How to Watch the Alien Movies in Chronological Order

The Xenomorph, from the *Alien* franchise, is arguably cinema's most iconic and terrifying monster. Its acid blood, terrifying multiple mouths, and deadly claws practically invented the space horror genre, giving generations a new reason to fear the dark. With *Alien: Romulus* now streaming, you might be tempted for a complete *Alien* rewatch (including the *Alien vs. Predator* films, which *do* take place on Earth). But what's the optimal viewing order? We've got you covered with chronological and release date options.

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Chronological Order
Release Order

The *Alien* Movies in Chronological Order

How Many *Alien* Movies Are There?

There are nine films in the Alien franchise: four main entries, two Predator crossovers, two Ridley Scott prequels, and the recent standalone film, Alien: Romulus.

*Alien* Movies in Chronological Order

1. *AVP: Alien vs. Predator* (2004)

Chronologically, the Xenomorph saga begins with *AVP: Alien vs. Predator*. Set in 2004, this film depicts humans discovering that Predators have been visiting Earth for millennia, utilizing Xenomorph Queens for their ultimate hunting challenge. The 2004 hunt, however, goes disastrously wrong.

Alien vs. Predator
20th Century Fox
Aug 13, 2004
PG-13

Where to Watch: [Rent/Buy links]

2. *Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem* (2007)

Also set in the present day, *Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem* follows the events of the first crossover film. A Predalien is loose in a small Colorado town, and a Predator arrives to clean up the mess, resulting in significant carnage. This is the final crossover film in the franchise.

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
Davis Entertainment
Dec 25, 2007
R
[Streaming/Purchase links]

3. *Prometheus* (2012)

Ridley Scott's prequel, *Prometheus*, takes place in the late 21st century. A mission to find the creators of humanity uncovers a terrifying bioweapon: the Xenomorph.

Prometheus
Scott Free Productions
Jun 8, 2012
R
[Streaming/Purchase links]

4. *Alien: Covenant* (2017)

A sequel to *Prometheus*, *Alien: Covenant* follows a colonization ship's crew who investigate a distress signal, leading them to a planet with sinister secrets.

Alien: Covenant
Scott Free Productions
May 19, 2017
[Streaming/Purchase links]

5. *Alien* (1979)

Ridley Scott's original *Alien* follows the crew of the Nostromo as they encounter a terrifying alien creature.

Alien
Scott Free Productions
May 25, 1979
R
[Streaming/Purchase links]

6. *Alien: Romulus* (2024)

A standalone film set approximately 20 years after the original *Alien*, *Alien: Romulus* follows a group of space colonists who encounter a derelict Weyland-Yutani ship.

Alien: Romulus
Scott Free Productions
Aug 16, 2024
[Streaming/Purchase links]

7. *Aliens* (1986)

James Cameron's action-packed sequel, *Aliens*, features Ripley's return as she confronts a colony of Xenomorphs.

Aliens
20th Century Fox
Jul 18, 1986
R
[Streaming/Purchase links]

8. *Alien 3* (1992)

David Fincher's *Alien 3* finds Ripley on a prison planet battling a new Xenomorph threat.

Alien 3
20th Century Fox
May 22, 1992
R
[Streaming/Purchase links]

9. *Alien Resurrection* (1997)

The final installment in the Ripley saga, *Alien Resurrection*, takes place 200 years after *Alien 3* and involves Ripley clones and a military project to breed Xenomorphs.

Alien Resurrection
20th Century Fox
Nov 26, 1997
R
[Streaming/Purchase links]

How to Watch the *Alien* Movies by Release Date

The release order is: 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 (2024).

What's Next for the *Alien* Franchise?

Following the success of Alien: Romulus, a sequel is reportedly under consideration, with potential filming this year. Additionally, an Alien TV series, Alien: Earth, is in development at FX and expected to premiere on Hulu.