Are you a fan of sci-fi and horror? If so, the “Alien” movie series is likely on your must-watch list. Knowing the correct order to watch the Alien movies can enhance your viewing experience. These films, featuring the iconic character Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, take you on a thrilling journey through space and survival.
Starting with the 1979 original “Alien,” this film series has expanded over the decades, including crossover films like “Alien vs. Predator” and prequels like “Prometheus.” Watching them in the right sequence can help you understand the storyline better and appreciate the intricate details.
If you’re eager to dive into the world of Xenomorphs, understanding the chronological order is key. It balances the thrill and horror while keeping the narrative engaging. Use the following guide to navigate through this iconic franchise and enjoy every suspenseful moment.
Alien Movies in Release Order
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien Resurrection (1997)
- AVP: Alien vs Predator (2004)
- Aliens vs Predator – Requiem (2007)
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien: Covenant (2017)
- Alien: Romulus (2024)
Alien Movies in Chronological Order
Here’s a guide to watching the Alien movies in order based on their in-universe timeline. This list includes prequels, main series entries, and crossovers.
1. Alien vs. Predator
Set in 2004, this film shows a conflict between the Yautja (Predators) and the Xenomorphs (Aliens) underneath an ancient pyramid in Antarctica. Humans get caught in the middle during a secret expedition funded by Charles Bishop Weyland. This movie explores the beginning of human encounters with these deadly creatures and the unknown history behind their existence on Earth.
IMDb Rating 5.7/10
2. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
Following the events of Alien vs. Predator, this movie takes place immediately after. The action shifts to a small town in Colorado where an injured Predator crashes, releasing Xenomorphs into the area. The movie continues exploring the conflict between the species, with local humans struggling to survive amidst the chaos. The Predator even attempts to clean up evidence of both species to keep them secret from humanity.
IMDb Rating 4.6/10
3. Prometheus
Set in 2093, Prometheus explores the origins of life on Earth. The crew of the spaceship Prometheus travels to a distant moon, LV-223, following clues about humanity’s creators—the Engineers. As they dig deeper into the mysteries, they discover dangerous bio-weapons and horrifying truths. This movie sets up many elements for the later Alien films, linking the Engineers to the creation of the Xenomorphs.
IMDb Rating 7.0/10
4. Alien: Covenant
Taking place in 2104, Alien: Covenant follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant. They uncover a seemingly uninhabited paradise, which is actually home to the synthetic humanoid David from Prometheus. As they explore, they encounter deadly creatures and uncover more about the Xenomorphs’ origins. The link between David’s experiments and the creation of the Xenomorph species is a key focus.
IMDb Rating 6.4/10
5. Alien
Set in 2122, the story follows the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo. They encounter a derelict alien ship, where one of the crew is attacked by a facehugger. This classic film introduces the terrifying Xenomorph as it stalks the crew. The movie also presents the iconic character Ellen Ripley, who becomes a central figure in the series.
IMDb Rating 8.5/10
6. Alien: Romulus
Details about Alien: Romulus remain limited. However, it is expected to advance the storyline and potentially fill in gaps between previous films. The movie aims to further explore the universe Ridley Scott created, building on the existing lore and characters. Keep an eye out for official updates and trailers for more information about what to expect.
IMDb Rating 7.4/10
7. Aliens
Set in 2179, Aliens follows Ellen Ripley as she returns to the moon LV-426, now colonized, where the crew of the Nostromo first encountered the Xenomorphs. The colony has lost contact, and Ripley joins a team of Colonial Marines to investigate. The movie features intense action as they battle numerous Xenomorphs and introduces the Alien Queen. Ripley’s relationship with the young girl Newt is also a key element.
IMDb Rating 8.4/10
8. Alien 3
Taking place shortly after Aliens, Ripley crash-lands on a prison planet inhabited by male inmates. As she recovers, she discovers an Alien Queen embryo inside her and must confront another deadly Xenomorph that begins hunting the prisoners. This darker, more somber film explores themes of sacrifice and survival as Ripley makes tough choices to stop the Xenomorph threat.
IMDb Rating 6.4/10
9. Alien: Resurrection
Set in 2379, Alien: Resurrection follows a cloned Ellen Ripley, who is brought back with a Xenomorph Queen embryo inside her. Scientists aim to exploit the alien species for military purposes, but things quickly go wrong as the aliens escape. This film mixes horror with action and introduces a hybrid creature. Ripley, along with a motley crew of mercenaries, must once again fight for their survival.
IMDb Rating 6.2/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct sequence to watch the Alien series?
To watch the Alien series in release order, start with Alien (1979), then Aliens (1986), followed by Alien 3 (1992), and Alien: Resurrection (1997). After that, you can watch the prequels: Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017).
How does the Prometheus film fit into the Alien franchise?
Prometheus (2012) is a prequel to the original Alien series. It explores the origins of the mysterious species known as the Engineers and hints at the creation of the Xenomorphs, the iconic alien creatures in the series.
What are all the films included in the Alien franchise?
The Alien franchise includes Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Alien 3 (1992), Alien: Resurrection (1997), Prometheus (2012), Alien: Covenant (2017), and the latest addition, Alien: Romulus.
Which Alien film comes first chronologically in the series?
Chronologically, Prometheus (2012) is the first film. It sets the stage for the events that lead up to the original Alien (1979) film, making it the starting point in the timeline.
How are the Alien and Predator series interconnected?
The relation between the Alien and Predator series is explored in crossover films like Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007). These movies bring together the Xenomorphs from the Alien series and the Predators from the Predator series, showing how they exist in the same universe.
Is Alien: Romulus a continuation of the series after Alien: Covenant?
Alien: Romulus follows the events of Alien: Covenant (2017), continuing the storyline with new characters and a new alien creature. This makes it an essential part of the extended Alien saga and the next chapter after the Covenant.
