To watch the main Alien story in in-universe chronological order, start with Prometheus (2089), then Alien: Covenant (2104), and Alien: Earth (2120). Continue with Alien (2122), Alien: Romulus (2142), Aliens (2179), Alien 3, and Alien: Resurrection (2379). The two Alien vs. Predator films can be added at the start as an optional crossover branch.
Alien movies and series in chronological order
This is the main Alien chronology, with the series Alien: Earth placed by its fictional setting rather than its release date. The years below are in-universe dates, not the years the titles were released. Rotten Tomatoes lists the chronology; TIME independently confirms the placement of the series, the first film, Romulus, and Aliens.
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- Prometheus — 2089. The earliest entry in the main chronology.
- Alien: Covenant — 2104. The second prequel film.
- Alien: Earth — 2120. The series is set two years before the original film. Disney describes it as a story that newcomers can watch without having seen an Alien movie.
- Alien — 2122. The original film’s events follow the series.
- Alien: Romulus — 2142. Set between Alien and Aliens.
- Aliens — 2179.
- Alien 3 — immediately after Aliens.
- Alien: Resurrection — 2379.
Sources: Rotten Tomatoes’ chronology; TIME’s timeline guide; The Walt Disney Company on Alien: Earth.
Optional: add the Predator crossover films
If you want the crossover-inclusive version, add these two films before Prometheus:
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- Alien vs. Predator — 2004.
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem.
Rotten Tomatoes places both crossovers at the beginning of its expanded order. Treat them as an optional crossover branch: the cited viewing guide presents them separately, and the sources here do not establish a definitive studio ruling on whether they belong to the main Alien continuity.
Chronological order or release order?
Chronological order follows when events happen in the fictional timeline. Release order preserves how audiences first encountered the franchise, including the later-made prequels and series. Rotten Tomatoes recommends trying release order first for a first viewing; that is an editorial viewing suggestion, not a requirement. Choose chronology if you would rather follow the story’s timeline from its earliest point.
Release order
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien: Resurrection (1997)
- Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien: Covenant (2017)
- Alien: Romulus (2024)
- Alien: Earth (2025)
Rotten Tomatoes’ guide distinguishes release order from in-universe chronology and includes the two crossover films in its release list.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to watch Alien: Earth
At its August 12, 2025 launch, Alien: Earth premiered on FX and Hulu in the United States, and on Disney+ internationally, according to TIME. Those are launch-era, region-specific details; streaming catalogs can change, so check the service available in your region for current access. TIME’s article covers the launch distribution, while Disney’s announcement confirms the premiere date and setting.
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