Alien Movies In Order: Your Ultimate Viewing Guide

**For decades, the Alien franchise has terrified and fascinated audiences, plunging them into the darkest corners of space where humanity faces its most primal fears embodied by the terrifying Xenomorph. With a legacy spanning over 40 years and a new installment on the horizon, understanding how to watch the Alien movies in order can be a daunting task. Whether you're a seasoned fan looking to revisit the series or a newcomer eager to experience the horror for the first time, getting the viewing order right can significantly enhance your journey through this iconic sci-fi horror saga.** This comprehensive guide will break down the various ways to watch the *Alien* universe, offering insights into each film's plot, critical reception, and its place within the larger narrative. From Ridley Scott's groundbreaking original to the upcoming 2024 sequel, *Alien: Romulus*, we'll help you navigate the intricate timelines and decide the best way to immerse yourself in the human-versus-Xenomorph struggle.

Table of Contents

• The Enduring Legacy of the Alien Franchise
• Navigating the Xenomorph Universe: Understanding Viewing Orders
• How to Watch the Alien Movies in Release Order
  • Alien (1979): The Genesis of Terror
  • Aliens (1986): More Action, More Horror
  • Alien 3 (1992): A Bleaker Future
  • Alien Resurrection (1997): A Twisted Rebirth
• The Crossover Saga: Alien vs. Predator
• The Prequels: Unraveling the Origins
  • Prometheus (2012): Searching for Creators
  • Alien: Covenant (2017): A New Genesis of Horror
• The Future of Fear: Alien: Romulus (2024)
• How to Watch the Alien Movies in Chronological Order
• Which Viewing Order is Right for You?

The Enduring Legacy of the Alien Franchise

The *Alien* series began with Ripley’s journey back in 1979, as she encountered the Xenomorph for the first time. This initial encounter, masterfully directed by Ridley Scott, redefined sci-fi horror, blending claustrophobic suspense with groundbreaking creature design. The film introduced Ellen Ripley, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, a character who would become one of cinema's most iconic heroes. Her resilience and unwavering fight against the extraterrestrial menace formed the backbone of the original quadrilogy, establishing a universe steeped in corporate greed, biological terror, and the sheer will to survive. Over the decades, the franchise has expanded significantly, incorporating sequels, prequels, and even crossover films that delve into the origins of the Xenomorph and its interactions with other iconic creatures like the Predator. This expansion has created a rich, albeit sometimes complex, tapestry of lore, making the question of how to watch the **alien movies in order** a common query among fans.

Navigating the Xenomorph Universe: Understanding Viewing Orders

When it comes to watching the *Alien* movies, viewers can either watch them in chronological or release date order. Each approach offers a distinct viewing experience. Watching in release order allows you to experience the films as audiences originally did, witnessing the evolution of filmmaking techniques, narrative styles, and the deepening lore over time. This can be particularly satisfying from a historical perspective. On the other hand, watching the **alien movies in order** chronologically provides a more linear narrative, potentially enhancing the understanding of the overarching story arcs and the origins of the Xenomorph. Feeling ambitious and want to experience the full epic *Alien* and *Predator* cinematic universe in chronological order from the 1700s through to the 2300s? Then a chronological watch might be for you. Let's break down both options, providing the plot, rating, and critics' consensus for each film.

How to Watch the Alien Movies in Release Order

If you don’t care so much about timelines and lore and simply want to experience the films as they were originally presented to the world, then watching the **alien movies in order** of their theatrical release is the most straightforward approach. This method allows you to appreciate the progression of storytelling and special effects across the decades.

Alien (1979): The Genesis of Terror

* **Plot:** The crew of the commercial spacecraft Nostromo is awakened from stasis by a mysterious distress signal on a desolate planet. Investigating the signal, they discover a derelict alien spacecraft and a chamber filled with strange, leathery eggs. When one of the eggs hatches, a small, parasitic creature attaches itself to a crew member, leading to a terrifying chain of events as a deadly alien organism begins to hunt them down one by one. * **Rating (Rotten Tomatoes):** 93% Fresh * **Critics' Consensus:** A timeless masterpiece of sci-fi horror, *Alien* masterfully blends suspense, atmosphere, and a terrifying creature design to deliver a truly unsettling and unforgettable experience. It set a new standard for the genre.

Aliens (1986): More Action, More Horror

* **Plot:** Fifty-seven years after the events of *Alien*, Ellen Ripley is rescued from deep space. She learns that the planet where her crew first encountered the Xenomorphs has been colonized. When contact with the colony is lost, Ripley reluctantly agrees to return with a squad of heavily armed colonial marines to investigate. What they find is a full-blown infestation, leading to an intense battle for survival against an entire hive of creatures, including the formidable Alien Queen. * **Rating (Rotten Tomatoes):** 98% Fresh * **Critics' Consensus:** James Cameron's *Aliens* is a rare sequel that surpasses its predecessor, delivering an exhilarating, action-packed thrill ride that expands the universe while maintaining the horror. It's a masterclass in sci-fi action filmmaking.

