Alien Movies in Order: Release and Chronological Order

Where should you start?

Start with Alien, then continue in release order. The changing styles are part of the experience: the series moves between contained horror, action and speculative science fiction. Prometheus and Covenant are prequels, but watching them first changes how the creature and its origins are introduced.

The seven films in release order

1. Alien (1979) — start with the original's contained horror.
2. Aliens (1986) — continue Ripley's story with a stronger action emphasis.
3. Alien³ (1992) — follows the aftermath of Aliens.
4. Alien Resurrection (1997) — takes the story into a later era.
5. Prometheus (2012) — begins the prequel strand.
6. Alien: Covenant (2017) — continues that prequel strand.
7. Alien: Romulus (2024) — returns to the period between Alien and Aliens.

This guide covers these seven feature films through Romulus. The cards match that selection; it is not a list of every Alien-related production.

Chronological order for a rewatch

1. Prometheus (2012)
2. Alien: Covenant (2017)
3. Alien (1979)
4. Alien: Romulus (2024)
5. Aliens (1986)
6. Alien³ (1992)
7. Alien Resurrection (1997)

This follows the films' main story settings, not individual flashbacks. Hulu's franchise guide places Romulus between Alien and Aliens. Watching the prequels first foregrounds the mythology; release order lets the mystery develop as it did for original audiences. Neither route requires switching films midway through.

Do the crossovers and television series belong here?

Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) form a separate crossover detour and are excluded from the seven-film list. Alien: Earth is a television series, so keep it in a separate TV list. You do not need those entries before starting the main film route.

Our take on the collection

Moviebase editorial

The original’s confined space and the sequel’s escalation offer two very different strengths. Later films take bigger risks with mythology and tone, sometimes at the expense of the simplicity that made the creature frightening. Expect body horror, sustained threat and uneven levels of action across the series.

Planning your watchlist

The feature grid includes the original films, the prequels and Romulus. Alien: Earth is optional television viewing. Alien vs. Predator crossovers stay outside this core guide so newcomers can follow one clear route.

Download Moviebase to organize your viewing list, mark films as watched and record your ratings. For more options, see how to organize watchlists by franchise.

Sources

Hulu’s Alien viewing-order guide supports the release and story-order routes. 20th Century Studios’ Romulus page identifies the 2024 film.

Film titles, release dates, runtimes, audience ratings and artwork come from TMDB. Viewing advice is Moviebase editorial opinion. Collection references: TMDB 8091. Additional film records: Prometheus, Alien: Covenant, Alien: Romulus. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.