The clash between Xenomorphs and Predators is a sci-fi staple, but navigating the sprawling franchise timeline can be confusing. To witness the unfolding saga in chronological order, you must start with Predator (1987), followed by Predator 2 (1990), Alien vs. Predator (2004), Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), Predators (2010), Prometheus (2012), Alien: Covenant (2017), Alien (1979), and finally, Aliens (1986), Alien 3 (1992), and Alien Resurrection (1997).
A Chronological Journey Through the Xenomorph and Yautja Universes
Understanding the narrative flow between the Alien and Predator franchises requires careful consideration. While release dates can be misleading, piecing together in-universe events unveils a coherent, albeit complex, storyline. This guide offers the definitive timeline, ensuring you experience the full, interconnected saga.
Predator: The Hunt Begins in 1987
The first encounter with the Yautja, or Predators, occurs in the jungles of Central America in 1987. Predator (1987) introduces us to Dutch Schaefer and his elite team as they face an invisible hunter with advanced technology. This sets the stage for the Predator’s hunting culture and their preference for worthy prey. The movie establishes the foundational aspects of Predator lore.
Predator 2: Los Angeles Under Siege
Moving forward to 1997 (the film’s release date was 1990, but the narrative is set in 1997), Predator 2 shifts the hunt to the urban jungle of Los Angeles. Detective Harrigan discovers a new Predator stalking rival drug gangs, offering a glimpse into the Predator’s wider travels and weaponry. The ending scene provides a subtle hint of their prior encounters with Xenomorphs, foreshadowing the future crossover films.
Alien vs. Predator: Ancient Rivalry Unveiled
Alien vs. Predator (2004) serves as a prequel, jumping back thousands of years to Antarctica where a Predator pyramid has been discovered. This film establishes that the Predators have been visiting Earth for millennia, seeding Xenomorphs as part of a ritualistic hunt. While considered non-canon by some, it undeniably fills gaps in both franchises’ histories. It provides the in-universe “origin” of the rivalry.
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem: A Small Town Nightmare
Following the events of Alien vs. Predator, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) depicts the immediate aftermath. A Predator-Alien hybrid, the Predalien, wreaks havoc on a small American town. While often criticized for its quality, Requiem directly continues the storyline established in its predecessor, making it chronologically important.
Predators: A Hunting Preserve on an Alien World
Predators (2010) takes a detour, focusing exclusively on Predators hunting humans on a different planet. A group of skilled warriors are abducted and forced to survive in a game preserve run by a separate clan of Super Predators. This film expands the Predator universe, showcasing different Predator clans and their unique hunting strategies.
Prometheus: Seeds of Destruction
Prometheus (2012) drastically shifts focus to the origins of humanity, exploring the Engineers, the beings who seeded life on Earth. However, the film also introduces the mysterious black goo that leads to the creation of horrific creatures, hinting at the origins of the Xenomorphs. While not explicitly connected to the Predator universe, Prometheus lays the groundwork for the events leading to Alien.
Alien: Covenant: The Xenomorph’s Genesis
Alien: Covenant (2017) directly follows Prometheus, revealing the fate of David, the android from the previous film. David is revealed to be the creator of the Xenomorph as we know it. His experiments with the black goo lead to the birth of the iconic creature. This movie is crucial for understanding the origins of the Xenomorph lifecycle.
Alien: The Original Nightmare
Alien (1979) introduces us to the crew of the Nostromo, who encounter a Xenomorph on a remote planetoid. This film is where the Xenomorph truly makes its terrifying debut, establishing its parasitic life cycle and deadly nature. Its placement late in the timeline is due to the events of Prometheus and Covenant leading to this point.
Aliens: War Declared
Aliens (1986) takes place 57 years after the events of Alien. Ripley returns to LV-426 with a squad of Colonial Marines to face a colony overrun by Xenomorphs. This movie transforms the horror of Alien into an action-packed war, showcasing the Xenomorphs’ hive mentality and the terrifying Queen.
