The Hero's Journey is the screenwriting and story structure template. By utilising this structure, screenwriters can quickly build effective and quality stories. There are more than 188 stages to the Hero's Journey.
Alien (1979)
Call to adventure: Mother diverts the Nostromo to the mystery planet. Dallas is informed when they wake from hibernation.
Refusal of the Call: Most of the crew resist the diversion. Specifically, Parker and Brett.
Supernatural Aid: The Supernatural Aid in this story is Mother herself – the Nostromo. But she is a dark mentor.
Crossing the First Threshold: The crew land on the Alien planet. Kane is attacked and brought on board – no going back.
Physical Separation from the Old World (Belly of the Whale): We learn about the alien (acid for blood); Dallas allows Ash to decide its fate; Dallas orders departure from the planet although the Nostromo is ill prepared.
Transformation (Road of Trials): The Alien pops out of Kane's chest, then kills Parker and then kills Dallas.
Meeting with the Goddess: Ripley gains access to Mother.
Woman as Temptress: Mother reveals the reality to Ripley.
Atonement: Battle with the Shape Shifter Ash.
Apotheosis: Ripley et al learn the truth from the revived robot, Ash.
Ultimate Boon: Ripley knows she must nuke the Nostromo.