Borrowing Blockbusters: The Best Worst Alien Knock Offs of the 1990s and Beyond 

Housekeeping: 'Creatures from the Abyss' is from 1994. I got the year wrong. (At least it's not first in a video about movies from the 90s.) Also it's 'AvP Requiem' at 20:01, not 'AvP', and Richard Stanley was born in South Africa, not the UK. Thanks for the tips in the replies.

The phrase "conducting his animatronic animal orchestra" wasn't what I was expecting to hear in this.

The guy saying that "Alien" might be a true story and your reaction made me laugh uncontrollably.

That baby kick in 2016 had me laughing so hard my wife had to pause a meeting to shut the door of her home office. I think I’m in trouble, but that was AWESOME!!! 😂😂

Just discovered your channel and have binging all your videos and this was such a pleasant surprise! Keep up the great work man

I would say that the FIRST Predator is a somewhat nuanced action movie, certainly more than it’s sequels. This is mostly to do with the somewhat subversive gimmick of making a slasher movie cast out of macho action heroes, and an underlying theme of the futility of violence.

I just wanted to let you know that the film Creatures from the Abyss, also known as Plankton, was really released in Italy in 1994 instead of 1982 as stated in the segment about the movie.The question over whether Alvaro Passeri or Massimiliano Cerchi truly directed the movie is something I also looked into.Overall I always enjoy these segments.

I love your stuff. Thank you for your endless clips, editing, and dry comical presentations. Don't ever change. You present b-movie glory to those of us cult film fanatics.

I actually really liked Pandorum. Ben Foster and Dennis Quaid were good, and it was one of the first instances of a combative female character that was believable. I forgot the actresses name. She was not only pretty, but she had a very strong and athletic physique, and totally believable in her physicality. It was a cool movie and the setup felt very much like a video game, in a good way. There was also a really memorable moment right near the end. I'll try not to spoil it, but one of their main objectives was to make it to the ships bridge to get a bearing on where they are. But when they finally make it there, and for the first time are able to look out of the window, they see nothing but darkness. In a panic they start asking "where are we?!?! What happened to the stars?" And for a moment I had no idea what the answer was or what was going to happen. But they give you a moment to feel that confusion. If someone is totally inept to space-y stuff, then perhaps they wouldn't feel that immediate existential dread of looking out the window of your starship and not seeing a single star, but it certainly worked for me. Even if the film has its flaws, there's a few little moments like that which made it a very memorable experience. Compared to how many films I've seen that gave me nothing to feel or think about or remember, I put Pandorum up there with one of the better sci-fi horror movies I've seen. If anyone can appreciate the fun factor and isn't looking for anything too smart or pretentious, then Pandorum is a good watch.

Criminally underrated channel, awesome research, thanks, please keep it coming

This made my day. That Jason X frozen face smash is damn amazing. The thought of Kathy Ireland reading Shakespeare boggles the mind. Rob, your videos are great!

watched Death Machine with a friend! We didn't know if it was serious or a parody for nearly the entire film, it was too good to be just to make fun, but also it'd hit you with random satirical bits out of nowhere. It's a very, very, _very_ well done parody, turns out. Highly recommend if you want a thriller comedy or watched things like Class of 1994 and Chopping Mall and liked that.

I loved that bit on Jason X when they're heading for a space station and because of all the stuff going on with Jason they just plough straight through it.

This has become my new favorite series on RU-vid. I can't wait for the next one!

Just when I forget about this channel it comes roaring back.

JASON X is amazing, and LEXA DOIG may be my favourite final girl in that series. SPLIT SECOND is another favourite of mine. I've seen the Ghana Terminator/ Alien knockoff, 2016, and it might have been fun if it was only 90 minutes, but the three hours-long run time was excruciating. Awesome videos, I love the content.

