.
• Watch with blue lighting for a sci-fi atmosphere.

Filming Locations

Aliens was filmed at Pinewood Studios in England, with the Hadley’s Hope colony built in an old power station. Some sets are still used today for other films.