Alien 3 (1992): A Bleaker Future

* **Plot:** Ripley's escape pod crash-lands on Fiorina "Fury" 161, a desolate maximum-security prison planet inhabited by male inmates with a genetic predisposition for violence. She soon discovers that a Xenomorph egg was on board her pod, and a new creature has hatched within the facility, preying on the unarmed prisoners. Ripley must rally the reluctant inmates to fight the creature, all while dealing with her own devastating revelation. * **Rating (Rotten Tomatoes):** 47% Rotten * **Critics' Consensus:** While visually distinctive and boasting a strong performance from Sigourney Weaver, *Alien 3* struggles to find its footing amidst a bleak tone and a controversial narrative direction that divided critics and fans alike.

Alien Resurrection (1997): A Twisted Rebirth

* **Plot:** 200 years after Ripley's death, military scientists on the research vessel USM Auriga successfully clone her, along with the Alien Queen embryo that was inside her. The goal is to breed Xenomorphs for study and weaponization. However, the cloned Ripley possesses enhanced strength and an unsettling connection to the creatures. When the Xenomorphs inevitably escape, Ripley must team up with a group of smugglers to stop them before they reach Earth. * **Rating (Rotten Tomatoes):** 54% Rotten * **Critics' Consensus:** *Alien Resurrection* features inventive creature effects and a bold, if bizarre, premise, but its uneven tone and convoluted plot prevent it from fully recapturing the magic of its predecessors. It's a visually striking but ultimately mixed bag.

The Crossover Saga: Alien vs. Predator

Before the prequels explored the Xenomorph's origins, the franchise ventured into a crossover with another iconic sci-fi creature: the Predator. These films are generally considered outside the main *Alien* canon by many fans but offer an interesting expansion of the universe. * **Alien vs. Predator (2004)** * **Plot:** A team of archaeologists and scientists is sent to investigate a mysterious heat signature beneath the ice of Bouvetøya Island in the Antarctic. They discover an ancient pyramid that serves as a hunting ground where Predators come to battle Xenomorphs as a rite of passage. Humanity is caught in the middle of this deadly interspecies war. This movie also stars Tom. * **Rating (Rotten Tomatoes):** 22% Rotten * **Critics' Consensus:** *Alien vs. Predator* delivers on its titular promise with some exciting action sequences, but its thin plot, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on CGI ultimately make it a disappointing entry for fans of either franchise. * **Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)** * **Plot:** Immediately after the events of *Alien vs. Predator*, a Predator ship crashes in Colorado, unleashing a new hybrid creature known as the Predalien, along with several facehuggers, into a small town. A lone Predator arrives on Earth to clean up the mess, leading to a brutal, no-holds-barred fight between the two species, with the town's inhabitants caught in the crossfire. * **Rating (Rotten Tomatoes):** 12% Rotten * **Critics' Consensus:** Dark, gory, and often incomprehensible, *Alien vs. Predator: Requiem* is a messy and unsatisfying sequel that fails to deliver on its potential, leaving audiences frustrated by its lack of clarity and excessive violence.

The Prequels: Unraveling the Origins

Ridley Scott returned to the director's chair to explore the origins of the Xenomorph and the mysterious "Space Jockey" race introduced in the original *Alien*. These films delve into philosophical questions about creation, humanity's place in the universe, and the dark consequences of seeking answers beyond our understanding.

Prometheus (2012): Searching for Creators

* **Plot:** A team of scientists embarks on a deep-space expedition aboard the starship Prometheus, following ancient star maps that they believe lead to the engineers of humanity. On a distant moon, they discover a massive alien structure containing evidence of a highly advanced, yet dangerous, civilization. Their search for answers quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival as they uncover horrifying secrets about life, death, and creation. * **Rating (Rotten Tomatoes):** 73% Fresh * **Critics' Consensus:** *Prometheus* is a visually stunning and intellectually ambitious sci-fi epic that, despite some narrative flaws, delivers a thought-provoking and terrifying experience that expands the *Alien* universe in intriguing ways.

Alien: Covenant (2017): A New Genesis of Horror

* **Plot:** Ten years after the events of *Prometheus*, the colony ship Covenant is on its way to a remote planet, Origae-6, with thousands of colonists in cryo-sleep. A sudden neutrino burst damages the ship, forcing the crew to wake up. They intercept a human signal from a nearby, uncharted planet that appears to be a paradise. Investigating, they discover a world inhabited only by the synthetic David, the sole survivor of the Prometheus expedition, and encounter new, terrifying forms of life. * **Rating (Rotten Tomatoes):** 65% Fresh * **Critics' Consensus:** *Alien: Covenant* delivers visceral thrills and a return to the franchise's horror roots, but its philosophical ambitions sometimes clash with its desire for traditional scares, resulting in a solid but uneven entry.

