The Alien franchise has been a cornerstone of science fiction and horror for over four decades, captivating audiences with its terrifying creatures, intense action, and deep philosophical questions. With the release of “Alien: Romulus” in 2024, the series has only grown richer. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the universe, understanding the best way to watch these films is essential.

In this guide, we’ll explore the Alien movies in order – both by release date and chronological timeline.

Alien Movies in Release Order

Photo from Alien: Resurrection (1997) featuring a key scene from the movie, produced by Twentieth Century Fox
Photo: Alien: Resurrection (1997)/Twentieth Century Fox – Filmdb.co.uk

Watching the Alien movies in the order they were released is the most traditional approach. This method allows you to experience the evolution of the franchise, including advances in filmmaking technology, storytelling shifts, and the gradual development of the Xenomorph mythology.

  1. Alien (1979) – Directed by Ridley Scott
  2. Aliens (1986) – Directed by James Cameron
  3. Alien 3 (1992) – Directed by David Fincher
  4. Alien: Resurrection (1997) – Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet
  5. Prometheus (2012) – Directed by Ridley Scott
  6. Alien: Covenant (2017) – Directed by Ridley Scott
  7. Alien: Romulus (2024) – Directed by Fede Álvarez

By following this order, viewers can trace the franchise’s journey from its roots as a claustrophobic horror movie to its expansion into broader questions of human existence and space exploration.

Alien Movies in Chronological Order

For those who prefer a more linear narrative experience, watching the Alien movies in chronological order offers a cohesive storyline that tracks the development of the Xenomorphs and their interactions with humanity across centuries.

1Prometheus (2012)

Still image from Prometheus (2012) showing the alien spaceship and characters exploring a mysterious alien landscape
Photo: Prometheus (2012)/Twentieth Century Fox – Filmdb.co.uk

Set in 2093, this film delves into the origins of humanity and the mysterious Engineers, who are connected to the creation of the Xenomorphs.

2Alien: Covenant (2017)

Image from Alien: Covenant (2017) by Twentieth Century Fox, featuring the crew on a distant planet encountering danger and the iconic Xenomorph. Source: Filmdb.co.uk
Photo: Alien: Covenant (2017)/Twentieth Century Fox – Filmdb.co.uk

Set in 2104, this film follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant as they uncover the horrifying consequences of the Engineers’ experiments.

3Alien (1979)

Iconic scene from Alien (1979) by Twentieth Century Fox, featuring the crew aboard the Nostromo facing the terrifying extraterrestrial creature. Source: Filmdb.co.uk
Photo: Alien (1979)/Twentieth Century Fox – Filmdb.co.uk

Set in 2122, the original movie introduces the crew of the Nostromo and the deadly Xenomorph, marking the beginning of the human-Xenomorph conflict.

4Aliens (1986)

Photo: Aliens (1986)/Twentieth Century Fox – Filmdb.co.uk

Set in 2179, Ellen Ripley returns after 57 years to face a new infestation of Xenomorphs on the colony of LV-426.

5Alien 3 (1992)

Photo from Alien 3 (1992) featuring a scene from the movie, produced by Twentieth Century Fox.
Photo: Alien 3 (1992)/Twentieth Century Fox – Filmdb.co.uk

Also set in 2179, immediately after the events of Aliens, this film follows Ripley as she battles a new Xenomorph on the penal colony Fiorina 161.

6Alien: Resurrection (1997)

Photo from Alien: Resurrection (1997) featuring a key scene from the movie, produced by Twentieth Century Fox.
Photo: Alien: Resurrection (1997)/Twentieth Century Fox – Filmdb.co.uk

Set in 2379, over 200 years after the events of Alien 3, scientists clone Ripley, leading to the resurgence of the Xenomorph threat.

7Alien: Romulus (2024)

Photo from Alien: Romulus (2024) featuring scenes from the latest installment in the Alien franchise.
Photo: Alien: Romulus (2024)/20th Century Studios – Filmdb.co.uk

Set after Alien: Resurrection, this film introduces new characters and settings while expanding on the established lore.

This order allows viewers to follow the Xenomorph saga from its ancient beginnings to its terrifying future, offering a comprehensive look at how these creatures have shaped human history.

Why Watching in Order Matters

Choosing the right order to watch the Alien movies can significantly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the series. Watching by release order provides insight into the franchise’s growth and the cultural impact of each film.

Watch Alien (1979) – Acid Blood Scene

On the other hand, watching chronologically offers a more streamlined narrative, helping you see the connections between the films and the development of key themes, such as the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation and the resilience of humanity in the face of unimaginable horror.

What’s New in Alien: Romulus?

“Alien: Romulus“ (2024) is the latest entry in the franchise, directed by Fede Álvarez. While the exact plot details have been closely guarded, it is known that the film introduces new characters and locations, expanding the Alien universe even further.

Photo: Alien: Romulus (2024)/20th Century Studios – Filmdb.co.uk

Set after the events of Alien: Resurrection, this movie explores new territory within the established lore, offering fresh scares and deeper insights into the Xenomorphs’ origins and their future.

Final Thoughts

The Alien franchise remains one of the most influential and enduring series in science fiction and horror. Whether you choose to watch the films in release order or chronological order, you’re in for a thrilling journey through space, filled with suspense, terror, and existential questions that will keep you thinking long after the credits roll.

With the addition of “Alien: Romulus,” there’s never been a better time to dive into this iconic series.

Happy watching!

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