Amazing stuff as always. I love how comprehensive your videos are, and how you give a broad overview while focussing on specific points of interest. The pace makes it feel very conversational. Any plans to do "Borrowing Blockbusters: The Matrix"? Equilibrium and Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever are two examples that spring to mind but I'm sure there are dozens more!

Man I am loving these little documentaries! I'm so happy to see some of my favorites (Carnosaur 2 & Alien 3000) getting some screen time!

Very similar to what I commented on the first part. Grouping these together generates some real nostalgia. It was nice separating these into Alien, Predator and The Thing Knockoffs before exploring the amalgamations. There were some slightly better movies along with Asylum-type movies. Really like these videos.

honestly surprised there are enough of them to get not just one 40 minute video, but two! good job

Your theme song is so fun I play it on loop for a few minutes before playing the full thing.

Fantastic! First part was a blast. I’ve been wondering, did Ghostbusters ever get any knockoffs? 👻

Alien Terminator! That's the funniest thing I've seen. It's like naming your movie Species Predator!

Rob....THANK YOU! Two weeks in a row you've made my night! Just ordered your book, I can't wait to get it. This channel is damn near perfect...perfect balance of humor, information on the movies...real information and the appreciation of the material as a true fan. You never punch low at a movie that honestly tries to punch high....but spectacularly misses. Thank you again...and any folks behind the scenes.

I love the intro, Indian Superman never ceases to make me laugh!

I do have a soft spot for Jason X. The characters are not stupid, they make decisions based on the information they have. For instance, they decide to revive Rommy but recognise Jason as a threat, so they leave him out to defrost, not knowing he is immortal. As for the government not investigating the bunker. I could give that a pass, either cooler heads decided to write the entire complex off, sealing it up to keep Jason in, or there was a disaster and people had other things to contend with. I much prefer the more thoughtful films. Such as Within the Rock, and Dark Side of the Moon etc.

I could listen to you every day. Hilarious. Ive seen loads of these but now have a huge list of films to check out. Thanks for the great work.

Finally somebody is talking about Creatures from the Abyss!! I picked it up on DVD at a car boot sale over 20 years ago and when I tell people about it nobody believes it exists 😂

I can't believe Spaced is almost 25 years old. I still love it.

The deadpan delivery on the jokes is hilarious.

Part 2 already! Woo wooo! YOUR BOOK IS AMAZE BALLS! sorry i deleted my comments on the last video and prolly will yhis too but gotta help that algorithm

Creatures from the Abyss! I love that terrible movie. My friends and i even have a drinking game for it: - Drink every time you see a nipple - Drink every time you see "fish cam" -Drink every time someone says "damn" You get so hammered...which is probably why i love it in retrospect

@42:24 _It! The Terror From Beyond Space_ there, he said it, is everyone happy now? LOL 👍 great vid btw

I actually think "Galaxy of Terror" is an under-rated movie. Of all Corman's mockbusters, it was one of the best.

Thank you for existing. Your channel is a true gem.

I just want to implore any fans of the original who want to be genuinely scared out of their wits to play Alien Isolation. You play as Amanda Ripley 15 years after the first movie, you can’t kill the alien and it’s AI is unbelievably good. It learns and no two play through a...no like no two parts of the same level are the same. This ai is legendary in gaming. The alien is so smart and you can do things like distract it or hide or temporarily chase it away but you are NEVER safe...the devs got their hands on tons of material from Fox and they recreated the look of the first film SO SO SO WELL. Alien fans do yourselves a favour and just look up one video of that game. I am 39, been to prison, been shot and I have had this game for a year and I’m genuinely terrified to play it! I never felt anything as immersive and engaging as creeping around a desk while the alien was in the room looking for me after coming down a vent...it’s a thrill and an INCREDIBLE addition to the lore. In the DLC you get to play some missions on the Nostromo too as the original characters, like Dallas in the vents. My missus won’t let me play it on my Switch in bed because I make too much noise and jump around when it gets intense! Please, all Alien fans, check out Alien Isolation!!!

