Alien: How to Watch the Movies in Chronological Order

The Alien franchise is a cornerstone of science fiction and horror cinema, captivating audiences with its terrifying Xenomorphs, intense suspense, and complex storytelling. With numerous films spanning decades, including prequels and sequels, it can be confusing to figure out the proper chronological order for viewing. While many fans watch the movies based on release dates, watching them chronologically allows you to follow the timeline of events in the Alien universe, from the origins of the Xenomorphs to the fate of iconic characters like Ripley.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the Alien movies in chronological order and explains the best approach for enjoying the series.

1. Why Watch the Alien Movies Chronologically?

Watching the movies chronologically offers several advantages:

Understand the Timeline: See the events unfold as they happen within the universe.
Follow Character Development: Track Ripley, David, and other key characters across their narrative arcs.
Explore the Origins of the Xenomorphs: Prequels like Prometheus and Alien: Covenant reveal the history behind the alien species.
Enhance Story Continuity: Chronological viewing provides a clearer understanding of cause and effect between events.

2. Chronological Order of the Alien Movies

a. Prometheus (2012)

Setting: 2093
Director: Ridley Scott
Synopsis: The crew of the spaceship Prometheus follows a star map to a distant moon, hoping to discover the origins of humanity. They encounter the mysterious Engineers and proto-Xenomorph threats.
Significance: Acts as a prequel to the Alien series, introducing the origins of the Xenomorphs and exploring philosophical themes about creation and the dangers of human curiosity.

b. Alien: Covenant (2017)

Setting: 2104
Director: Ridley Scott
Synopsis: The colony ship Covenant lands on a remote planet where the android David, survivor of Prometheus, experiments with alien life. The crew faces early versions of Xenomorphs.
Significance: Bridges the gap between Prometheus and the original Alien, further expanding the prequel storyline.

c. Alien (1979)

Setting: 2122
Director: Ridley Scott
Synopsis: The commercial spaceship Nostromo responds to a distress signal on an unknown planet, discovering a deadly Xenomorph. The crew members are hunted one by one.
Significance: The film that started the franchise, blending horror, suspense, and science fiction to create an iconic cinematic experience.

d. Aliens (1986)

Setting: 2179
Director: James Cameron
Synopsis: Ripley, the sole survivor of Nostromo, returns to LV-426 with a squad of Colonial Marines to investigate a colony overrun by Xenomorphs.
Significance: Shifts from horror to action, emphasizing combat, teamwork, and Ripley’s maternal relationship with Newt.

e. Alien 3 (1992)

Setting: Shortly after Aliens
Director: David Fincher
Synopsis: Ripley crash-lands on a penal colony, discovering that a Xenomorph has emerged inside her. The prisoners face a deadly threat in isolation.
Significance: Dark and somber, focusing on despair, mortality, and Ripley’s ultimate sacrifice.

f. Alien: Resurrection (1997)

Setting: 2179 + 200 years
Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Synopsis: Scientists clone Ripley to extract the Xenomorph queen embryo within her, but the aliens escape and terrorize the ship.
Significance: Explores cloning, hybrid aliens, and moral dilemmas of scientific experimentation.

g. Alien vs. Predator (2004)

Setting: 2004 (Earth)
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Synopsis: A pyramid is discovered in Antarctica where Predators hunt Aliens as part of a ritual. Humans become caught in the crossfire.
Significance: A crossover between the Alien and Predator franchises, adding an extra layer of lore but considered non-canonical by some fans.

h. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)

Setting: After Alien vs. Predator
Directors: Colin Strause, Greg Strause
Synopsis: The hybrid Xenomorphs escape to a small town on Earth, leading to chaos and destruction.
Significance: Continues the crossover storyline; mainly for entertainment rather than core Alien canon.

3. Key Considerations for Viewing

Prequels vs Original Series

Prometheus and Alien: Covenant explore origins and backstory, focusing on the Engineers, android David, and the creation of Xenomorphs.
The original series (Alien to Alien: Resurrection) emphasizes horror, survival, and action, following Ripley’s journey and humanity’s encounters with Xenomorphs.

Crossover Films

Alien vs. Predator and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem are optional. They add fun and spectacle but are loosely connected to the main storyline.

Experience the Evolution

Watching chronologically gives you the story in order but may reduce the suspense of discovery that fans experienced during the original releases.
Release order offers a historical perspective, showing how the franchise’s tone and effects evolved over decades.

4. Viewing Tips

Start with Prequels for Lore Lovers: Begin with Prometheus and Alien: Covenant to understand the origins of the Xenomorphs.
Proceed to the Original Series: Watch Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, and Alien: Resurrection to follow Ripley’s saga.
Include Crossovers if Desired: End with Alien vs. Predator films for additional entertainment, though they are optional.
Pay Attention to Timelines: Some films are set decades apart, so note the temporal gaps for context.
Consider Director’s Cuts: Certain films, like Alien 3, have extended editions that enhance storytelling.

5. Themes Across the Alien Franchise

The series explores numerous themes, which viewing chronologically helps to understand:

Survival and Fear: Humans battling deadly extraterrestrials in confined spaces.
Corporate Exploitation: Companies prioritizing profit over human life.
Ethical Dilemmas in Science: Prequels explore cloning, artificial intelligence, and bioengineering.
Body Horror and Alien Life Cycles: The parasitic nature of Xenomorphs and their terrifying evolution.
Exploration and Curiosity: Humans venturing into the unknown, often facing unforeseen consequences.

6. Conclusion

Watching the Alien movies in chronological order provides a coherent narrative of the Xenomorphs’ origins, human encounters, and Ripley’s journey. Starting with Prometheus and moving through Alien: Covenant to the original series offers insight into the mythology and evolution of the aliens. Optional crossover films add extra entertainment but are not essential for following the main story.

Whether you are a new fan seeking a clear timeline or a seasoned viewer revisiting the series, chronological viewing offers a structured way to experience one of sci-fi and horror’s most iconic franchises. By following this order, you can fully appreciate the depth, suspense, and creativity that have made the Alien universe a timeless cinematic experience.

Watch Also: https://www.youtube.com/@TravelsofTheWorld24