Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott’s impact on modern cinema and pop culture is unarguably iconic. Amongst the hundreds of sci-fi, crime and historical dramas he may have directed, his Alien franchise is a cornerstone of modern science-fiction cinema.
From the chilling introduction of the evil movie monster Xenomorph in the 1979 classic to the more recent explorations of extraterrestrial terror, the series has captivated audiences with its blend of horror, suspense and cutting-edge visual effects. With eight mainline films, Predator crossovers, and prequels, the Alien universe is as complex as deep space. So, for fans eager to delve into the depths of this iconic saga, understanding the Alien movies in order is essential.
As rumours of new additions to the sci-fi horror franchise swirl, including the eagerly anticipated Alien: Romulus on 16 August 2024, now is the perfect time to revisit the Alien movie timeline and sign up for a movie marathon with these cinematic milestones.
Here’s unravelling the Alien universe with all the movies in the correct order, one spine-chilling chapter at a time. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, prepare for a journey that will leave you invested in humanity’s encounter with the unknown.
All the ‘Alien’ movies in chronological order
From the groundbreaking terror of the original Alien (1979) to the enigmatic world-building of Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017), here’s looking at the Alien movies in chronological order.
1. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
The Xenomorph saga begins chronologically with AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004), the inaugural clash between two cinematic behemoths. Helmed by Paul W. S. Anderson, renowned for his work on Resident Evil, the first Alien movie in order of chronology brings to life the long-awaited showdown first envisioned in a 1989 comic series.
Set against the backdrop of 2004, AVP reveals a mysterious history of extraterrestrial encounters on Earth. Humanity stumbles upon a chilling revelation: Predators, known as the ‘Yautja,’ have been visiting our planet for millennia. Ancient cults, venerating these formidable hunters, perform gruesome rites to summon Xenomorph Queens, birthing the iconic face-huggers and unleashing the terror of adult Xenomorphs upon the world.
What ensues is a cataclysmic clash as the Predators embark on a hunt for the ultimate prey, leading to unforeseen consequences for both species.
Where to Watch: Hulu to stream, Prime Video to rent
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2. Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)
In the wake of the carnage depicted in AVP, the tumultuous aftermath unfolds in 2007’s Aliens vs Predator: Requiem. Picking up immediately where its predecessor left off, this sequel thrusts viewers into a harrowing tale set against the backdrop of a tranquil American town.
Following the crash of a Predator alien ship carrying face-huggers, the idyllic setting is plunged into chaos as Xenomorphs multiply uncontrollably. Amidst the escalating terror, a formidable Predator is dispatched to contain the burgeoning infestation. However, the stakes are raised with the emergence of a menacing hybrid known as the ‘Predalien,’ heralding a new wave of terror.
Set against the backdrop of modern times, Requiem serves as a chilling precursor to the events that unfold across the wider Alien universe. As the final crossover instalment in the franchise, it delivers a thrilling climax to the epic confrontation between two iconic species.
Where to Watch: Starz to stream, Prime Video to rent
3. Prometheus (2012)
Oscar-winning director Ridley Scott returned to the helm of his Alien franchise with the mesmerising prequel, Prometheus (2012). Set in the late 21st century, the film transports audiences on a cosmic journey fuelled by the quest for humanity’s origins.
At the behest of the enigmatic industrialist Peter Weyland, whose lineage is purportedly intertwined with that of AVP’s Charles Weyland, the crew of the Prometheus embarks on a perilous journey into uncharted territories of the cosmos. Their mission: to unlock the secrets of a celestial map discovered on Earth, believed to hold the key to humanity’s genesis.
Led by a stellar ensemble cast including Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba and Charlize Theron, Prometheus unravels a tapestry of mystery as the crew encounters their enigmatic creators and confronts the devastating bio-weapons they left behind. As the boundaries between science and mythology blur, the stage is set for a gripping exploration of existential questions and the darkest depths of the human psyche.
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix and Prime Video to rent
4. Alien: Covenant (2017)
Continuing the narrative woven by its predecessor, Alien: Covenant (2017) propels audiences deeper into the enigmatic realms of prequel lore. Set 11 years after the events of Prometheus, this gripping sequel charts the perilous voyage of a colonisation ship bound for a distant paradise.
As the crew emerges prematurely from stasis, they are drawn towards a tantalising distress signal from an uncharted world, beckoning them towards an elusive utopia. However, their expedition takes a sinister turn upon discovering a derelict ship entwined with the mysteries of their past encounter.
While not directly leading to the doorstep of the seminal 1979 classic, this instalment tantalisingly sets the stage for further revelations in the ever-expanding saga of terror and intrigue.
Where to Watch: DirecTV to stream, Prime Video to rent
5. Alien (1979)
Up next in our list of Alien movies in order of chronology is the original instalment.
