Alien’s release order begins with a crew encountering something terrifying and unfamiliar. Its story chronology begins earlier, with humanity searching for answers in space. Choosing between them changes how much you know before the original film’s mystery unfolds.
Choose what to watch
Choose order
Release order
Release order
For the crossover-inclusive release list, insert Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) between Resurrection and Prometheus.
- Alien
- Aliens
- Alien 3
- Alien Resurrection
- Prometheus
- Alien: Covenant
- Alien: Romulus
- Alien: Earth
television series, included as a companion — TV series
Story order
The timeline makes Romulus an interquel: its main story occurs between Alien and Aliens. Alien: Earth is earlier than the original film, but it is not a prerequisite for understanding Ripley’s introduction.
- Prometheus
its principal expedition takes place in 2093, after earlier opening scenes
- Alien: Covenant
2104
- Alien: Earth
2120
- Alien
2122
- Alien: Romulus
2142
- Aliens
2179
- Alien 3
follows Aliens
- Alien Resurrection
roughly two centuries after Alien 3
No entries match this selection.
What about Alien vs. Predator?
The crossover films use a contemporary Earth setting, making them much earlier by calendar date. However, their history does not fit smoothly with every later Alien production. For a coherent main-series marathon, keep them as an optional two-film side route rather than the foundation of the timeline.
Peppermoon’s recommendation
Watch Alien and Aliens first. They establish the creature, Ripley and two very different approaches to suspense. Continue in release order, then use the chronological list for a second visit when you want to trace the prequels and intermediate stories.
Sources: Hulu’s Alien guide (https://www.hulu.com/guides/alien-movies-in-order); Rotten Tomatoes timeline (https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/alien-movies-in-order/).