Ridley Scott's 2017 sci-fi sequel Alien: Covenant is making a surprise comeback on streaming platforms, climbing into the VOD top 10 on Prime Video and Google in several countries. The renewed interest comes just weeks before Scott's return to the genre with The Dog Stars, which is now set to premiere in theaters on August 28 after a delay from its original March release.
While Scott has spent recent years on historical epics like Gladiator II and Napoleon, his last foray into science fiction was Alien: Covenant, a sequel to the divisive Prometheus. The film reunited Scott with Michael Fassbender, who delivered one of his most underrated performances as the synthetic David. The movie also starred Katherine Waterston, Danny McBride, and Billy Crudup, and was produced on a $96 million budget, earning $240 million globally.
Despite its commercial success, Alien: Covenant has remained a polarizing entry in the franchise, with a 65% critic score and 55% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet its recent streaming surge suggests a growing appreciation for the film's ambitious blend of horror and philosophical sci-fi. The movie currently lacks a dedicated streaming home in the U.S., which has driven fans to rent or purchase it on digital platforms.
Why Is Alien: Covenant Trending Now?
The timing of this resurgence is no coincidence. With The Dog Stars on the horizon, audiences are revisiting Scott's earlier sci-fi work. The director has confirmed that Alien: Covenant will be his final Alien movie, though he continues to produce other franchise projects, including the upcoming Alien: Romulus sequel and the second season of the Alien TV series. This news has sparked renewed curiosity about his last directorial effort in the universe.
For those unfamiliar, Alien: Covenant follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant as they land on what appears to be an untouched paradise, only to discover a deadly threat. Fassbender returns as David, while Waterston leads a terrified crew fighting for survival. The film's script was crafted by Jack Paglen, Michael Green, John Logan, and Dante Harper, weaving together themes of creation, hubris, and terror.
While Alien: Covenant may not have been the crowd-pleaser some hoped for, its streaming success proves it has found a dedicated audience over time. Fans of Scott's work are also keeping an eye on his upcoming projects, including the Prime Video adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie, which is set for an October release. Meanwhile, other streaming hits like Final Destination: Bloodlines continue to dominate Netflix, showing that horror remains a major draw for audiences.
As The Dog Stars prepares to launch, Scott's legacy in sci-fi is being reexamined. Whether Alien: Covenant will be remembered as a misunderstood gem or a flawed experiment, its current popularity suggests that many viewers are eager to give it another chance. You can watch Alien: Covenant now on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other VOD platforms.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ridley Scott's future projects and the ever-evolving Alien franchise.