Redefining the landscape of space and sci-fi cinema, Ridley Scott’s first masterpiece, Alien (1979), stands as a haunting testament to the horrors lurking amidst the cosmos. Set aboard the commercial space tug, the Nostromo, the film thrusts viewers into a harrowing trail as the crew unwittingly stumbles upon a desolate moon teeming with unspeakable terror.
With an ensemble cast led by Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Yaphet Kotto, and the iconic Sigourney Weaver as the indomitable Ripley, Alien plunges audiences into a nightmarish battle for survival against an extraterrestrial horror unlike any witnessed before.
As the crew grapples with the unfathomable menace of the Xenomorph, a sinister cycle of death and rebirth unfolds, shattering the illusion of safety in the vast expanse of space.
Where to Watch: Hulu to stream, Prime Video to rent
6. Aliens (1986)
For Aliens (1986), director James Cameron stepped into the director’s chair to deliver a relentless onslaught of terror and action, turning the slow-burning horror of the original into a high-octane thrill ride.
Returning as the iconic Ellen Ripley, Sigourney Weaver plays the action hero icon, leading a formidable cast into battle against the relentless Xenomorph menace. This electrifying sequel introduces audiences to the concept of space marines, only to subvert expectations with their harrowing struggle against overwhelming odds. With its pulse-pounding action, memorable dialogues, and groundbreaking special effects, Aliens cements its status as a genre-defining classic, taking the franchise to new heights.
Where to Watch: DirecTV to stream, Prime Video to rent
7. Alien 3 (1992)
After Cameron, David Fincher took on the reigns for Alien 3 (1992) and made his directorial debut. Despite initial reception, the film has garnered a retrospective appreciation over the past three decades, its grim and haunting narrative leaving an indelible mark on the franchise.
Picking up directly where its predecessor left off, Alien 3 thrusts audiences into the heart of darkness as the Colonial Marine spaceship, the Sulaco, meets a catastrophic demise at the hands of a lurking Xenomorph. With Ripley’s escape pod hurtling towards a desolate planet housing a bleak penal colony, a new nightmare begins to unfold.
As Ripley, portrayed once again by the iconic Sigourney Weaver, finds herself amidst a motley crew of inmates, they must confront the relentless terror of the Xenomorph before it consumes them all.
Where to Watch: Hulu to stream, Prime Video to rent
8. Alien Resurrection (1997)
Last up on our list to watch Alien movies in order is 1997’s Alien Resurrection which ventures two centuries beyond the harrowing events of Aliens and Alien 3. The movie plunges audiences into a dystopian future where the boundaries between humanity and monstrosity blur. Directed by the visionary Jean-Pierre Jeunet, known for his work on The City of Lost Children and Amélie, this bizarrely horrific chapter unfolds with a distinctively surreal and cartoonish flair.
Set aboard the USM Auriga, a military project delves into the darkest recesses of genetic manipulation, using cloned iterations of Ellen Ripley and kidnapped humans to breed Xenomorphs for nefarious purposes. As the experiment spirals out of control, a new ensemble of space grunts, portrayed by the likes of Ron Perlman, Dan Hedaya, J. E. Freeman, Brad Dourif, and Michael Wincott, find themselves thrust into a nightmarish battle for survival against a relentless tide of terror.
While Alien Resurrection concludes with a tantalising hint of Xenomorphs descending upon Earth, the narrative arc remains unresolved, existing only in the realm of speculation and crossover prequels such as AVP.
Where to Watch: Hulu to stream, Prime Video to rent
How to watch the ‘Alien’ movies in order of release date
For sci-fi fans eager to experience the cinematic journey of the Alien franchise in the order of their theatrical releases, here’s the definitive sequence:
- 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 (upcoming)
Where does the upcoming movie ‘Alien: Romulus’ fit in the franchise?
Wondering where the upcoming Alien movie fits in order of chronology?
Director Fede Álvarez is all set to showcase unparalleled terror with Alien: Romulus. slated to release on 16 August 2024. Positioned as an interquel within the Alien franchise, the Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson and Archie Renaux starrer is poised to captivate audiences with its standalone narrative, situated between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986).
With promises to elevate the haunting atmosphere synonymous with the franchise, the upcoming movie marks the seventh instalment in the Alien saga, or the ninth overall when considering crossover films. As anticipation builds for this thrilling addition to the franchise, fans can anticipate a cinematic experience that pushes the boundaries of terror, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic universe crafted by Ridley Scott.
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(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/Alien: Covenant/Prometheus)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– How many Alien movies are there?
There are eight released Alien movies and a ninth film in the pipeline — Alien: Romulus, slated to release on 16 August 2024.
–Which Alien movie should I watch first?
Start with Prometheus (2012) if you prefer chronological order, or Alien (1979) to watch in release order.
– What is the correct order to watch Alien movies chronologically?
Start with AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004), Aliens vs Predator – Requiem (2007), Prometheus (2012), Alien: Covenant (2017), Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Alien 3 (1992), Alien Resurrection (1997).
