The Xenomorph, from the *Alien* franchise, is arguably the most iconic and terrifying movie monster ever created. 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 itching for a complete rewatch of the entire *Alien* saga (including the *Alien vs. Predator* films, which *do* take place on Earth). But what’s the best order to watch them in? We've got you covered with viewing options below, both chronologically and by release date.
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Chronological Order
Release Order
The *Alien* Movies in Chronological Order
How Many *Alien* Movies Are There?
There are a total of nine films in the *Alien* franchise: four main entries, two *Predator* crossovers, two Ridley Scott prequels, and the newest addition, a standalone film by Fede Álvarez.
Alien Movie Collection Links
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*Alien* Movies in Chronological Order
1. *AVP: Alien vs. Predator* (2004)
Chronologically, the Xenomorph story begins with *AVP: Alien vs. Predator*. This film depicts humans discovering that Predators have been visiting Earth for millennia, using Xenomorph Queens to breed their ultimate prey. The 2004 hunting trip, however, goes disastrously wrong.
Alien vs. Predator
20th Century Fox
PG-13
[Streaming/Purchase Links]
2. *Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem* (2007)
Following the events of *AVP*, *Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem* sees a Predalien loose in a small Colorado town. A veteran Predator arrives to clean up the mess, resulting in significant carnage. This is the final crossover film in the *Alien* franchise.
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
Davis Entertainment
R
[Streaming/Purchase Links]
3. *Prometheus* (2012)
Ridley Scott's prequel, *Prometheus*, set in the late 21st century, follows a mission to find the creators of humanity. The crew encounters the creators' bioweapon: the Xenomorph. Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, and Charlize Theron star.
Prometheus
Scott Free Productions
R
[Streaming/Purchase Links]
4. *Alien: Covenant* (2017)
Eleven years after *Prometheus*, *Alien: Covenant* follows a colonization ship crew that investigates a distress signal, leading them to a planet teeming with Xenomorphs and androids. Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, Demián Bichir, and Michael Fassbender star.
Alien: Covenant
Scott Free Productions
[Streaming/Purchase Links]
5. *Alien* (1979)
Ridley Scott's original masterpiece. The crew of the Nostromo discovers a moon full of Xenomorph eggs, leading to a terrifying encounter with the creatures. Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, and more star.
Alien
Scott Free Productions
R
[Streaming/Purchase Links]
6. *Alien: Romulus* (2024)
A standalone film set 20 years after the original *Alien*, following a group of space colonists who discover a derelict Weyland-Yutani ship.
Alien: Romulus
Scott Free Productions
[Streaming/Purchase Links]
7. *Aliens* (1986)
James Cameron's action-packed sequel. Ripley returns to face a massive Xenomorph infestation. Michael Biehn, Bill Paxton, and more star.
Aliens
20th Century Fox
R
[Streaming/Purchase Links]
8. *Alien³* (1992)
David Fincher's darker, grittier entry in the series, finding Ripley on a prison planet facing a new Xenomorph threat.
Alien³
20th Century Fox
R
[Streaming/Purchase Links]
9. *Alien Resurrection* (1997)
The final film in the Ripley saga, set 200 years after *Alien³*, involving Ripley clones and Xenomorph breeding experiments.
Alien Resurrection
20th Century Fox
R
[Streaming/Purchase Links]
How to Watch the *Alien* Movies by Release Date
For those who prefer to watch in the order of theatrical release:
- *Alien* (1979)
- *Aliens* (1986)
- *Alien³* (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?
[Play Icon] Following the success of *Alien: Romulus*, a sequel is in the works, with potential filming starting this year. Additionally, an *Alien* TV series, *Alien: Earth*, a prequel, is expected to premiere on Hulu this summer.