The Future of Fear: Alien: Romulus (2024)

The *Alien* series is set to become nine films long with the upcoming release of *Alien: Romulus*, heading to streaming platforms very soon. This new installment promises to take the franchise back to its terrifying roots. * **Alien: Romulus (2024)** * **Plot:** While specific plot details are still under wraps, *Alien: Romulus* is set to take place between *Alien* (1979) and *Aliens* (1986). It reportedly follows a group of young space scavengers who encounter the Xenomorph on a derelict space station. Early reports suggest a return to the claustrophobic, intense horror of the original film, focusing on a new cast of characters trying to survive against the iconic creature. This placement in the timeline suggests it will fill in some of the narrative gaps between Ripley's initial escape and her subsequent rescue. * **Anticipation:** High anticipation for a return to pure horror, with a focus on practical effects and suspense, aiming to recapture the dread that made the original films so impactful.

How to Watch the Alien Movies in Chronological Order

For those who prefer a linear story progression, watching the **alien movies in order** of their in-universe timeline can offer a different perspective, particularly by starting with the *Predator* and *Alien vs. Predator* films, which establish ancient lore. Chronological order is fairly simple, as it is the *Predator vs. Alien* movies, followed by the prequels and original series. This order attempts to create a cohesive narrative from the earliest events to the latest. Here’s a guide to watching the **alien movies in order** based on their in-universe chronology: 1. **Alien vs. Predator (2004):** Set in 2004, this film establishes the ancient history of the Xenomorphs and Predators on Earth. 2. **Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007):** Takes place immediately after the events of *Alien vs. Predator*, continuing the story of the alien outbreak on Earth. 3. **Prometheus (2012):** Set in 2093, this film begins the prequel storyline, exploring humanity's search for its creators and the origins of the black goo pathogen. 4. **Alien: Covenant (2017):** Set in 2104, this sequel to *Prometheus* further explores the Engineers, David's experiments, and the evolution of the Xenomorph. 5. **Alien (1979):** Set in 2122, this is where the original terror begins for Ripley and the crew of the Nostromo. 6. **Alien: Romulus (2024):** Set to take place between *Alien* and *Aliens*, likely sometime between 2122 and 2179, exploring events that bridge the gap between Ripley's initial encounter and her rescue. 7. **Aliens (1986):** Set in 2179, Ripley returns to LV-426 with the Colonial Marines. 8. **Alien 3 (1992):** Set in 2179, immediately following the events of *Aliens*, with Ripley's crash landing on Fiorina 161. 9. **Alien Resurrection (1997):** Set in 2379, 200 years after Ripley's death, featuring her clone and the further evolution of the Xenomorphs. This ultimate *Alien* and *Predator* movies chronological order list provides a comprehensive journey through the entire cinematic universe, from ancient conflicts to future horrors.

Which Viewing Order is Right for You?

Deciding how to watch all of the **alien movies in order** ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you hope to gain from the experience. * **Release Order (Recommended for First-Timers):** * **Pros:** This is perhaps the most satisfying from a historical and artistic perspective. You witness the evolution of special effects, storytelling, and directorial visions. The original *Alien* and its sequels (*Aliens*, *Alien 3*, *Alien Resurrection*) build upon each other naturally. The prequels, when watched after the original series, offer a fresh perspective on the lore without spoiling the mysteries of the earlier films. * **Cons:** The *Alien vs. Predator* films and the prequels might feel disconnected from the original quadrilogy due to their different tones and focus. * **Chronological Order (Recommended for Lore Enthusiasts):** * **Pros:** Provides a continuous narrative flow, especially if you consider the *Alien vs. Predator* films canon. It can deepen your understanding of the Xenomorph's origins and the Engineers' role before you even get to Ripley's story. * **Cons:** The quality can fluctuate significantly, potentially leading to a less satisfying overall experience. The suspense and mystery of the original *Alien* might be diminished if you already know too much about the Xenomorph's creation from the prequels. Some argue that the *AVP* films are not essential to the main *Alien* storyline. There are now nine films depicting the human vs. Xenomorph struggle, each offering a unique slice of terror and sci-fi exploration. Whether you prioritize the original creative intent or a seamless narrative timeline, the *Alien* franchise offers a rich, terrifying universe to explore. No matter which path you choose, prepare yourself for a journey into the darkest corners of space, where survival is never guaranteed and fear is always lurking. The legacy of the Xenomorph continues to evolve, promising more scares and more questions about humanity's place in a hostile universe. Have you watched all the *Alien* movies? Which order do you prefer, and why? Share your thoughts and favorite moments in the comments below! If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to explore our other articles on iconic sci-fi franchises.