How to Watch the Alien Movies in Chronological Order

The Xenomorph, from the *Alien* franchise, is undeniably one of cinema's most iconic and terrifying monsters. Its acid blood, terrifying double mouth, and wicked claws practically invented the space horror genre, giving generations a new reason to fear the dark. With *Alien: Romulus* now streaming, you might be itching for a complete *Alien* rewatch, including the *Alien vs. Predator* crossovers (which, yes, are Earth-based). But what's the best viewing order? We've got you covered with chronological and release date options.

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Chronological Order
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The Alien Movies in Chronological Order

How Many Alien Movies Are There?

Nine! Four mainline films, two *Predator* crossovers, two Ridley Scott prequels, and the latest standalone entry from Fede Álvarez.

Alien Movies in Chronological Order

1. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)

Chronologically, the Xenomorph saga begins with this crossover. Set in 2004, *Alien vs. Predator*, directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, adapts the "battle of the titans" concept from a 1989 comic. Humans discover Predators (Yautja) have been visiting Earth for millennia, using human sacrifices to breed Xenomorphs for their ultimate hunting challenge. The 2004 hunt, needless to say, goes awry.

Alien vs. Predator
20th Century Fox
Aug 13, 2004
PG-13

2. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)

Also set in the modern era, *Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem* follows directly from the first crossover. A Predalien hybrid is loose in a Colorado town, prompting a veteran Predator to clean up the mess. This is the final crossover film in the franchise.

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
Davis Entertainment
Dec 25, 2007
R

3. Prometheus (2012)

Ridley Scott's prequel, set in the late 21st century, follows a mission to find the creators of humanity, uncovering their bioweapon: the Xenomorph.

Prometheus
Scott Free Productions
Jun 8, 2012
R

4. Alien: Covenant (2017)

Eleven years after *Prometheus*, a colonization ship crew investigates a distress signal, leading to encounters with Xenomorphs and androids.

Alien: Covenant
Scott Free Productions
May 19, 2017

5. Alien (1979)

Ridley Scott's original masterpiece. The crew of the Nostromo discovers a moon filled with Xenomorph eggs, leading to a terrifying fight for survival.

Alien
Scott Free Productions
May 25, 1979
R

6. Alien: Romulus (2024)

A standalone film set 20 years after the first *Alien*, following a group of space colonists who encounter a derelict Weyland-Yutani ship.