Man you videos are fantastic and so well and humorously put together! What a joy and i've added quite a few new movies to watch to my list. Thanks a lot!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! Can't wait for part 3!

Every time i watch your videos my must buy movie list grows. Amazing work .

Leprechaun 4 is something else

such an underrated channel really deserves more subs! with the amount of effort and time you put into these awesome videos!

Always grateful for a new upload, and your commitment to watching all these films so we don’t have to.

My week just keeps getting better thanks to your channel!

Another gem of a video. I'm amazed at level of research and editing that goes in your videos.

You never fail to brighten my day.

'A monster that can imitate humans' cue picture of Ron Perlman.

Critters 4 was one of Angela Bassett’s first film roles.

The effort you put for these videos is very much appreciated. Great work mate.

How do you only have 47k subscribers? Amazing as always.

Love your work and effort with these videos man

I'm glad you're covering these terrible films because I don't have the patience for them anymore. Most of these people should be stacking milk crates and never get anywhere near a camera. Thank you for also mentioning the late great Jerry Goldsmith. His score for Alien is a big reason why it's so good and his talents are sorely missed in this age of generic film scores that do nothing to stand out. He was right up there with the likes of John Williams,James Horner,John Barry,Kenji Kawei and other great composers.

Plankton is from 1982, funny as it seemed newer than that to me.... Internet is for more than... 1994? Man, there's even a reviewer saying that it looks older than 94 and it should be from the 80s. What a movie.

Fantastic. Aubrey Morris was the uncle of a friend of mine so lovely to see him get a mention.

"He could have been the owner of these shoes..." God, the genius.

The pralien place-kicking the kid was the best clip I've seen in years.

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your videos. Thank you

The 3 pictures of 80s androids (Data, Kryton & Tom Cruise) made me LMFAO. So much so that I'm going to subscribe to your channel. Keep up that sense of humor and keep writing good copy.

Your videos and the BMB book have become my shopping list when I go to the Vinegar Syndrome Archive. I'm fortunate enough to live close by.

Always great when a new video drops!

The lady actor from Jason X who had to say “He’s screwed”: you could see her soul die a little bit! 🤣

Top notch, as usual. You should be winning awards for these.

I love sci-fi and monster movies and especially the Alien franchise. Thanks to you I’ve found a metric crap ton of wonderful b-movies to seek out. You’re the best!

Glossing over Virus is a crime. Some of the best practical effects ever in any movie. Just delightful designs.

At 00:49 we learned just how evil Plankton can be. SpongeBob could of been spared so much stress.

Petition to remaster The Thing Below in 3D. That tentacle scene genuinely would be scary for once.

Has anyone compiled a master list of everything shown here? Was a treasure trove. Thanks for putting this together.

Honestly, your videos are better than anything I’ve seen on TV documenting this stuff.

Just found this channel and I’ve been watching all Knock Off videos this week. Will we see a Predator knockoff?

The short awaited sequel.

This channel is brilliant fun. Thank you

I never get tired of these vids

Great stuff to watch! 😊 Thank you! 🇱🇹

Loved the video. Video idea: Can you do a Knock Off collection of films that tried to copy Karate Kid or Rocky? The recipe needed to make a knock off would be Training Montages, what's at stake, and the MC being treated as a Hero when they win. You may have to do a two-parter, as there could be many out there. I have an example of a Knock Off. Death Cage (Bloodfight 2 in the UK. Has no ties to Bloodfight starring Bolo Yeung) starring Joe Lewis is a Hong Kong Knock Off of the Karate Kid. Check it out.

Wow i didnt think you would talk about alien from the darkness, it fits right in

"Alleged characters" If there's one thing exploitation movies do more than exploit, it's allege characters.

the only content keeping me emotionally alive

I've seen that Plankton movie since Rifftrax riffed it. I actually quite liked the creature effects in it, they were fun.

Love your channel, much thanks.😊

Imagine telling your young, impressionable child he needed to see alien because it could actually happen. I'm dead over here

Thanks for the amazing video as always! I'm off to watch Death Machine!

