The Xenomorph, from the *Alien* franchise, is arguably the most iconic and terrifying movie monster ever created. Its acid blood, terrifying double-mouthed maw, and wicked claws practically invented the space horror genre, giving generations a new nightmare to fear. With *Alien: Romulus* now streaming, you might be itching for a complete *Alien* rewatch, including the *Alien vs. Predator* crossovers (which, surprisingly, *are* set on Earth). But what's the best viewing order? We've got you covered, with both chronological and release date options below.
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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 *Alien* saga begins with *AVP: Alien vs. Predator*. This 2004 film, directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, depicts the Predators' long history of hunting Xenomorphs on Earth, using human sacrifices to breed them. Things, naturally, go horribly wrong during one particular hunting trip.
20th Century Fox
PG-13
Where to Watch: [Rent/Buy links]
2. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
Picking up where *AVP* left off, *Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem* sees a Predalien loose in a small Colorado town. A veteran Predator arrives to clean up the mess, resulting in more carnage. This is the final crossover film in the franchise.
Davis Entertainment
R
Where to Watch: [Rent/Buy links]
3. Prometheus (2012)
Ridley Scott's prequel, *Prometheus*, takes place in the late 21st century and follows a crew investigating a star map that leads them to the creators of humanity—and their terrifying bioweapon: the Xenomorph.
Scott Free Productions
R
Where to Watch: [Rent/Buy links]
4. Alien: Covenant (2017)
Eleven years after *Prometheus*, *Alien: Covenant* follows a colonization ship that encounters a sinister planet and its connection to the previous film.
Scott Free Productions
Where to Watch: [Rent/Buy links]
5. Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott's original masterpiece introduces us to the Nostromo crew and their terrifying encounter with the Xenomorph.
Scott Free Productions
R
Where to Watch: [Rent/Buy links]
6. Alien: Romulus (2024)
This standalone film, directed by Fede Alvarez, takes place roughly 20 years after the original *Alien*, following a group of space colonists who discover a derelict Weyland-Yutani ship.
Scott Free Productions
Where to Watch: [Rent/Buy links]
7. Aliens (1986)
James Cameron's action-packed sequel sees Ripley return to confront a massive Xenomorph infestation.
20th Century Fox
R
Where to Watch: [Rent/Buy links]
8. Alien 3 (1992)
David Fincher's dark and gritty entry finds Ripley stranded on a prison planet.
20th Century Fox
R
Where to Watch: [Rent/Buy links]
9. Alien Resurrection (1997)
Two hundred years after *Alien 3*, Ripley clones are used in a military project to breed Xenomorphs.
20th Century Fox
R
Where to Watch: [Rent/Buy 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 in discussion, with potential filming starting this year. Additionally, an *Alien* TV series, *Alien: Earth*, is in development at FX and Hulu, serving as another prequel and potentially depicting a Xenomorph invasion of Earth.
