Deciphering the sprawling Alien franchise can be daunting. To experience the universe’s evolution from Weyland Corp’s initial ambition to the Xenomorph’s devastating reign, follow the timeline: Prometheus, Alien: Covenant, Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, Alien Resurrection.
The Alien Universe: A Timeline Approach
The Alien franchise, spanning prequels, sequels, and crossovers, offers a rich tapestry of horror and science fiction. Watching the films in release order can be confusing, especially with the prequels expanding the backstory. A chronological approach, however, provides a coherent narrative, revealing the origins of the Xenomorph and the motivations behind Weyland-Yutani’s relentless pursuit. This method illuminates the subtle connections and thematic echoes throughout the series, amplifying the overall impact of this iconic franchise. While opinions may vary slightly among hardcore fans regarding the canonicity of certain expanded universe materials, focusing on the core films presents the most straightforward and impactful viewing experience.
Unveiling the Xenomorph Genesis: Prometheus (2012)
Start with Prometheus. This film, set in 2093, serves as the origin story, detailing humanity’s quest to find its creators, the Engineers. It explores the creation of life on Earth and the potentially malevolent forces behind it, introducing concepts like the black goo that are crucial to understanding the Xenomorph’s development. Keep an eye out for subtle hints of the Xenomorph’s future form, setting the stage for the horrors to come.
Descent into Madness: Alien: Covenant (2017)
Next, watch Alien: Covenant. This film directly follows Prometheus, charting the colonization mission of the Covenant ship. It delves deeper into the Engineers’ fate and the further experimentation with the black goo, culminating in the creation of the Neomorph and, ultimately, a more recognizable proto-Xenomorph. David, the synthetic human, plays a pivotal role, illustrating the dangerous consequences of unchecked ambition and the corruption of creation. Covenant bridges the gap between the prequels and the original Alien film.
The Original Nightmare: Alien (1979)
Then, revisit the masterpiece that started it all: Alien. Set after Covenant, this film introduces the iconic Xenomorph as a fully realized and terrifying threat. Follow the crew of the Nostromo as they encounter the derelict ship and the facehugger, culminating in the chestburster and the relentless hunt for Ripley and her crewmates. This film perfectly captures the claustrophobic horror and terrifying mystery of the Xenomorph.
Warfare and Survival: Aliens (1986)
Continue with Aliens. Set decades after the events of Alien, this film sees Ripley return to LV-426 with a squad of Colonial Marines to investigate a new colony. The stakes are raised exponentially as they encounter a horde of Xenomorphs, including the Xenomorph Queen. This action-packed sequel shifts the focus from survival horror to a thrilling war against overwhelming odds, solidifying Ripley as a legendary action hero.
A Grim End: Alien 3 (1992)
The penultimate chapter is Alien 3. Crashing on the penal colony of Fiorina 161, Ripley must once again confront a Xenomorph, this time without weapons or support. This darker and more isolated entry emphasizes the futility of escaping the Xenomorph threat and the ultimate sacrifice Ripley must make.
Cloning and Catastrophe: Alien Resurrection (1997)
Conclude the main storyline with Alien Resurrection. Set 200 years after Ripley’s death, this film sees her cloned and used to breed Xenomorphs. The resulting hybrid, the Newborn, presents a unique and disturbing challenge. While often considered the weakest entry, Resurrection offers a closure to Ripley’s saga and explores the consequences of playing God.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Prometheus truly fit into the Alien timeline?
Absolutely. While it initially felt disconnected, Prometheus is explicitly linked to the Alien universe, detailing the origins of the black goo and the Engineers’ role in creating life and, indirectly, the Xenomorph. It provides crucial context for understanding the later films.
2. Is Alien: Covenant essential viewing?
Yes. Covenant directly continues the narrative established in Prometheus and explains how the Xenomorph in Alien came to be. It fills in key gaps in the timeline and offers a disturbing origin story for the iconic monster.
3. Why watch Alien before Aliens?
While Aliens is a direct sequel to Alien, it’s important to experience the initial horror and mystery of the first film before witnessing the full-blown war of the second. Alien establishes the Xenomorph as a terrifying, unknown threat, making the escalating stakes of Aliens even more impactful.
4. Is Alien 3 as bad as everyone says it is?
Alien 3 is a divisive film, but it’s an important part of Ripley’s arc. While it may deviate from the action-oriented style of Aliens, it offers a more somber and reflective exploration of the Xenomorph threat and Ripley’s relentless struggle. Ultimately, it’s worth watching to complete the original trilogy.
5. Does Alien Resurrection ruin Ripley’s sacrifice in Alien 3?
Some fans argue that Alien Resurrection diminishes the impact of Ripley’s death in Alien 3. However, it also provides a unique twist on the character and explores the consequences of cloning and genetic manipulation. Whether it “ruins” the sacrifice is a matter of personal opinion.
6. Should I ignore the Alien vs. Predator movies?
The Alien vs. Predator (AvP) films exist in a separate continuity from the main Alien series. While they can be entertaining, they are generally not considered canon and don’t contribute to the core narrative of the Alien universe. Watching them is a matter of personal preference.
7. What’s the deal with the black goo?
The black goo, also known as the Pathogen, is a mutagenic substance central to the prequels. It’s a creation of the Engineers and can create a variety of terrifying creatures depending on the host. It’s the precursor to the Xenomorph and responsible for many of the horrors depicted in Prometheus and Covenant.
8. Who are the Engineers?
The Engineers are a humanoid race believed to be the creators of humanity. They are depicted as powerful and technologically advanced but also capable of great cruelty and destruction. Their motivations and the reasons for their creations are explored in Prometheus and Covenant.
9. What is Weyland-Yutani’s role in the Alien universe?
Weyland-Yutani is a powerful corporation with a relentless ambition to acquire and weaponize the Xenomorph. Their pursuit of this dangerous creature drives much of the conflict in the Alien films and highlights the dangers of corporate greed and scientific hubris.
10. Is there a definitive “best” Alien movie?
Many consider Alien and Aliens to be the best films in the franchise, but preferences vary. Alien is praised for its atmospheric horror and suspense, while Aliens is celebrated for its action-packed thrills and strong female lead.
11. Are there any upcoming Alien movies planned?
Yes! As of late 2024, a new Alien film, tentatively titled “Alien: Romulus,” is slated for release, set between Alien and Aliens. It will likely introduce new characters and further explore the terror of the Xenomorph.
12. Is there an extended universe of Alien novels, comics, and games?
Yes, a vast extended universe exists, featuring numerous novels, comics, and video games that expand on the Alien lore. While not all of these are considered canon, they offer a wealth of additional stories and insights into the Alien universe for dedicated fans. These are best explored after watching the core film series in timeline order.