How to Watch the Alien Movies in Chronological Order: A Definitive Guide

The Alien franchise has captivated audiences for decades with its blend of science fiction horror and terrifying extraterrestrial encounters. To experience the story as it unfolds in the timeline, watch the movies in this order: Prometheus, Alien: Covenant, Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, Alien Resurrection.

Unraveling the Xenomorph Timeline: A Chronological Viewing Order

Many are drawn to the Alien universe not just for its scares, but for its complex narrative and philosophical underpinnings. Jumping into the series at random can leave you disoriented and missing crucial details. Viewing the films in chronological order allows you to fully appreciate the origin of the Xenomorphs, the evolution of Weyland-Yutani Corporation’s obsession, and the tragic journey of Ellen Ripley. This guide provides the definitive order, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive viewing experience.

1. Prometheus (2012): This prequel delves into the origins of humanity and the Engineers, the beings who seeded life on Earth. It sets the stage for the horrors to come, revealing the “black goo” and its transformative properties. Importantly, it introduces Peter Weyland, a crucial figure in the franchise.

2. Alien: Covenant (2017): Directly following Prometheus, Covenant depicts the crew of a colonization ship encountering the synthetic David 8 on the Engineers’ homeworld. It unveils David’s twisted experiments and his creation of the perfect organism: the Xenomorph. This film fills in the crucial gap between the prequel and the original Alien.

3. Alien (1979): The film that started it all. The crew of the Nostromo encounter the facehugger and chestburster, introducing audiences to the deadly Xenomorph. This film focuses on suspense, claustrophobia, and the crew’s desperate fight for survival against an unknown terror.

4. Aliens (1986): James Cameron’s action-packed sequel sees Ripley, now recovered from cryo-sleep, return to LV-426 with a team of Colonial Marines to investigate a lost colony. This film ramps up the action significantly, introducing the Alien Queen and showcasing Ripley’s unwavering resolve.

5. Alien 3 (1992): Following the events of Aliens, Ripley crash-lands on a prison planet. This film is darker and more somber, focusing on Ripley’s sacrifice to prevent the Xenomorph from falling into the wrong hands. It introduces the Dog Alien/Ox Alien, a Xenomorph that inherits traits from its host.

6. Alien Resurrection (1997): Set 200 years after Ripley’s death, this film sees a team of scientists cloning Ripley and the Alien Queen, hoping to harness the Xenomorph’s power. This film introduces the Newborn, a bizarre hybrid creature that complicates the established Xenomorph biology.

Diving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further enhance your understanding and address common queries surrounding the Alien franchise timeline, here are twelve frequently asked questions.

Clarifying Chronology

1. Does the release order differ from the chronological order?

   Yes, significantly. The release order is Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, Alien Resurrection, Alien vs. Predator, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, Prometheus, Alien: Covenant. As you can see, the prequels (Prometheus and Alien: Covenant) were released much later than the original films. Watching in release order can create a disjointed experience.

2. Why watch in chronological order instead of release order?

   Chronological order provides a richer understanding of the lore and the evolution of the Xenomorph. It allows you to see the gradual unfolding of the story, from its ancient origins to the eventual conflicts and Ripley’s tragic fate. It also creates a more coherent viewing experience in terms of understanding Weyland-Yutani’s objectives.

Understanding the Prequels

3. Are Prometheus and Alien: Covenant essential for understanding the original Alien?

   While not strictly essential, they provide crucial context. They reveal the origins of the Xenomorphs and the motivations behind Weyland-Yutani’s interest in them. They significantly enrich the overall lore of the franchise.

4. Why are Prometheus and Alien: Covenant controversial among fans?

   Some fans find the prequels stray too far from the horror roots of the original films, focusing more on philosophical themes and convoluted plotlines. The character of David 8 and his role in creating the Xenomorphs is a particularly divisive element.

The Divisive Sequels

5. Is Alien Resurrection considered canon?

   The canonicity of Alien Resurrection is often debated among fans. While officially part of the franchise, its plot and tone differ significantly from the previous films. Many fans choose to disregard it, considering Alien 3 a more fitting conclusion to Ripley’s story.

6. Why is Alien 3 so divisive?

   Alien 3‘s controversial nature stems largely from its decision to kill off Hicks and Newt, characters beloved from Aliens, at the very beginning. This perceived disregard for the previous film’s characters, coupled with a darker tone and a less action-oriented narrative, alienated many viewers.

Alternative Viewing Orders

7. Is there an alternative viewing order that combines release and chronological order?

   Yes, some suggest watching Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, Alien Resurrection first to appreciate Ripley’s journey, then watching Prometheus and Alien: Covenant to understand the Xenomorph origins. This approach preserves the impact of the original films while still providing the prequel context.

8. What about the Alien vs. Predator movies? Do they fit into this timeline?

   The Alien vs. Predator films are generally considered separate from the main Alien canon. While they feature both Xenomorphs and Predators, they don’t significantly impact the main Alien storyline and are often treated as non-canon spin-offs. Therefore, they are not included in the chronological viewing order.

Expanding the Universe

9. Are there any Alien short films or comics that are considered canon and worth watching?

   Yes, there are several Alien short films released under the Alien: Universe banner that are considered canon and expand the universe. These can be found online. Additionally, Dark Horse Comics has produced a wealth of Alien comics, some of which are highly regarded by fans for their storytelling and world-building. However, determining which comics are truly considered canon can be difficult.

10. What makes the Xenomorph such an iconic movie monster?

    The Xenomorph’s success lies in its terrifying design, relentless nature, and horrifying life cycle. Its biomechanical appearance, courtesy of H.R. Giger, is instantly recognizable and deeply unsettling. The parasitic nature of the facehugger and the explosive emergence of the chestburster are unforgettable horror moments.

Future of the Franchise

11. Are there any new Alien movies or TV shows planned?

    Yes, a new Alien movie, Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Álvarez, is scheduled for release in 2024. There is also an Alien TV series being developed by Noah Hawley for FX. These projects indicate that the Alien franchise is far from over.

12. How does the upcoming Alien: Romulus fit into the existing timeline?

    Alien: Romulus is reportedly set between the events of Alien and Aliens, focusing on a new group of young space colonizers who encounter the Xenomorph. This placement aims to bridge the gap between the suspenseful horror of the original and the action-packed sequel, adding a new chapter to the Xenomorph saga. Its canonicity and impact on the overall timeline remain to be seen.

By following this chronological viewing order and considering these FAQs, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the intricate and terrifying world of the Alien franchise. Enjoy the journey!