How to Watch Alien Movies in Order: 9-Film Chronological Guide

Explore the Alien franchise – Watch every Xenomorph film in both timeline and release order, including crossovers and prequels.

By Shinta

Alien Movies in Order: A Complete Chronological and Release Guide

The Alien franchise remains one of science fiction’s most iconic, blending horror, suspense, and interstellar adventure in a saga spanning over four decades. This guide will help both newcomers and longtime fans navigate the complex Alien universe—covering every film, crossover, and prequel, along with helpful references for streaming and chronology.

Table of Contents

Alien Movies in Chronological Order

Watching the Alien franchise in chronological order—reflecting the internal story timeline—offers a uniquely immersive experience, revealing the evolution of the Xenomorph mythos from its prehistoric origins to the far future. Here’s the correct viewing order based on the narrative chronology:

  • Alien vs. Predator (2004)
  • Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
  • Prometheus (2012)
  • Alien: Covenant (2017)
  • Alien (1979)
  • Aliens (1986)
  • Alien 3 (1992)
  • Alien: Resurrection (1997)
  • Alien: Romulus (2024)

Note: The Alien vs. Predator films are crossovers and their canonical status within the main Alien timeline is debated among fans. However, they chronologically precede the prequels and main saga according to most viewing guides.

Alien Movies in Release Order

For purists or those who want to experience the evolution of the franchise as audiences did, here’s the Alien saga in release order:

  • Alien (1979)
  • Aliens (1986)
  • Alien 3 (1992)
  • Alien: Resurrection (1997)
  • Alien vs. Predator (2004)
  • Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
  • Prometheus (2012)
  • Alien: Covenant (2017)
  • Alien: Romulus (2024)

The Main Alien Films

The core of the Alien franchise is comprised of four main entries, each introducing new lore, characters, and variations of the terrifying Xenomorph.

  • Alien (1979)
    Director: Ridley Scott
    Overview: The Nostromo’s crew investigates a mysterious signal on a desolate planet, only to unleash the galaxy’s deadliest lifeform. Sigourney Weaver stars as Ellen Ripley, launching the franchise’s legacy of sci-fi horror.
  • Aliens (1986)
    Director: James Cameron
    Overview: Ripley returns, leading a squad of Colonial Marines back to LV-426. The action and stakes are heightened in this fan-favorite sequel.
  • Alien 3 (1992)
    Director: David Fincher
    Overview: After crash-landing on a prison planet, Ripley faces a new breed of Xenomorph—and an impossible choice.
  • Alien: Resurrection (1997)
    Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
    Overview: Set 200 years after Alien 3, Ripley is cloned to extract the alien Queen inside her, unleashing horror yet again in a world transformed by advanced genetics.

Alien vs. Predator Crossovers

The Alien vs. Predator (AvP) movies are bold experiments that unite the Xenomorphs with another deadly extra-terrestrial: the Predator. While their canon status in the main saga is debated, they’re an adrenaline-filled addition for franchise completionists.

  • Alien vs. Predator (2004)
    Director: Paul W. S. Anderson
    Overview: Scientists discover an ancient pyramid beneath the Antarctic ice, only to realize it’s a battleground between the Predators and the Xenomorphs.
  • Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
    Director: Colin and Greg Strause
    Overview: The conflict spills into small-town America as a Predator hunts down a Xenomorph outbreak—introducing the hybrid Predalien.

The Prequel Era

Director Ridley Scott returned decades later to explore the origins of the Xenomorph, human curiosity, and the perils of cosmic hubris.

  • Prometheus (2012)
    Director: Ridley Scott
    Overview: Set at the end of the 21st century, the spaceship Prometheus embarks on a mission to discover humanity’s creators—a journey that uncovers an ancient, deadly secret.
  • Alien: Covenant (2017)
    Director: Ridley Scott
    Overview: The colony ship Covenant stumbles upon a remote planet and a sinister survivor, as the Xenomorph’s terrifying evolution accelerates.

Alien: Romulus (2024) – The Newest Installment

Alien: Romulus is the latest addition to the franchise, set between Alien and Aliens on the timeline. The film follows a group of young space explorers—Rain, Tyler, Kay, Bjorn, and an android named Andy—who come across a derelict space station and face fresh horrors from the ever-evolving Xenomorph. Romulus returns to the franchise’s roots, embracing atmospheric horror and spectacular practical effects.

Tips for Watching the Alien Franchise

  • Chronology vs. Release: Decide if you want to follow the story from its cosmic beginnings (chronological order) or experience the narrative and technical evolution as audiences did (release order).
  • Where to Stream: Many Alien films are available on major streaming services such as Hulu. Consult our Alien streaming guide for the latest availability.
  • Connector Films: The AvP entries are for fans who want to see every possible Xenomorph appearance. They’re not necessary for the main storyline but provide extra lore and crossover action.
  • TV Expansion: The universe is expanding, with an upcoming FX series Alien: Earth on the horizon, promising even more storylines to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the correct order to watch the Alien movies?

A: You can watch in chronological order (starting with Alien vs. Predator, then Prometheus, up to Alien: Romulus) for story progression, or in release order for the classic experience.

Q: Are the Alien vs. Predator movies part of the main Alien timeline?

A: Their canonical status is debated. They serve as crossovers, but many fans include them for a complete chronological watch.

Q: What is Alien: Romulus about?

A: Set between Alien and Aliens, Romulus follows a new cast as they discover a wrecked space station and a Xenomorph threat.

Q: How are the prequel films connected to the original series?

A: Prometheus and Alien: Covenant explore the origins of the Xenomorph and the mysterious Engineers, serving as a prelude to the events of the 1979 classic.

Q: Where can I stream all the Alien movies?

A: Most Alien films are available on major platforms like Hulu. Always check current availability as the catalog changes regularly.

Comparison Table: Alien Movies Order

TitleRelease YearTimeline PositionDirector
Alien vs. Predator2004EarliestPaul W.S. Anderson
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem2007EarlyColin & Greg Strause
Prometheus2012Prequel EraRidley Scott
Alien: Covenant2017Prequel EraRidley Scott
Alien1979Main SagaRidley Scott
Aliens1986Main SagaJames Cameron
Alien 31992Main SagaDavid Fincher
Alien: Resurrection1997Main SagaJean-Pierre Jeunet
Alien: Romulus2024Between Alien & AliensFede Álvarez

Conclusion

The Alien series continues to inspire and terrify with its blend of cosmic horror, action, and deep-space dread. Whether you prefer to watch in chronological or release order, the Xenomorph’s legacy remains one of science fiction’s darkest and most enduring. Stay tuned for new chapters—on the big screen and beyond!

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Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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