Fans of the Alien franchise have an abundance of entertainment to look forward to this year. The highly anticipated revival of the legendary sci-fi horror series kicked off with the release of Alien: Romulus. This film has been met with praise, marking a significant improvement over previous sequels that have disappointed audiences for years.
Additionally, there are exciting developments on the horizon, including an upcoming television series set in the Alien universe and a sequel to the acclaimed video game, Alien: Isolation. With so much content launching in the coming months, 2024 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for fans of the series.
As the revival continues, gamers can look forward to playing the PSVR2 title Alien: Rogue Incursion and the addition of Aliens: Dark Descent to PS Plus. If these new releases have you feeling nostalgic, you might want to revisit the films. Here’s a complete guide on how to watch the Alien movies in order.
Viewing the Alien Movies in Order
There are two primary approaches to viewing the Alien film series: chronological order or release date order. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks.
1. Chronological Order
Watching the films in chronological order begins with the first spin-off, Alien vs Predator, and concludes with Alien: Resurrection. However, this method can be problematic, which leads us to the next option.
2. Release Date Order
For an optimal viewing experience, we recommend watching the series in the order the films were released, starting from Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic. This approach allows viewers to appreciate the evolution of the film’s lore and structure over time, presenting the series as it was intended to be experienced.
It’s essential to note that some films within the franchise, particularly the Alien vs Predator spin-offs, have been deemed non-canon in light of subsequent releases. Here’s a detailed list of the Alien series in chronological order:
Alien Movies in Chronological Order
The Alien franchise comprises nine films, featuring the legendary character Ellen Ripley, along with two spin-offs and three modern entries. Here’s a breakdown of the films in chronological order, should you choose that viewing preference:
AVP: Alien vs Predator (2004)
Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, Alien vs Predator is a crossover film featuring both the Alien and Predator franchises. Set in Antarctica, it follows a human expedition that inadvertently becomes embroiled in an ancient conflict between two alien species.
Alien vs Predator: Requiem (2007)
Alien vs Predator: Requiem, directed by The Brothers Strause, takes place immediately after the first film. The story follows a Predator as it hunts an Alien-Predator hybrid, wreaking havoc in a Colorado town.
Prometheus (2012)
Returning to the franchise, director Ridley Scott introduced Prometheus, a prequel set in 2093. The film focuses on an expedition searching for humanity’s creators, ultimately revealing that the Xenomorphs did not exist prior to its events.
Alien: Covenant (2017)
Set in 2104, Alien: Covenant directly follows Prometheus and reveals further details about the Xenomorph’s origins as the crew of the Covenant encounters terrifying challenges while searching for a habitable planet.
Alien (1979)
Alien, the film that started it all, follows the crew of the Nostromo, who unwittingly bring an alien entity aboard, leading to nightmarish consequences.
Alien: Romulus (2024)
The latest film, Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Alvarez, is set in 2142 and introduces the character Rain Carradine as she grapples with the consequences of an unexpected encounter with Xenomorphs.
Aliens (1986)
Decades after the events of the original film, Aliens sees Ripley returning to the planet LV-426 as she leads a team of marines on a rescue mission, facing swarms of Xenomorphs in an epic confrontation.
Alien 3 (1992)
Alien 3, directed by David Fincher, continues Ripley’s harrowing journey, placing her in a gloomy penal colony where she faces yet another Xenomorph threat.
Alien Resurrection (1997)
Set 200 years later, Alien Resurrection sees the military attempting to clone Ripley in their efforts to harness her connection to the Xenomorphs.
Alien Movies in Release Date Order
If you prefer to watch the films in the order they were released, here’s the list:
- Alien – (1979)
- Aliens – (1986)
- Alien 3 – (1992)
- Alien Resurrection – (1997)
- Alien vs Predator – (2004)
- Alien vs Predator: Requiem – (2007)
- Prometheus – (2012)
- Alien: Covenant – (2017)
- Alien: Romulus – (2024)
Future Prospects for the Alien Series
Building on the momentum of Alien: Romulus, a new series titled Alien: Earth is set to premiere on Hulu in the summer of 2025. While details remain limited, the official teaser alludes to a storyline in 2120, where individuals encounter a space vessel with a perilous secret.
Moreover, renowned showrunner Noah Hawley, known for his work on Fargo, is at the helm of this new project, which aims to explore the ominous operations of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, a prominent entity across the Alien films. The cast includes talents such as Sydney Chandler, Timothy Olyphant, and Essie Davis.
In addition, discussions surrounding a sequel to Alien: Romulus are underway, with reports suggesting that director Fede Alvarez may return to the franchise. However, an official announcement has yet to be made regarding the release date.
As 2024 comes to a close, fans can also celebrate the announcement of a sequel to the critically acclaimed survival horror game, Alien: Isolation.
To dive deeper into the Alien universe, check out insights on the unexpected influences behind Alien: Romulus and Ridley Scott’s advice for its director. Additionally, explore theories on how Alien: Earth could reshape the lore once more by disregarding the events of Prometheus.
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