Which James Cameron you prefer?

Alien is the only great Alien movie, so Terminator.

Aliens.

Close, but I'd give the edge to Aliens. Both are favorites though.

Well, not to be that guy, but you’re really asking two separate questions: which do we prefer and what is the better sequel.

I’d say, pound for pound, these two are pretty evenly matched. Among the greatest sequels, Sci-Fi AND action films of all time - and they happen to be written and helmed by the same guy. What were the odds? A lot of people would be of the mind that both are masterpieces, and I totally agree. Really, all I can say is I am able to watch Aliens with more regularity. That’s one that if I come across, I just can’t quit it. That’s not to say I can recall ever passing on T2.

When it comes to what is the better sequel I think there is a slight difference. With the first two Terminator films, the set up is almost exactly the same: scene of the future war, two from the future arrive in present day LA, our target is introduced, exposition as the two from the future close in, they lock in, first confrontation and chase scene, hero from future explains themself and situation to target with more exposition, chase scene, more exposition, chase scene and final confrontation. T2 is essentially a MEGA budget remake of the relatively low budget original. There are numerous scenes that correlate, it’s just that T2 has the ability to go bigger in every instance. It follows the same exact formula.

Aliens tries a little harder to be different in my opinion. It tells a different story. Obviously it’s in the same universe and features the same alien organism, but it is almost a different genre of film altogether. The first is firmly in the horror realm. The sequel is a real edge of your seat thriller, but is more rooted in action. The first one is about atmosphere and the unknown, the sequel is about grit and adrenaline. Because of this, Aliens never feels like a retread, despite many of the same elements. Like I said, T2 at times feels like a big budget remake.

I realize I’m splitting hairs but, with that in mind, I would say Aliens is more essential as a continuation to the original story.