Navigating the interconnected universes of the Alien and Predator franchises can be a complex task due to multiple prequels, sequels, and crossover films. To watch these stories in chronological order rather than by theatrical release date, viewers must follow a path that begins in the late 21st century and spans across centuries of science fiction history, starting with the origins of the Xenomorph and the arrival of the Yautja on Earth.
Understanding the Two Timelines
The Alien and Predator films are distinct intellectual properties that share a common narrative space. While the Alien series focuses on the terror caused by the Xenomorph organism and the corporate greed of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, the Predator series tracks an alien race of hunters known as the Yautja.
When establishing a timeline, it is important to distinguish between the core canon and the Alien vs. Predator (AvP) sub-series. Many fans and critics consider the AvP films to exist in a separate continuity from the main Alien and Predator lines due to conflicting lore regarding the Weyland-Yutani company's history. However, for a complete chronological viewing experience, these films are placed according to the specific years in which their narratives take place.
The Chronological Sequence
The timeline below organizes the films based on the primary settings within their respective plots. Note that many of these dates are confirmed via on-screen text or production materials associated with the Alien and Predator expanded universes.
- Prey (1719): Set in the Northern Great Plains, this film features a young Comanche woman fighting a lone Predator. This is the earliest chronological point in the entire expanded franchise.
- Predator (1987): A group of elite mercenaries on a rescue mission in the Central American jungle encounters a Yautja hunter.
- Predator 2 (1997): The hunt moves to an urban setting, specifically Los Angeles, where a Predator exploits the violence of a city-wide gang war.
- Alien vs. Predator (2004): An expedition to Antarctica discovers an ancient pyramid built by the Predators, serving as a training ground for young warriors to hunt Xenomorphs.
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2004): Taking place immediately after the events of the previous film, this story centers on a ship crash in Colorado involving a Predalien.
- The Predator (2018): A young boy accidentally triggers the return of the Predators to Earth, leading to a confrontation involving a hybrid creature.
- Predators (2010): A group of humans is abducted and dropped onto a planet used by the Predators as a hunting preserve.
- Prometheus (2093): The Alien prequel arc begins here, focusing on the crew of the USCSS Prometheus as they search for the origins of humanity and discover the "Engineer" race.
- Alien: Covenant (2104): Set eleven years after Prometheus, the crew of a colony ship discovers a remote planet that serves as a site for David’s biological experiments.
- Alien (2122): The original classic film where the crew of the USCSS Nostromo answers a distress signal from LV-426, leading to the first recorded encounter with a Xenomorph.
- Alien: Romulus (2142): Taking place twenty years after the events of Alien, this story focuses on a group of young scavengers who encounter the organism on a derelict space station.
- Aliens (2179): Fifty-seven years after being set adrift in space, Ellen Ripley is rescued and returns to LV-426 to confront an infestation alongside Colonial Marines.
- Alien 3 (2179): Immediately following Aliens, Ripley crashes on a prison planet, where a lone Xenomorph terrorizes the inmates.
- Alien Resurrection (2381): Set two centuries after the death of Ripley, this film features a military-scientific attempt to clone the original Xenomorph queen.
Technical Considerations for Viewing
When organizing your watch order, it is helpful to understand the shift in tone between these eras. The Predator films are generally grounded in action and survival, whereas the Alien films shift from gothic horror in the early entries to military action and eventually to bio-horror and philosophical science fiction in the prequels.
If you are a completionist, the transition between Aliens and Alien 3 is critical, as they occur in rapid succession. Conversely, the gap between Alien Resurrection and the rest of the films is vast, representing a distinct future that remains largely unexplored in other media.
Comparison of Series Characteristics
To better understand why these films fit into a timeline, it helps to identify their core mechanical and narrative focus.
| Film Series | Key Antagonist | Setting/Tone | Primary Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Predator | Yautja (Predator) | Earth / Jungle / Urban | Hunting, Honor, Trophy-taking |
| Alien | Xenomorph / Weyland-Yutani | Space / Isolated Bases | Biology, Isolation, Corporate Greed |
| AvP | Both | Earth / Ancient Structures | Mythology, Hybridization |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Alien vs. Predator movies considered canon? The status of the AvP films is debated. In the official Alien timeline maintained by 20th Century Studios, the Alien prequels (directed by Ridley Scott) largely ignore the events of AvP. Many fans view them as a separate "what-if" timeline, but they are essential for understanding the full evolution of the crossover concept.
Does the timeline rely on production release dates? No. If you watch by release date, you would start with Alien (1979) and end with Alien: Romulus (2024). Watching by timeline order is recommended for those who want to trace the development of the Xenomorph from its biological origins to the distant future, or to follow the Predator's history on Earth from the 18th century to the modern day.
Is there a specific way to watch the Alien prequels? Prometheus and Alien: Covenant serve as direct predecessors to the original Alien film. It is highly recommended to watch these two before starting the 1979 original, as they clarify the origins of the android character David and the history of the Xenomorph virus.
What is the best way to approach the Predator timeline? The Predator films function largely as standalone entries. However, Prey (2022) provides excellent historical context for the Predators' long-standing relationship with Earth, making it a strong starting point for the Predator branch of the timeline.
Does Alien: Romulus fit perfectly into the existing chronology? Yes. Alien: Romulus is explicitly set twenty years after the original 1979 Alien film. By the end of the film, you will have a clear understanding of the corporate state of the galaxy and the continued threat posed by the organisms prior to the return of Ellen Ripley in Aliens.
Recommendation for New Viewers
For a balanced experience, start with the Predator sequence up to The Predator (2018), as these films are self-contained and establish the lore of the hunters. Once you transition to the Alien timeline, prioritize the Prometheus and Covenant prequels before moving into the core Alien quartet. This approach preserves the mystery of the Xenomorph while providing the necessary scientific and historical context for the later, more frantic entries in the series. Keep in mind that while the dates provided are standard, the narrative flow is intended to showcase the evolution of the threats within their respective cosmic environments.
