Alien: Romulus takes place between Alien and Aliens, so the original 1979 film is the one worth remembering most. You can watch Romulus without revisiting the whole franchise; Aliens is optional context for what comes later.
Where Alien: Romulus fits in the timeline
Romulus is set in 2142, after Alien (1979) and before Aliens (1986), according to Hulu’s Alien viewing-order guide and the Motion Picture Association’s 2024 preview. It is an interquel: a story placed between two earlier entries in the series.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Alien: Romulus - Blu-ray + Digital | $18.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Alien: Romulus - 4K + Blu-ray + Digital | $27.42 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Alien: Romulus (SteelBook / Limited Edition) [Art by Matt Ferguson] [4K UHD + Blu-ray] [Region Free]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51C6gSKW9mL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Alien: Romulus (SteelBook / Limited Edition) [Art by Matt Ferguson] [4K UHD + Blu-ray] [Region Free] | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
What to remember from Alien
If you have time for one refresher, choose Alien. It is the immediate predecessor in the story chronology and establishes the franchise’s core threats: a dangerous alien creature and the powerful company interests surrounding it. The Motion Picture Association’s pre-watch framing likewise centers on Alien and Aliens.
A spoiler-light reminder is enough: the first film introduces the creature and the hostile, isolated setting that define the series. You do not need to memorize a full plot recap or know later revelations before starting Romulus.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 you watch Aliens first?
Aliens comes after Romulus in the story timeline. Watching it beforehand is optional, but it can help you recognize the next major point in the franchise’s chronology. It is useful context, not a prerequisite.
| Watch option | What it gives you | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Alien only | The most relevant earlier story and the central franchise context. | A focused, time-efficient refresher. |
| Alien and Aliens | The original film’s setup plus the next chronological landmark after Romulus. | Viewers who want more context for the series’ timeline. |
Do you need to watch the other Alien movies?
No full-series marathon is needed for this focused preparation. The prequels and later sequels can add broader franchise context, but they are not essential viewing before Romulus. TIME described the film’s main story as largely standalone while noting connections to earlier entries, including the prequels; that is a helpful expectation, not a guarantee that every reference will be familiar.
Rank #2
- 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 little production context
20th Century Studios’ film page identifies Ridley Scott, director of the original Alien, among Romulus’s producers. The Associated Press reported in 2024 that director Fede Álvarez aimed to return the franchise to its horror roots. That context helps explain the film’s place in the series, but it does not change the simple watch recommendation: prioritize the original if you want a refresher.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 4K UHD + BLU-RAY COMBO – Includes both formats for maximum flexibility
- LIMITED EDITION STEELBOOK – Featuring artwork by Matt Ferguson
- SCI-FI HORROR CLASSIC UNIVERSE – A new chapter in the Alien franchise
- HDR PRESENTATION – Enhanced contrast and cinematic detail
- REGION FREE FORMAT – Compatible worldwide
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
