The Empire Strikes Back currently dominates Alien 68–32
Empire leads Alien. The galaxy edges the Nostromo.
The Verdict
Empire leading Alien is the adventure outperforming the horror, which tracks with how most audiences relate to these two modes of sci-fi. Kershner's film gives you places to visit: the ice of Hoth, the swamp on Dagobah, the elegance of Cloud City. It asks you to care about characters you already love and then puts them through something that earns its darkness. Alien gives you one place you desperately want to leave, and a creature designed by H.R. Giger to make the ship itself feel organic and hostile. The lead for Empire suggests that caring about people outperforms fearing for them. But Alien's supporters are close enough to prove that the Nostromo still has a hold.
The Numbers
| Alien | The Empire Strikes Back | |
|---|---|---|
| Head-to-Head | 32% | 68% |
| Overall Win Rate | 70% | 61% |
| Championships | 88 | 31 |
| Avg Decision | 2.3s | 3.8s |
| Budget | $11M | $18M |
| Box Office | $105M | $538M |
The broader numbers favour Alien: 70% win rate overall vs 61% for The Empire Strikes Back. This head-to-head runs against the trend.
Where This Matchup Sits
Different genres, but both carry weight: Alien ranks #1 in Horror on BingeBracket, and The Empire Strikes Back is in the top quarter of Adventure.
Alien has 88 tournament wins to The Empire Strikes Back's 31, but that championship pedigree isn't translating to the head-to-head. Something about this specific pairing overrides the broader record.
The Empire Strikes Back grossed $538M to Alien's $105M. On BingeBracket, the result runs the same direction — commercial success and bracket preference align here.
Think Alien deserves better?
You're in the 32%.
Play the bracket these votes came from. Your pick shifts the result.
Original or Sequel? Classic Sci Fi
Where to Watch
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