The Alien franchise has terrified, thrilled, and fascinated sci-fi fans for over 40 years. From its Xenomorph-infested beginnings in deep space to expansive philosophical prequels, and even the high-octane Alien vs Predator face-offs, it’s a bona-fide pop culture juggernaut.
But with sequels, prequels, reboots, and the latest TV show in the mix, the Alien timeline can feel a little tricky to navigate.
So, whether you’re a newcomer trying to figure out the best way to watch the Alien movies, or a long-time fan planning a rewatch marathon, we’ve got you covered.
This guide breaks down the full list of Alien movies in chronological order, based on when events occur in the Alien universe, including newer additions like Alien: Romulus and Alien: Earth.
Alien Universe Movies in Chronological Order
Here’s your complete Alien movie and TV list, arranged according to the events in the universe — not by release date:
1. Prometheus (2012)
Ridley Scott’s return to the franchise, Prometheus, introduces the Engineers and explores the origins of the Alien species. A slow-burning, big-ideas sci-fi epic, it delves into themes of creation and destruction.
Why watch it? This is where the Xeno-mythos begins in earnest.
2. Alien: Covenant (2017)
A direct sequel to Prometheus, Covenant reveals the chilling evolution of the alien pathogen and introduces early forms of the Xenomorph. It represents a pivotal turning point in the Alien timeline.
Why watch it? David’s descent into madness gives birth to something truly monstrous.
3. Alien: Earth (2025)
The first Alien TV series, Alien: Earth, explores life on Earth just two years before the Nostromo receives its fateful distress signal. As Weyland-Yutani’s experiments push ethical boundaries, the show expands the universe’s mythology, covering everything from corporate intrigue to the classic Alien horror elements fans recognize.
Why watch it? A tense, grounded chapter that bridges the prequels to Ripley’s story.
4. Alien (1979)
Alien is a true Ridley Scott classic and a sci-fi landmark that ushered in a new era of filmmaking. When the crew of the Nostromo responds to a distress signal on LV-426, they encounter a life form that embodies their deepest fears.
Why watch it? A masterclass in horror and suspense that launched the Alien franchise.
5. Alien: Romulus (2024)
A recent addition to the Alien timeline, Alien: Romulus explores life in deep space between Ripley’s first and second encounters. The story follows a group of young space explorers who discover the wreckage of a space station and come face-to-face with the familiar Xenomorph.
Why watch it? A terrifying return to the franchise’s survival-horror roots.
6. Aliens (1986)
James Cameron turns up the intensity as Ripley returns to LV-426, this time accompanied by a squad of marines. What was once a derelict nightmare has become a hive teeming with Xenomorphs. With pulse rifles, power loaders, and the iconic showdown with the Alien Queen, Aliens delivers sci-fi action at its finest.
Why watch it? Aliens solidified its place as one of the greatest sequels in cinema history.
7. Alien 3 (1992)
Under David Fincher’s direction, Alien 3 picks up shortly after the events of Aliens. Ripley crash-lands on a prison planet, becoming the sole survivor with no weapons — and one Alien. The stakes are higher than ever.
Why watch it? Dark and emotional, this installment is a key chapter in the franchise’s story.
8. Alien: Resurrection (1997)
Over two hundred years after Ripley’s sacrifice, military scientists successfully clone her along with the Xenomorph Queen embryo she once carried. The result is a haunting human-alien hybrid, granting Ripley new abilities while raising questions about her humanity. As the experiments spiral out of control aboard the USM Auriga, a crew of mercenaries must team up with her to contain the Xenomorph outbreak.
Why watch it? A dark and gripping chapter in the franchise, featuring one of Sigourney Weaver’s most complex performances as Ripley.
What’s the Best Way to Watch the Alien Franchise?
Deciding how to watch all the films and shows in the Alien franchise depends on what kind of experience you’re after:
- Chronological Order (as listed here):
Watch the Alien movies in the order of in-universe events for a seamless timeline experience. - Release Order:
If you want to experience the franchise as fans did, follow the release dates:
Alien (1979) → Aliens (1986) → Alien 3 (1992) → Resurrection (1997) → Prometheus (2012) → Covenant (2017) → Romulus (2024) → Alien: Earth (2025)
Pro Tip: For the full cinematic universe experience, you can also mix in the Predator films and the AVP crossovers.
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