The Alien franchise, a sprawling epic of extraterrestrial horror and corporate malfeasance, can be daunting to navigate. To experience the story as it unfolds within its universe, viewers should watch the films in timeline order, beginning with Prometheus (2012), followed by Alien: Covenant (2017), Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Alien 3 (1992), and finally Alien: Resurrection (1997). This approach offers a cohesive understanding of the Xenomorph’s origins and the escalating conflict between humanity and the deadly alien species.
The Alien Timeline: A Deep Dive
Understanding the chronological order is crucial to appreciating the narrative tapestry woven across decades of filmmaking. This sequence allows viewers to witness the genesis of the Xenomorph, its evolution, and humanity’s desperate attempts to understand and ultimately survive its relentless attacks.
1. Prometheus (2012)
Prometheus serves as the prologue, setting the stage for the entire franchise. It depicts a scientific expedition to LV-223, a moon where ancient astronaut-like beings known as Engineers may hold the key to humanity’s origins. Instead, they discover a deadly bioweapon that ultimately births the Xenomorph we know and fear.
2. Alien: Covenant (2017)
Taking place a decade after Prometheus, Alien: Covenant follows a colonization ship that stumbles upon the Engineer homeworld. Here, they encounter the synthetic David, the sole survivor of the Prometheus expedition, who has been experimenting with the Engineer bioweapon, perfecting the Xenomorph and seeding the creature across the galaxy. This film significantly bridges the gap between the prequels and the original Alien movie.
3. Alien (1979)
The film that started it all. The crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from LV-426 (Acheron). They investigate and inadvertently bring a Facehugger aboard, leading to the terrifying birth of a Chestburster and the subsequent emergence of the fully-grown Xenomorph, which stalks and kills the crew one by one.
4. Aliens (1986)
Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo, is awakened after 57 years in hypersleep and recruited to accompany a team of Colonial Marines to investigate the now-colonized LV-426. They discover that the colonists have been wiped out and transformed into hosts for countless Xenomorphs. Aliens is a high-octane action spectacle, emphasizing the Xenomorph’s hive behavior.
5. Alien 3 (1992)
Ripley’s escape pod crash-lands on Fiorina 161, a prison planet. She soon discovers that a Facehugger was also aboard, resulting in the emergence of a Xenomorph on the isolated penal colony. This film marks a darker turn for the series, with a grim tone and a tragic ending for Ripley.
6. Alien: Resurrection (1997)
Two hundred years after Ripley’s death, she is cloned by the United Systems Military (USM) for her DNA to extract the Xenomorph queen embryo gestating inside her. The scientists create a new queen, who lays eggs, and a new generation of Xenomorphs is unleashed. This film introduces a Ripley clone with Xenomorph DNA, possessing enhanced strength and other alien traits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Alien franchise and its viewing order, designed to provide clarity and enhance your viewing experience:
1. Should I watch the Alien vs. Predator movies?
The Alien vs. Predator (AvP) movies, while existing within their own shared universe, are generally considered non-canon to the main Alien timeline. Their plot points contradict established lore, and their quality is often debated. Watching them is entirely optional and depends on your desire for additional Xenomorph content. If you do, you can watch Alien vs. Predator (2004) before Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007). They are generally considered separate from the main timeline.
2. Why watch in chronological order instead of release order?
Watching in chronological order allows you to witness the unveiling of the Xenomorph’s origins. Starting with Prometheus and Covenant provides context for the creature’s creation and the motivations of the Engineers and David. Release order, while offering a suspenseful reveal of the Xenomorph, obscures its backstory.
3. Are the Alien prequels necessary for understanding the original films?
While not strictly necessary, Prometheus and Covenant add significant depth to the universe, explaining the origins of the Xenomorph and the Engineer’s role. They provide answers to questions that were previously left unanswered in the original films, enriching the viewing experience.
4. Is there a director’s cut or extended version of any of the Alien movies?
Yes, there are several versions of the Alien films. Alien has a Director’s Cut, Aliens has a Special Edition, and Alien 3 has an Assembly Cut. Generally, the Director’s Cut/Special Edition/Assembly Cut are considered superior and offer a more complete viewing experience. However, this is subjective and depends on individual preferences.
5. What is the significance of the planet LV-426?
LV-426 (Acheron) is where the Nostromo crew encounters the derelict spaceship and the Xenomorph eggs in Alien. It is a central location in the franchise, the site of the first documented Xenomorph encounter and the setting for the events of Aliens. It’s also implied to be a terraformed world by the Engineers intended as a testing ground.
6. What role does the Weyland-Yutani Corporation play in the Alien universe?
Weyland-Yutani is a powerful and ruthless corporation obsessed with acquiring the Xenomorph for its potential as a bioweapon. They are a constant antagonist throughout the series, often prioritizing profit over human lives. Their actions drive many of the events in the films.
7. Who are the Engineers, and what is their connection to the Xenomorph?
The Engineers are an ancient race of beings who seeded life across the galaxy, including on Earth. In Prometheus and Covenant, it is revealed that they created a bioweapon that ultimately led to the creation of the Xenomorph. Their motives for this are complex and debated within the fandom.
8. What is the difference between a Facehugger and a Chestburster?
A Facehugger is the initial parasitic stage of the Xenomorph life cycle. It attaches itself to a host’s face and implants an embryo. A Chestburster is the larval form of the Xenomorph that violently erupts from the host’s chest, killing them in the process.
9. What makes the Xenomorph such a terrifying creature?
The Xenomorph is terrifying due to its unique and deadly biology, its ruthless intelligence, its adaptability, and its lack of empathy. It is a perfect killing machine, constantly evolving and learning to overcome any obstacle. Its life cycle is equally terrifying.
10. Is there a planned continuation of the Alien franchise?
Yes, there are currently plans for a new Alien movie directed by Fede Álvarez, and a new Alien television series from Noah Hawley. The movie is set to exist in the same universe as the previous films and seeks to recapture the horror of the original.
11. What is the significance of Ash, the synthetic character in Alien?
Ash, the science officer on the Nostromo, is revealed to be an android acting under Weyland-Yutani’s orders. His mission is to secure the Xenomorph at any cost, even at the expense of the crew’s lives. He represents the corporation’s callous disregard for human life.
12. Where can I watch the Alien movies?
The Alien movies are available for streaming on various platforms depending on your region. They are also available for purchase or rental on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV. Physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) are also widely available. Check local listings and streaming services for availability in your area.