How to Watch theAlienMovies in Chronological Order: A Guide to the Iconic Sci-Fi Franchise

Mar. 15, 2025

Raoul Bova in Alien Vs. Predator (2004).Photo:Jurgen Vollmer/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

Jurgen Vollmer/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

The Xenomorph has terrorized audiences since its first appearance inAlien(1979), a film that remains one of the most influential sci-fi horror movies of all time.

With the release of the latest installment,Alien: Romulus, on Aug. 16, 2024, theAlienfranchise spans four decades.

Romulusfollows a group of young space explorers — Rain (Cailee Spaeny), Tyler (Archie Renaux), Kay (Isabela Merced), Bjorn (Spike Fearn) and an android named Andy (David Jonsson) — who stumble upon the wreckage of a space station, where they inevitably encounter a Xenomorph.

With its atmospheric tension and mesmerizing special effects, theAlienfranchise, which is streaming on Hulu, has captivated audiences for over 40 years and includes seven main films, twoAlien vs. Predatorcrossover movies and an upcoming FX series,Alien: Earth.

However, the timeline of the franchise is not as straightforward as the release dates suggest, and requires some jumping around when looking to watch the narrative unfold chronologically.

Here’s how to watch theAlienmovies in chronological order and where the latest installment,Alien: Romulus, falls in the timeline.

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)

Lance Henriksen in Alien vs. Predator (2004).Jurgen Vollmer/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

A fight ensues between long-dormant Xenomorphs and three Predator hunters, with the latter attempting to keep the monsters from reaching earth’s surface and wreaking havoc.

Reiko Aylesworth in Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007).20thC.Fox/Everett/Shutterstock

20thC.Fox/Everett/Shutterstock

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiemstarts right after the previous movie ends, in 2004.

The story follows the immediate aftermath of the battle, as the Xenomorphs and a new “Predalien” hybrid incite mayhem in a small Colorado town.

ogan Marshall-Green, Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender in Prometheus (2012).Scott Free Prod/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

Scott Free Prod/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

Prometheusis set in 2089 and follows archaeologists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) as they discover an ancient star map on Earth, which they interpret as an invitation from humanity’s creators.

This leads them to a distant moon in 2093, where they encounter the “Engineers,” the creators of the Xenomorphs and David (Michael Fassbender), an android with his own agenda. While classic Xenomorphs don’t appear, the film explores the origins of the species.

Amy Seimetz (left) and Carmen Ejogo (right) in Alien: Covenant (2017).20thCentFox/Everett/Shutterstock

20thCentFox/Everett/Shutterstock

Alien: Covenant, takes place in 2104, 11 years after the events ofPrometheus. Starring Fassbender as David 8 and Walter One, two synthetic androids, and Katherine Waterston as Daniels, the chief of terraforming and the wife of the late ship’s captain, Jacob Branson (James Franco).

The crew later discovers a horrifying truth about the origins of the Xenomorphs and their creators.

Sigourney Weaver, Yaphet Kotto, John Hurt and Tom Skerritt in Alien (1979).20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

The film introduces Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), who becomes the franchise’s central character. The movie’s blend of sci-fi and horror set the tone for the series and introduced the infamous Xenomorph.

Cailee Spaeny in Alien: Romulus (2024).Courtesy 20th Century Studios

Courtesy 20th Century Studios

Colette Hiller in Aliens (1986).20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

Sigourney Weaver in Aliens 3 (1992).20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

The film highlights Weyland-Yutani’s ongoing pursuit of the Xenomorph, with Ripley as the central figure. It’s soon discovered that she is infected and has a chest-burster growing inside her. In a desperate bid to prevent the alien from falling into the wrong hands, Ripley chooses to end her life along with the creature.

Winona Ryder in Alien: Resurrection (1997).20thC.Fox/Everett/Shutterstock

Alien: Resurrectiontakes a significant leap to 2381, 202 years after Ripley’s death. Scientists clone Ripley, along with the Xenomorph Queen embryo inside her, to study the aliens. The film explores the consequences of the cloning experiment and introducesWinona Ryderas Annalee Call, the newest member of the crew aboard the Betty ship.

Familiar with Ripley and the aliens, Call’s true nature is unveiled as the film progresses: she is a synthetic. Throughout the story, Call assists the remaining crew in communicating with the cloning scientists.

source: people.com