How to Watch the 'Alien' Movies? The Entire Chronology Explained
The timeline of events in the Alien franchise can be confusing for newcomers and seasoned fans alike. Here's everything you need to know about the correct order in which to watch the movies.
The release of the Alien: Earth series has rekindled viewers' interest in the Alien franchise. However, the chronology of events may seem too confusing, especially for new viewers.
While Alien: Earth is quite newcomer-friendly – the action takes place two years before the events of the original Alien – for those who want to get acquainted with the entire franchise, we have prepared two options for watching the films.
You can explore the Alien franchise in two ways: by theatrical or chronological order. We will explain the pros and cons of each so you can decide which is best for you.
Theatrical Order
For those getting acquainted with the Alien franchise for the first time, the theatrical order is more suitable.
Pros: By watching in this order, all the secrets and mysteries are preserved, and the origin of the xenomorphs is not revealed until the very end.
Cons: The chronology of events jumps forward and backward from one year to another, which could be confusing.
The Order:
1. Alien, 1979
2. Aliens, 1986
3. Alien 3, 1992
4. Alien: Resurrection, 1997
5. Prometheus, 2012
6. Alien: Covenant, 2017
7. Alien: Romulus, 2024
Chronological Order
This option is perfect for those who are already familiar with the franchise and want to piece together the history of the xenomorphs.
Pros: This way, you can consistently get to know the whole story from beginning to end.
Cons: Prequel movies ruin the mystery of the original film and alter your perception of it.
The Order:
1. Prometheus, 2012
2. Alien: Covenant, 2017
3. Alien, 1979
4. Alien: Romulus, 2024
5. Aliens, 1986
6. Alien 3, 1992
7. Alien: Resurrection, 1997
What Is Every Alien Movie About?
1. 'Alien', 1979
The first movie to introduce viewers to the Alien universe remains relevant more than three decades later.
In Ridley Scott's opening film, Ripley, a brave main character and member of the Nostromo crew, first appears. After receiving a signal from deep space, a team of astronauts sets off to find its source.
Upon arrival, the crew finds an abandoned starship of extraterrestrial origin and begins to explore it. There, they encounter a monster ready to destroy all living beings.
2. 'Aliens', 1986
Ripley wakes up in the future and joins a squad of marines heading to the colony to investigate the disappearance of its inhabitants. There, the woman encounters a large number of xenomorphs and meets the Alien Queen for the first time.
Considered one of the best movies in the franchise, Aliens provides the perfect balance between action and horror.
3. 'Alien 3', 1992
Alien 3 is an experimental movie by David Fincher, with which he debuted on the big screen. This time, Ripley ends up in a prison colony after a disaster and fights the xenomorphs again.
The movie features a dark, apocalyptic atmosphere, a dramatic ending, and philosophical reflections on death.
4. 'Alien: Resurrection', 1997
Two hundred years after the events of Alien 3, scientists clone Ripley and create a xenomorph. Unfortunately, the experiments get out of control, and the humanoid alien hybrid begins hunting people.
Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet brought his unique style to the final chapter of Ripley's story, combining action, horror, and dark humor in one film.
5. 'Prometheus', 2012
In 2012, Ridley Scott returned to direct Prometheus. This movie introduces new philosophical ideas about the origin of life to the franchise.
Set several decades before Ripley's story, Prometheus follows scientists searching for the creators of humanity and stumbling upon ancient artifacts. Instead of the long-awaited answers they seek, however, they encounter the most dangerous creature in the universe.
6. 'Alien: Covenant', 2017
The crew of the ship Covenant finds an unknown planet where they encounter an unusual inhabitant who creates new forms of life.
In this movie, Ridley Scott further develops the biblical topics introduced in Prometheus and explores philosophical ideas about creators and its creations.
7. 'Alien: Romulus', 2024
Following Ridley Scott's complex narrative in the Prometheus and Covenant duology, Fede Álvarez returned to the roots of Alien, delivering a classic horror film in which a deadly xenomorph stalks its victims.
Focusing on horror in confined spaces, Álvarez uses practical special effects to their fullest potential with minimal computer graphics, accurately conveying the atmosphere of the original films.
