In film, it's rare that a sequel is as good as (or better than) the original. However 'Aliens,' the 1986 sequel to the 1979 hit, 'Alien,' managed to top its predecessor.

With James Cameron behind the movie, the franchise shifted gears from sci-fi horror to action. And also Bill Paxton played (or really was subjected to) one of the greatest knife games ever. Of course, Bill Paxton wasn't the only memorable cast member in this movie. Let's take a look at the cast of 'Aliens' then and now.