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

If you want the complete list of Alien movies in order — here it is. Start with Alien (1979), follow with Aliens (1986), then Alien³ (1992), Alien: Resurrection (1997), Prometheus (2012), Alien: Covenant (2017), and the latest so far, Alien: Romulus (2024). That’s release order. For storytelling clarity, viewing them by when their events happen (chronological canon order) starts with Prometheus, then Alien: Covenant, Alien: Earth (2025 TV series), Alien , Alien: Romulus, Aliens, Alien³, and ends at Alien: Resurrection.

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Release Order: How the Saga Unfolded on Screens

This is how audiences originally met the Xenomorphs:

• Alien (1979) – Ridley Scott’s boundary-breaking sci-fi horror that introduced the terror of the Xenomorph .
• Aliens (1986) – James Cameron turned up the action and doubled down on suspense .
• Alien³ (1992) – Fincher’s darker choice, where the horror takes on a bleak, introspective tone .
• Alien: Resurrection (1997) – Ripley returns in a cloned form, leading to twisted science horror .
• Prometheus (2012) – A prequel exploring Xenomorph origins and philosophical questions .
• Alien: Covenant (2017) – Continues from Prometheus, deepening the horror and lore .
• Alien: Romulus (2024) – Bridges Alien and Aliens with fresh characters and intense survival horror .

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Chronological Order: Story Sequence in the Alien Universe

If you prefer the plot’s internal timeline, here’s how events unfold:

1. Prometheus (2089/2093)
2. Alien: Covenant (2104)
3. Alien: Earth
4. Alien (2122)
5. Alien: Romulus (2142)
6. Aliens (2179)
7. Alien³ (2179, right after Aliens)
8. Alien: Resurrection (circa 2379 or 2381)

This order lets you follow the evolving lore as it actually happened in-universe.

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Where Crossover Films Fit (Alien vs. Predator)

If you want to mix Alien with Predator crossovers, here’s how it looks:

Release Order Inclusion:

• Insert Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) between Alien: Resurrection and Prometheus .

Chronological Sci-Fi Mashup:

• You’d start in 1719 with Prey (not canon but fun), then move through Predator films, eventually segueing into Prometheus and the main Alien storyline .

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Why Order Matters: Release vs. Chronology

Release Order captures suspense and the evolving storytelling style. You feel the mystery unfold.
Chronological Order offers lore clarity—you follow the timeline straight through, but it spoils surprises that the originals built over time.
Think of it as choosing between a slow burn versus a puzzle revealed.

“Watching in chronological order gives a clean sense of continuity, but release order preserves the shock and discovery.”

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Streaming Made Simple

Hulu now hosts nearly all these films and the new TV show Alien: Earth . It’s the go-to platform for binge-watching the entire Xenomorph saga.

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Conclusion

If you’re just diving into the Alien universe, start with Alien (1979) and follow through to Alien: Romulus (2024) — that’s the best way to experience the story as audiences did. If you’re looking for story clarity or planning a marathon, use the chronological order to follow events in-universe. Either way, you’re in for one terrifying ride through corporate conspiracies, cosmic origins, and pulse-pounding horror.

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FAQs

What is the best order to watch the Alien movies?

For storytelling suspense, follow the release order from Alien (1979) through Alien: Romulus (2024). For narrative clarity, try the in-universe chronological order that starts with Prometheus and includes the new series Alien: Earth.

Where does Alien: Romulus fit in the timeline?

It’s set between Alien and Aliens, around the year 2142, serving as a bridge that fills in story gaps .

Should I watch Alien vs. Predator films with the Alien series?

They’re fun crossovers but not canon. You can place them before Prometheus in a chronological marathon, or skip them if you want a core-only Alien journey .

Tell me about Alien: Earth — where does it fit?

This TV series is set in 2120, two years before the original Alien, and explores Earth’s first contact with Xenomorphs along with Wernley-Yutani’s shady activities .

Where can I stream all the Alien content?

Hulu offers the full line-up, including all movies and Alien: Earth .