Alien Movies in Order: Your Complete Guide to the Xenomorph Franchise

The Alien franchise can be watched in two clear ways:

• By release order: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Alien³ (1992), Alien: Resurrection (1997), Alien vs. Predator (2004), Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), Prometheus (2012), Alien: Covenant (2017), Alien: Romulus (2024).
• By in-universe timeline: Alien vs. Predator → Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem → Prometheus → Alien: Covenant → Alien → Alien: Romulus → Aliens → Alien³ → Alien: Resurrection

Now, let’s dig deeper into the timeline and origins—the how, why, and where of the Xenomorph saga.

Timeline Ambitions and Viewing Approaches

Choosing between release order and chronological order shapes how you experience the franchise’s unfolding mystery. Release order lets the story unfold piece by piece, preserving suspense and filmmakers’ original reveals. On the other hand, chronological order reconstructs the narrative lineage—from prequels like Prometheus that explore Xenomorph origins, to Alien: Resurrection near-future horror.

Both approaches are valid. Release order emphasizes Ray Ripley’s journey through time. Chronological order provides a neat lore roadmap. Consider this contrast:

• Release order preserves tension and reveals.
• Chronological order enhances continuity and theme progression.

Franchise Entries: Where Each Movie Fits

1. Alien vs. Predator (2004)

Latest timeline start, humans unearth Xenomorphs in Antarctica and Predators show up.

2. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)

Escalates the cross-species battle to a small U.S. town—chaos ensues.

3. Prometheus (2012)

Ridley Scott’s philosophical prequel sets the stage, exploring mankind’s creation and alien origins.

4. Alien: Covenant (2017)

Continues the prequel arc—early Xenomorph forms emerge amid human hubris.

5. Alien (1979)

The game-changer. A nightmare aboard the Nostromo, introducing Ellen Ripley and the iconic Xenomorph.

6. Alien: Romulus (2024)

An “interquel” between Alien and Aliens. It follows scavengers facing Xenomorph terror aboard a derelict station.

7. Aliens (1986)

Action-heavy sequel. Ripley returns 57 years later to confront the Xenomorph hive.

8. Alien³ (1992)

A bleak aftermath. Ripley alone lands on a prison planet, amidst new horror and sacrifice.

9. Alien: Resurrection (1997)

Two centuries later. Ripley’s clone mingles with alien DNA in aboard a military vessel.

Why This Guide Matters

• Freshness: Includes Alien: Romulus (2024) and its precise place in the Xenomorph timeline .
• Clarity: Clear breakdown by order with brief summaries of each entry.
• Depth: Highlights how each film expands universe lore—from origins (Prometheus) to survival horror (Alien) and legacy (Resurrection).
• Context: Acknowledges crossover influence from Predator films, while focusing on the core Alien saga.

Quick Comparison Table

In simpler terms:

Release Order:
1. Alien (1979)
2. Aliens (1986)
3. Alien³ (1992)
4. Alien: Resurrection (1997)
5. Alien vs. Predator (2004)
6. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
7. Prometheus (2012)
8. Alien: Covenant (2017)
9. Alien: Romulus (2024)

Chronological (In-Universe) Order:
1. Alien vs. Predator (2004)
2. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
3. Prometheus (2012)
4. Alien: Covenant (2017)
5. Alien (1979)
6. Alien: Romulus (2024)
7. Aliens (1986)
8. Alien³ (1992)
9. Alien: Resurrection (1997)

Quote from Expert Thought

“To watch Alien: Covenant after Prometheus enriches the prequel’s themes. Then slipping into Alien makes you feel how the fear matured—and ultimately shows how fragile humanity truly is.”

Wrapping It Up

When you’re ready to explore the Xenomorph saga, pick your path:

• Want suspense, mystery, and how it all evolved? Go with release order.
• Prefer lore clarity and a straight timeline? Chronological order is for you.

Either way, now you’ve got the full map, including the latest chapter—Alien: Romulus—locked in place.