Alien 3: A Grim Fate
Alien 3 (1992) continues Ripley’s story, crashing on a penal colony inhabited by violent inmates. A Xenomorph quickly emerges, and Ripley must fight to survive while carrying a Queen embryo within her. This film is considered a controversial entry, but it remains part of the core Alien timeline.
Alien Resurrection: A Cloned Horror
Alien Resurrection (1997) takes place 200 years after Ripley’s death. She is cloned by the military to extract the Xenomorph Queen within her. This leads to the creation of a hybrid Xenomorph, the Newborn. The movie is the furthest point in the current Alien timeline, closing the Ripley saga on a bizarre note.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Alien and Predator timelines, offering more clarity and context.
1. Are all the Alien and Predator movies considered canon?
Whether all movies are considered canon is a complex issue. Alien vs. Predator and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem are often considered non-canon by many fans of the core Alien series, and some consider them separate from the main narrative. However, they exist within the established timeline unless officially retconned. Ultimately, canonicity is a matter of personal interpretation until officially addressed by the franchise owners.
2. Why are the Alien prequels ( Prometheus and Covenant ) placed so far back in the timeline, despite being released later?
Prometheus and Alien: Covenant explore the origins of the Xenomorph, revealing the events that directly lead to the infestation discovered in Alien. Their narrative placement is dictated by the internal chronology, regardless of their release dates.
3. Is there a definitive connection between the Engineers and the Predators?
While there is no explicitly stated connection in the films, some theories suggest the Engineers might have influenced the Predators’ hunting practices or provided them with technology. However, this remains speculative.
4. Do the Predator movies have a connected storyline?
While each Predator movie presents a standalone encounter, they all contribute to the overall lore of the Yautja culture and their motivations for hunting. Predators (2010), in particular, explores different factions of Predators.
5. Are there any Alien or Predator comics, novels, or video games that are considered canon?
The canonicity of expanded universe materials, such as comics, novels, and video games, is highly variable and depends on individual interpretation. Generally, the films are considered the primary source of canon. Certain comics and novels may align with the films’ narrative, while others may present alternative storylines.
6. Where does Prey (2022) fit into the Predator timeline?
Prey, released in 2022, takes place in 1719 and is therefore chronologically the first Predator movie. It significantly predates Predator (1987), offering a glimpse into an early Predator hunt against Native American warriors.
7. Is it necessary to watch the Alien vs. Predator movies to understand the main Alien storyline?
No, watching the Alien vs. Predator movies is not essential for understanding the core Alien storyline. They provide context for the Predator side of the conflict but are not directly connected to the overarching Alien narrative established in the original films.
8. What is the “black goo” introduced in Prometheus?
The “black goo,” also known as the Accelerant, is a mutagenic substance created by the Engineers. It’s capable of transforming living organisms into various forms, ultimately leading to the creation of the Xenomorph. Its precise nature and origins are intentionally ambiguous.
9. Are there any new Alien or Predator movies planned for the future?
Yes, there are several new Alien and Predator projects in development. A new Alien film, directed by Fede Álvarez, is slated for release, and there are also talks of future Predator installments. Keep an eye on official announcements for the latest updates.
10. Which Alien or Predator movie is considered the best by fans?
Fan opinion varies greatly. Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986) are widely regarded as classics and often considered the best Alien films. Predator (1987) is similarly lauded as the quintessential Predator experience.
11. Is there a specific order to watch the Alien movies without the Predator crossover?
If you wish to focus solely on the Alien saga, the order is Prometheus, Alien: Covenant, Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, and Alien Resurrection. This follows the progression of the Xenomorph and its impact on humanity.
12. Are the events in Alien: Isolation (the video game) considered part of the official timeline?
Alien: Isolation, a highly acclaimed video game, is generally considered to be canon-adjacent. It fills in the gap between Alien and Aliens, following Amanda Ripley’s search for her mother, Ellen Ripley. While its canonicity hasn’t been officially confirmed, it aligns well with the established lore.