The Alien movies can be watched in more than one order, but the correct order depends on whether you want to follow the story chronologically within the Alien universe or experience the franchise the way audiences originally did as each film was released. Because the series includes sequels, prequels, and crossover films, the answer to “Alien movies in order” is not a single list but two main viewing paths, each offering a very different experience.
Table of Contents
Alien Movies in Release Order
Alien Movies in Chronological Order
Where the Prequels Fit in the Timeline
Do Alien vs Predator Movies Count
Which Order Is Best for First-Time Viewers
Watching the Alien franchise in release order is the most straightforward and widely recommended approach, especially for first-time viewers. This order preserves how the mythology, tone, and themes evolved over time and avoids confusion caused by retroactive lore changes introduced by later films.
The franchise begins with Alien (1979), a pure sci-fi horror film that introduces the Xenomorph, the Weyland-Yutani corporation, and Ellen Ripley. This movie establishes the franchise’s defining tone of isolation, body horror, and corporate indifference.
Aliens (1986) follows and shifts the tone from slow-burning horror to action-heavy survival, expanding the mythology by introducing the Xenomorph queen and large-scale infestations. It also deepens Ripley’s character and cements her as the emotional core of the series.
Alien 3 (1992) continues Ripley’s story in a much darker, more nihilistic direction, focusing on inevitability, sacrifice, and containment. While divisive, it completes Ripley’s arc in the original trilogy.
Alien: Resurrection (1997) takes place centuries later and explores cloning, identity, and genetic experimentation. Its tone is stranger and more stylized, reflecting late-90s sci-fi trends.
After the Ripley saga, the franchise branched into crossovers with Alien vs Predator (2004) and Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007). These films exist largely outside the main narrative and are more monster-driven than character-driven.
The series then shifted backward in time with Prometheus (2012), a prequel that explores humanity’s creators and the origins of the technology that eventually leads to the Xenomorph.
Alien: Covenant (2017) continues the prequel storyline and moves closer to the events of the original Alien, blending philosophical sci-fi with familiar horror elements.
Alien: Romulus (2024) returns to the franchise’s horror roots and is set between Alien and Aliens, focusing on new characters while fitting into the existing timeline.
Chronological order follows the internal timeline of the Alien universe rather than release dates. This approach emphasizes lore continuity but can feel more complex because later films reinterpret earlier ideas.
The timeline begins with Prometheus, which takes place decades before the original Alien. It explores the Engineers, the creation of life, and the early stages of biological experimentation that eventually result in Xenomorph-like creatures.
Alien: Covenant comes next and bridges the gap between Prometheus and the classic films, showing how artificial intelligence, human ambition, and bioengineering converge to shape the horrors seen later.
Alien: Earth, a television series, is set shortly before the original Alien and expands the universe to include events happening on Earth itself.
Alien (1979) follows, marking humanity’s first direct encounter with a fully realized Xenomorph aboard the Nostromo.
Alien: Romulus takes place after Alien but before Aliens, exploring the consequences of corporate obsession with Xenomorph research during that gap.
Aliens occurs decades later and shows what happens when corporate interests attempt to weaponize the creatures on a larger scale.
Alien 3 follows immediately after Aliens and concludes Ripley’s story through sacrifice and containment.
Alien: Resurrection is set centuries later and deals with cloning, hybridization, and the long-term consequences of humanity’s refusal to let go of the Xenomorph.
The prequel films significantly alter how the Alien universe is understood. Rather than portraying the Xenomorph as a purely unknown cosmic horror, the prequels frame it as the result of experimentation, artificial intelligence, and human hubris. This shift is controversial among fans because it replaces mystery with explanation. Watching the prequels first provides context, but watching them later preserves the fear and ambiguity of the original film.
The Alien vs Predator films exist in a gray area. They are officially licensed and feature Xenomorphs, but their timelines conflict with later prequels. Most fans treat them as optional side stories rather than essential entries. They can be watched at any point without affecting understanding of the core Alien saga.
For first-time viewers, release order is generally the best way to watch the Alien movies. It preserves mystery, character development, and tonal progression. Chronological order is better suited for repeat viewers who want to explore lore connections and thematic continuity.
Ultimately, the Alien franchise is less about strict timeline logic and more about atmosphere, fear, and humanity’s relationship with technology and power. The order you choose shapes how those ideas unfold, but both paths lead through one of science fiction’s most enduring horror universes.