The Xenomorph, from the *Alien* franchise, is arguably the most iconic and terrifying movie monster ever created. Its acid blood, terrifying multiple mouths, and wicked 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* crossovers, which, surprisingly, are set on Earth!).
But what's the best viewing order? We've got you covered with two options: chronological and release order.
**Jump to:**
- 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 mainline movies, two Predator crossovers, two Ridley Scott prequels, and the latest addition, a standalone film by Fede Álvarez.
Alien: 35th Anniversary Edition
*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 Paul W. S. Anderson film depicts the Predators' long history of hunting Xenomorphs on Earth, utilizing human sacrifices to breed them. Things, naturally, go awry.
*Alien vs. Predator* 20th Century Fox PG-13 [Streaming/Purchase options]
2. *Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem* (2007)
Following directly from *AVP*, *Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem* sees a Predalien loose in a Colorado town. A veteran Predator arrives to clean up the mess, resulting in a substantial amount of carnage. This is the final crossover film in the franchise.
*Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem* Davis Entertainment R [Streaming/Purchase options]
3. *Prometheus* (2012)
Ridley Scott's prequel, *Prometheus*, set in the late 21st century, follows a mission to find the creators of humanity, uncovering their terrifying bioweapon: the Xenomorph. Starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, and Charlize Theron.
*Prometheus* Scott Free Productions R [Streaming/Purchase options]
4. *Alien: Covenant* (2017)
Eleven years after *Prometheus*, *Alien: Covenant* follows a colonization ship that investigates a distress signal, leading to encounters with Xenomorphs and androids. Starring Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, Demián Bichir, and Michael Fassbender.
*Alien: Covenant* Scott Free Productions [Streaming/Purchase options]
5. *Alien* (1979)
Ridley Scott's original masterpiece. The crew of the Nostromo discovers a deadly alien lifeform, leading to a terrifying fight for survival. Starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, and more.
*Alien* Scott Free Productions R [Streaming/Purchase options]
6. *Alien: Romulus* (2024)
A standalone film set 20 years after the original *Alien*, following a group of colonists who encounter a derelict Weyland-Yutani ship. Directed by Fede Álvarez.
*Alien: Romulus* Scott Free Productions [Streaming/Purchase options]
7. *Aliens* (1986)
James Cameron's action-packed sequel, featuring Ripley's return and a battle against a colony of Xenomorphs. Starring Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, and Bill Paxton.
*Aliens* 20th Century Fox R [Streaming/Purchase options]
8. *Alien 3* (1992)
David Fincher's darker, grittier entry in the saga, following Ripley's escape to a prison planet. Starring Sigourney Weaver.
*Alien 3* 20th Century Fox R [Streaming/Purchase options]
9. *Alien Resurrection* (1997)
The final film in the Ripley saga, set 200 years after *Alien 3*, involving Ripley clones and Xenomorph breeding experiments. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
*Alien Resurrection* 20th Century Fox R [Streaming/Purchase options]
How to Watch the *Alien* Movies by Release Date
For those preferring the release order:
- *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?
[Play Icon] Following the success of *Alien: Romulus*, a sequel is being discussed, with potential filming starting soon. Additionally, an *Alien* TV series, *Alien: Earth*, is in development at FX, and is expected to premiere on Hulu this summer.
