The Alien franchise is one of the most iconic science fiction series in cinematic history, known for its thrilling mix of horror, suspense, and futuristic storytelling. Understanding the order of the Alien movies can help both new viewers and longtime fans follow the complex narrative across the original series, prequels, and spin-offs. The franchise spans multiple decades and includes films that explore the terrifying Xenomorph creatures, the survival of human characters, and the origins of the alien species. Watching the movies in the correct order enhances the overall experience and allows audiences to appreciate the development of characters, plotlines, and the evolution of the Alien universe.
The Original Alien Series
The core Alien series, often referred to as the original saga, begins with the groundbreaking 1979 film directed by Ridley Scott. This series focuses on the crew of the commercial space vessel Nostromo and the deadly Xenomorph creature they encounter. The films blend science fiction and horror, and their chronological order is important for understanding the development of key characters, especially Ellen Ripley, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver.
Alien (1979)
The first film, Alien, introduces the terrifying Xenomorph and sets the tone for the franchise. The crew of the Nostromo discovers a distress signal on a remote planet, leading to the accidental release of an alien creature. This film establishes the horror elements, futuristic technology, and themes of isolation that recur throughout the series. Watching this first provides the foundation for all subsequent events in the Alien universe.
Aliens (1986)
Directed by James Cameron, Aliens is the action-packed sequel that takes place decades after the original film. Ellen Ripley returns as the sole survivor of the Nostromo, and she joins a group of marines to investigate a colony overrun by Xenomorphs. This film expands the franchise from horror into high-intensity action while continuing Ripley’s character arc. Understanding the first movie is crucial to grasp the emotional depth and stakes in Aliens.
Alien 3 (1992)
Directed by David Fincher, Alien 3 continues the story directly after Aliens. Ripley crash-lands on a penal colony and discovers that she carries a Xenomorph embryo within her. The film explores darker themes of sacrifice and survival while presenting new challenges for Ripley. While it received mixed reviews at release, it is an essential part of the chronological viewing order for the original trilogy.
Alien Resurrection (1997)
The final installment of the original series, Alien Resurrection, is set two centuries after Alien 3. Scientists clone Ripley to extract the alien queen embryo, resulting in new encounters with Xenomorphs. The movie blends horror and science fiction, continuing the story of Ripley’s genetic connection to the aliens and the ongoing struggle between humans and the species. Watching Alien Resurrection last completes the narrative arc of the original series.
The Prequel Series
In addition to the original films, the Alien franchise includes prequels that explore the origins of the Xenomorphs and the mysterious Engineers who created them. These films are set before the events of Alien (1979) and provide deeper context for the universe.
Prometheus (2012)
Prometheus, directed by Ridley Scott, serves as a prequel that examines the creation of life and the origins of the Xenomorph species. The story follows an expedition to a distant moon, where scientists uncover evidence of the Engineers and their experiments. Although not a direct continuation of the original series, Prometheus sets up the mythology behind the alien creatures and provides a philosophical and scientific perspective on the franchise.
Alien Covenant (2017)
Alien Covenant continues the prequel storyline and directly connects to the events leading up to the first Alien movie. The film follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant as they encounter the dangerous Xenomorphs and the android David, who was introduced in Prometheus. Watching Covenant after Prometheus maintains the chronological order and highlights the evolution of the alien species before the original 1979 story begins.
Suggested Viewing Orders
Fans can watch the Alien movies in different sequences depending on their preferences, either by release order or chronological order. Each approach offers a distinct viewing experience.
Release Order
The release order allows viewers to experience the films as audiences did historically
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien Resurrection (1997)
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien Covenant (2017)
This order emphasizes the evolution of filmmaking techniques, special effects, and storytelling, highlighting how the franchise developed over decades.
Chronological Order
For those interested in following the internal timeline of events, the chronological order is recommended
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien Covenant (2017)
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien Resurrection (1997)
This order helps viewers understand the backstory of the Xenomorph species and the events that lead up to the original series, creating a cohesive narrative from the prequels to the sequels.
Spin-offs and Crossovers
The Alien franchise also includes spin-offs and crossover films, such as the Alien vs. Predator series. While not strictly part of the main storyline, these films explore alternative narratives and interactions between species. They are generally considered separate from the main Alien timeline but can be enjoyed after viewing the core films.
Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator Requiem (2007)
These crossover films combine the Alien and Predator franchises, depicting encounters between humans, Predators, and Xenomorphs. They provide an additional layer of action and mythology, but the continuity with the original series and prequels is limited. Fans often watch these after completing the main movies to avoid confusion.
Significance of Watching in Order
Following the order of the Alien movies is important for several reasons. Watching in chronological order helps viewers understand the full story of the Xenomorph species, the Engineers, and key characters like Ellen Ripley and the android David. Release order, on the other hand, preserves the historical context and allows audiences to experience the franchise as it evolved in popular culture. Both approaches offer unique perspectives, but knowing the order ensures that viewers appreciate plot connections, character development, and thematic continuity.
The Alien franchise is a landmark in science fiction and horror, and understanding the order of the movies enhances the viewing experience. Starting with the original series, which follows Ellen Ripley and her encounters with Xenomorphs, and then exploring the prequels that delve into the origins of the aliens and the Engineers, provides a comprehensive understanding of the universe. Fans can watch the films by release order to experience cinematic history or chronological order to follow the storyline sequentially. Spin-offs like Alien vs. Predator add extra excitement but are optional. By following the recommended order, viewers can fully immerse themselves in the suspense, horror, and science fiction brilliance that makes the Alien franchise a timeless classic.