How to Watch the Alien Movies in Chronological Order

The Alien franchise, a cornerstone of science fiction horror, boasts a terrifyingly cool antagonist: the Xenomorph. Its acidic blood, terrifying double-mouthed maw, and wicked claws cemented its place in cinematic history, spawning countless imitators and nightmares. With the recent release of Alien: Romulus, many are revisiting the entire saga, including the Alien/Predator crossovers. But what's the best viewing order? This guide offers two options: chronological and release order.

Jump to:

• Chronological Order
• Release Order

How Many Alien Movies Are There?

Nine films comprise the Alien franchise: four main entries, two Predator crossovers, two Ridley Scott prequels, and the latest standalone film by Fede Álvarez.

Alien: Chronological Viewing Order

1. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004): This crossover film initiates the Xenomorph timeline, depicting Predators' centuries-long practice of hunting Xenomorphs bred from human sacrifices.

AVP: Alien vs. Predator 20th Century Fox, Aug 13, 2004, PG-13 Where to Watch

2. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007): The sequel to AVP, featuring a Predalien loose in a Colorado town.

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem Davis Entertainment, Dec 25, 2007, R Where to Watch

3. Prometheus (2012): Ridley Scott's prequel explores the origins of humanity and the Xenomorph's creation.

Prometheus Scott Free Productions, Jun 8, 2012, R Where to Watch

4. Alien: Covenant (2017): A sequel to Prometheus, following a colonization ship encountering sinister elements linked to the previous film.

Alien: Covenant Scott Free Productions, May 19, 2017, R Where to Watch

5. Alien (1979): The original film, introducing the Nostromo crew's encounter with a Xenomorph.

Alien Scott Free Productions, May 25, 1979, R Where to Watch

6. Alien: Romulus (2024): A standalone film set 20 years after the original Alien.

Alien: Romulus Scott Free Productions, Aug 16, 2024, R Where to Watch

7. Aliens (1986): James Cameron's action-packed sequel.

Aliens 20th Century Fox, Jul 18, 1986, R Where to Watch

8. Alien 3 (1992): David Fincher's darker entry in the series.

Alien 3 20th Century Fox, May 22, 1992, R Where to Watch

9. Alien Resurrection (1997): The final chapter of Ripley's saga.

Alien Resurrection 20th Century Fox, Nov 26, 1997, R Where to Watch

Alien Movies in Release Order:

1. Alien (1979)
2. Aliens (1986)
3. Alien 3 (1992)
4. Alien Resurrection (1997)
5. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
6. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
7. Prometheus (2012)
8. Alien: Covenant (2017)
9. Alien: Romulus (2024)

The Future of the Alien Franchise:

Following the success of Alien: Romulus, discussions for a sequel are underway, with director Fede Álvarez hinting at potential production this year. Additionally, an FX TV series, Alien: Earth, a prequel focusing on a Xenomorph invasion of Earth, is expected to premiere on Hulu.