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For a first-time viewing, watch the Alien films in release order: Alien, Aliens, Alien3, Alien: Resurrection, Prometheus, Alien: Covenant, and Alien: Romulus. This order preserves the franchise’s original reveals and is the least confusing way to experience its changing styles, mythology, and timelines.
If you have already seen the series, chronological order begins with Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, then moves through the original saga. The two Alien vs. Predator films are optional crossovers, not required entries in the core Alien sequence.
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The Alien films in release order
- Alien (1979) — Directed by Ridley Scott. The film introduces the isolated-space-horror premise and Ellen Ripley. 20th Century Studios lists its U.S. release date as May 25, 1979. See the official film page.
- Aliens (1986) — Directed by James Cameron. Ripley returns after hypersleep in a sequel that expands the original’s horror into military science fiction. Its official U.S. release date was July 18, 1986. See the official film page.
- Alien3 (1992) — Directed by David Fincher. The story follows directly from the events of Aliens. It was released on May 22, 1992. See the official film page.
- Alien: Resurrection (1997) — Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. The fourth Ripley-centered film takes place 200 years after her previous adventure and was released on November 26, 1997. See the official film page.
- Prometheus (2012) — Directed by Ridley Scott. This prequel broadens the mythology around humanity, the Engineers, Weyland, and the origins of the biological threat. See the official film page.
- Alien: Covenant (2017) — Directed by Ridley Scott. It continues the prequel storyline and takes place after Prometheus but before Alien. See the official film page.
- Alien: Romulus (2024) — Directed by Fede Álvarez. Although its story is set between Alien and Aliens, it is best left until last on a first viewing because it deliberately draws on ideas, imagery, and set pieces from earlier films. The studio lists its theatrical release date as August 16, 2024. See the official film page.
Why release order is best for first-time viewers
The Alien franchise was not designed to reveal its mythology chronologically. The 1979 original establishes the central mystery and atmosphere first. Later films then reinterpret, expand, or complicate what the audience thinks it knows.
Watching Prometheus and Alien: Covenant before Alien can shift the emphasis toward the Engineers, Weyland, David, and the development of the biological threat. That may be appealing if you already know the original films, but it changes the way the franchise’s mysteries unfold. The release-order recommendation is therefore a viewing strategy, not a rule that every viewer must follow. Rotten Tomatoes’ franchise guide also recommends release order for newcomers.
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- "In space, no one can hear you scream." A close encounter of the third kind becomes a Jaws-style nightmare when an alien invades a spacecraft in Ridley Scott's sci-fi horror classic. On the way home from a mission for the Company, the Nostromo's crew is woken up from hibernation by the ship's Mother computer to answer a distress signal from a nearby planet. Capt. Dallas's (Tom Skerritt) rescue tea
Alien: Romulus is the one apparent complication. Its story occurs relatively early in the fictional timeline, but its connections to earlier films make it more rewarding after you have seen the films it references. For a first watch, keep it as the seventh core film.
The Alien films in chronological story order
Chronological order is better suited to repeat viewers or people who specifically want to follow the fictional timeline. The commonly used sequence is:
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- Alien: Covenant — Set in 2104.
- Alien — Set in 2122.
- Alien: Romulus — Set in 2142, approximately 20 years after Alien and 37 years before Aliens.
- Aliens — Set in 2179.
- Alien3 — Also set in 2179 and follows Aliens immediately in the main narrative.
- Alien: Resurrection — Set approximately in 2381, about two centuries after Alien3.
These dates are the standard placements used in current franchise timelines. They should be treated as a guide to the films’ fictional chronology, not as a reason to assume that chronological order is narratively superior. Hulu’s timeline guide provides the same broad sequence and date structure.
Which order should you choose?
| What you want | Best order | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You are completely new to Alien | Release order | Preserves the franchise’s original reveals and progression. |
| You have seen the original films | Chronological order | Foregrounds the Engineers, Weyland-Yutani, David, and the development of the threat. |
| You want the strongest short introduction | Alien, then Aliens | The first two films provide the essential horror and science-fiction foundations. |
| You want every core Alien theatrical film | All seven in release order | Includes the four-film Ripley arc, the two prequels, and Romulus. |
| You want the crossover films too | Core films first, then Alien vs. Predator and AVP: Requiem | Keeps the separate crossover branch from interrupting the main saga. |
Where do the Alien vs. Predator films fit?
The crossover films are:
- Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
Watch them in that release order if you want to see them. They combine the Alien and Predator properties and are generally treated as a crossover branch rather than continuations of Ripley’s main story. The official studio pages describe them as conflicts between the two franchises’ creatures, not as required chapters in the seven-film Alien sequence. See the official Alien vs. Predator page.
The least confusing “everything” plan is to watch the seven core films in release order first, then watch Alien vs. Predator followed by Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem as a separate double feature. That avoids presenting the crossover continuity as though it were a direct continuation of Ripley’s story.
What about Alien: Earth?
Alien: Earth is a television series, not a feature film, so it does not belong in this film-only list. A broader franchise guide can discuss it separately. Current timeline coverage places the series before Alien, around 2120, but inserting it here would change the scope from “Alien films” to the wider screen franchise. Time’s timeline coverage discusses that placement.
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- This truly terrifying sci-fi horror-thriller takes the legendary ?Alien? franchise back to its iconic roots. While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young colonizers come face-to-face with the deadliest life form in the universe. Warning: Some flashing-lights scenes in this film may affect photosensitive viewers.
A simple watch plan
For a first-time viewer
- Alien
- Aliens
- Alien3
- Alien: Resurrection
- Prometheus
- Alien: Covenant
- Alien: Romulus
For a returning viewer who wants the timeline
- Prometheus
- Alien: Covenant
- Alien
- Alien: Romulus
- Aliens
- Alien3
- Alien: Resurrection
For the core saga plus crossovers
Watch the seven core films in release order, followed by Alien vs. Predator and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem. Check local listings or a territory-specific digital retailer before planning a marathon; streaming availability changes by country and over time, so no single service should be assumed to carry every film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chronological order better than release order for Alien?
Usually not for a first viewing. Release order preserves the original mysteries and the way the franchise’s mythology was revealed. Chronological order is a useful alternative for viewers who already know the films or want to follow the fictional timeline.
Best Value
- This truly terrifying sci-fi horror-thriller takes the legendary ?Alien? franchise back to its iconic roots. While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young colonizers come face-to-face with the deadliest life form in the universe. Warning: Some flashing-lights scenes in this film may affect photosensitive viewers.
Should I watch Alien: Romulus before Aliens?
In story chronology, yes: Romulus is set between Alien and Aliens. For a first-time viewing, however, it is best saved for last because it draws on material from earlier films.
Are the Alien vs. Predator films part of the main Alien series?
They are optional crossover films rather than required entries in the core seven-film Alien sequence. If you watch them, use their release order: Alien vs. Predator, then Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem.
Do I need to watch all seven Alien films?
No. Alien followed by Aliens is the strongest short introduction. Continue with the remaining films if you want the full Ripley arc, the prequel mythology, and Romulus.
The Bottom Line
Best first watch: Alien → Aliens → Alien3 → Alien: Resurrection → Prometheus → Alien: Covenant → Alien: Romulus. Use chronological order only when your priority is the fictional timeline rather than the franchise’s original sequence of reveals.
Quick Recap
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