The Alien franchise spans decades of cinematic history, with the storyline jumping across different eras, planets, and character arcs. To fully grasp the narrative arc of the Xenomorph—from its origins in the prequel series to the high-stakes survival horror of the original films—viewers can choose between watching the series in chronological timeline order or by the year each film was originally released to theaters.
Understanding the Franchise Structure
The Alien universe is divided into two primary segments: the original duology (and subsequent sequels) that follows Ellen Ripley, and the prequel series that explores the origins of the engineers and the bio-mechanical creature itself.
The confusion often arises because the prequel films, Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, act as direct precursors to the events of the original 1979 Alien film. Meanwhile, the later sequels, Aliens, Alien 3, and Alien: Resurrection, move the timeline forward into the distant future. There are also crossover films, such as Alien vs. Predator, which exist in a separate continuity that generally does not intersect with the main narrative arc of the primary series.
Viewing Option 1: Chronological Order
Watching the franchise in chronological order allows you to witness the evolution of the galaxy, the discovery of the "Engineers," and the eventual creation of the Xenomorph as an apex predator. This is often the preferred method for viewers who want a seamless, linear narrative that connects the dots between the philosophical beginnings of the franchise and the gritty, industrial horror of the later installments.
- Prometheus (2012): Set in 2093, this film introduces the Weyland Corporation’s quest for the origins of humanity, leading to the discovery of a lethal biological threat.
- Alien: Covenant (2017): Taking place in 2104, this sequel to Prometheus follows a colony ship that encounters a planet harboring the fallout of the previous film’s experiments.
- Alien (1979): Set in 2122, this is the classic horror experience where the crew of the USCSS Nostromo first encounters the creature.
- Aliens (1986): Set in 2179, this film shifts the tone from survival horror to tactical action, as Ripley returns to the moon where the signal was first found.
- Alien 3 (1992): Immediately following Aliens, this film sees Ripley crash-landing on a prison planet.
- Alien: Resurrection (1997): Set in 2381, this film explores the far future, centuries after Ripley's initial battle, involving cloning technology.
Viewing Option 2: Release Order
Many long-time fans argue that the release order is the best way to experience the Alien movies. This approach captures the stylistic shifts of the franchise, from the claustrophobic terror of Ridley Scott’s original 1979 vision to the intense action-oriented sequels and the modern, high-budget aesthetic of the later prequels. By following the release order, you see the franchise’s technical and narrative growth in real-time.
| Release Year | Movie Title |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Alien |
| 1986 | Aliens |
| 1992 | Alien 3 |
| 1997 | Alien: Resurrection |
| 2012 | Prometheus |
| 2017 | Alien: Covenant |
Note: This list excludes the Alien vs. Predator spin-offs, which are widely considered separate from the main cinematic canon established by the core film series.
Detailed Breakdown of the Core Timeline
To assist in your viewing decision, it is helpful to understand the thematic shift between these eras.
The Prequel Era (Prometheus and Alien: Covenant)
These films are defined by a shift toward science-fiction philosophy. Directed by Ridley Scott, these movies move away from the "haunted house in space" trope and toward questions of creation, artificial intelligence, and the ethics of synthetic life. If you value deep lore, world-building, and high-concept sci-fi, starting here is a rewarding choice. However, be aware that these films possess a vastly different tone and pacing than the original 1979 classic.
The Ripley Era (Alien through Alien: Resurrection)
This series is defined by the resilience and trauma of Ellen Ripley. In Alien, the focus is on a singular, unstoppable monster in a dark, confined space. In Aliens, the scope expands into a full-scale military conflict. By the time you reach Alien 3 and Resurrection, the series experiments with more experimental directing styles, reflecting the changing landscape of Hollywood science fiction in the 90s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the order of the movies impact the understanding of the plot? While the stories are connected, each Alien film is designed to stand on its own to a significant degree. However, watching the prequel films (Prometheus and Alien: Covenant) first may diminish the mystery of the Xenomorph in the 1979 film. Conversely, watching the original Alien first makes the reveal of the android David’s motivations in the prequel series more impactful.
Are the Alien vs. Predator movies part of the main series? No. While these films utilize the Xenomorph and Predator entities, they do not align with the lore or the character-driven narrative established in the Alien film series. Most fans and the production studios treat them as a distinct "crossover" continuity.
Which film is considered the scariest? The 1979 film Alien is widely considered the most effective horror film in the franchise. Its reliance on suspense, claustrophobic set design, and the "less is more" approach to showing the creature creates a sense of dread that remains unparalleled by the more action-heavy sequels.
Is it necessary to watch the director’s cuts? For the most part, the theatrical versions are the standard viewing experience. However, Aliens and Alien 3 have famous "Special Editions" that add significant character development and plot context. If you have the time, the extended versions are highly recommended for a deeper dive into the world.
Where do I start if I am new to the franchise? If you are a newcomer, the best entry point is the original 1979 Alien. It sets the foundation for the entire aesthetic, the rules of the monster’s life cycle, and the tone that the rest of the films strive to emulate.
Recommendation for Your Viewing Experience
If you are approaching the Alien franchise for the first time, we recommend the Release Order. Watching the films in the order they were produced allows you to appreciate how the practical effects, the creature designs, and the directorial vision evolved over nearly four decades. It preserves the mystery of the Xenomorph as it was intended to be experienced by original audiences in the 1970s and 80s, while providing a satisfying expansion of the universe through the later prequels.
Ensure that you have access to a reliable streaming platform or physical media collection, as these films are often subject to regional licensing changes. By starting with the 1979 original, you gain the necessary context to appreciate the nuances of the subsequent sequels and the complex, often dark origins explored in the later Prometheus and Covenant entries.