Once again, a fine upload. Thank you

My day just got better.

How the heck do you only have 48k subs man. These videos are fantastic, well researched, funny and extensive. I wish you much sucess

Thanks to you, I found a film that I had been looking for for a very very long time.

Guy Siner was in Lost Highway, which means I really need to see Lost Highway.

Never seen you, glad I did, subbed.

I can tell stright away the reason the models in Stranded (39:30) don't look convincing is because they're too small. Each building looks to be about the size of a cigarette packet and filmed at normal speed. They need to be at least 3-4 times as big then filmed in with a slow film gate of about 15 fps and sped back up to 24 fps to convey weight and size. It wouldn't be perfect but a damn sight more convincing than what you see here

Finished the Bond video today, just to get more goo- badness onto my plate right away, nice

Great video as always, and gotta say Pandorums always been an absolute banger of a movie in my opinion. CRAZZYYYY fucking twist at the end.

I don't know if it contains enough tropes to be considered an Alien or Aliens knock-off, but Crawl Or Die is probably my favourite low budget sci-fi/horror mash-up. I'm probably the only person on Earth who is disappointed that we never got the sequel that they promised at the end (unless we did get the sequel and I just missed it).

I can't believe that the alien kicking the todler hasn't become a meme. One of the funniest things I've ever seen.

"Creatures from the Abyss". The acting! The dialogue! What a rush! To the nearest bathroom.

Entertaining as always :)

Oh wow, I was hoping you'd cover "D.N.A"! I loved that movie as a child, and it was the first movie I can remember liking specifically for how unintentionally funny it was! (And for how cool Balacau was to little me!) The helicopter crash near the end, or the "special" effects, rather, is absolute comedy gold! Would Stephen Sommers' "Deep Rising" qualify as an Alien knock-off? I wouldn't label it as such, but since you included "Virus", it seems like it'd fit for what you're going for, and I always delight in recommending this underrated gem of a monster flick!

Lol...that book light trick in Stranded was also in V for Vendetta. Way too obvious both times

Brian trenchard-Smith often appears on the channel Trailer from hell and is a pretty interesting gentleman to listen to.

Pandorum will always have a special spot in my heart. I really enjoyed it but thats not why. Its because im czech, but watch movies in english whenever its the original dubbing... When i downloaded Pandorum, it threw me off because the first line is in fkin czech lol. I felt like i was going crazy for a few minutes, before deciding to just watch it anyway and then being surprised again when i realised it was all just a multi-language godspeed from Earth to the ship.

I remember seeing Terror From Within, Mind Ripper, and Watchers 3 on cable tv in the 90s!

5:09 great use of jiggery-pokery!! 🥇 🏆

i love your work, sir.

I'm quite relieved to have seen very few of these... Can't say I share your liking for Creatures From The Abyss - by the time this was made directors of Italian rip-offs / genre cash-ins had stopped attempting to imbue their efforts with any kind of charm or likeability and were just shitting out awful, crass made-for-TV calibre horror-lite titilation full of nobodies for undemanding / cinematically-retarded audiences, that made Bruno Mattei's 80s oeuvre look like that of a genius. I saw Proteus a couple of weeks ago and all I can say is, TV Cockney / Mockney Hardmen should NEVER be cast in movies. It just doesn't work, and probably never will - unless science manages to temporarily numb the part of viewer's brains that keeps expecting said whispering TV Cockney / Mockney actors to tell someone to "Shut It" / "Get in the motor" / "Leave it ahhht". Frankly, all of these 90s movies look utterly charmless and disposable. Somehow, the 80s - for all its faults - got rip-offs and cash-ins 'right' a lot more often, probably because they had to rely more on character driven stories and more traditional production methods, than just CGI-ing 'Die Hard with Tentacles' again and again, and populating it with scenery chomping newbie nobodies because it was quick and cheap to do so.