The Xenomorph from the Alien franchise remains one of the most iconic and terrifying movie monsters in cinematic history. With its lethal acid blood, nested jaws, and razor-sharp claws, this extraterrestrial predator redefined horror in space and introduced a new era of sci-fi fear. Now that Alien: Romulus is streaming, fans have the perfect opportunity to dive back into the full saga — including the Alien vs. Predator crossovers, which, despite their Earth-bound settings, are officially part of the extended timeline.
But with multiple viewing orders and a mix of sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, it can be tricky to know where to start. Below, we’ve laid out the complete Alien movie series in both chronological and release order to help you navigate the terrifying universe with ease.
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How to watch in chronological order
How to watch by release order
How Many Alien Movies Are There?
There are nine films in the official Alien franchise, spanning multiple timelines and storytelling styles:
- 4 mainline films featuring Ellen Ripley
- 2 prequels directed by Ridley Scott (Prometheus and Alien: Covenant)
- 2 crossover films (Alien vs. Predator and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem)
- 1 standalone sequel (Alien: Romulus)
Each contributes to the ever-expanding mythos of the Xenomorph and humanity’s deadly encounters with it.
Alien: 6-Film Collection
Alien: Romulus
Alien: 35th Anniversary Edition
Aliens
Prometheus
Alien Movies in Chronological Order
1. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
Release Date: August 13, 2004 | Rating: PG-13
The timeline of the Alien universe begins with this crossover event. Set in 2004, Alien vs. Predator reveals that the Predators (Yautja) have visited Earth for millennia, using ancient human civilizations to host Xenomorphs as part of a ritualistic hunt. When a group of scientists stumbles upon a buried pyramid in Antarctica, they unwittingly become part of the next deadly game. Though not part of the core Ripley saga, this film sets up the ancient connection between the two species.
Available on: Blu-ray | DVD | Digital Rental | Theater
2. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
Release Date: December 25, 2007 | Rating: R
Picking up immediately after the first film, a Predator spacecraft carrying a dying Xenomorph crashes in Colorado. The resulting hybrid — the terrifying "Predalien" — begins breeding, threatening to overrun the town. A lone Predator returns to Earth to contain the outbreak, unleashing brutal violence in a desperate attempt to erase all evidence. This marks the end of the crossover series.
Available on: Blu-ray | DVD | Digital Rental | Theater
3. Prometheus (2012)
Release Date: June 8, 2012 | Rating: R
Directed by Ridley Scott, Prometheus dives into the origins of the Xenomorph. Set in the late 21st century, the film follows the crew of the Prometheus as they travel to a distant moon in search of humanity’s creators — the Engineers. Funded by Peter Weyland (founder of Weyland Industries), the mission turns into a nightmare when they uncover the Engineers’ dark experiments, including the proto-Xenomorph pathogen. This film redefines the franchise’s mythology.
Available on: Blu-ray | DVD | Digital Rental | Theater
4. Alien: Covenant (2017)
Release Date: May 19, 2017
A direct sequel to Prometheus, Alien: Covenant follows a colonization ship that receives a mysterious signal from a seemingly habitable planet. The crew discovers remnants of the previous expedition and faces both a rogue android and a rapidly evolving Xenomorph threat. The film bridges the gap between the prequels and the original Alien, bringing the story closer to the events of 1979.
Available on: Blu-ray | DVD | Digital Rental | Theater
5. Alien (1979)
Release Date: May 25, 1979 | Rating: R
Ridley Scott’s masterpiece launched the franchise with terrifying elegance. The crew of the Nostromo investigates a distress signal on a desolate moon, only to bring aboard a deadly Xenomorph that stalks them one by one. Sigourney Weaver stars as Ellen Ripley, who emerges as one of cinema’s most enduring heroes. This film established the tone, design, and dread that define the series.
Available on: Blu-ray | DVD | UMD | Digital Rental | Theater
6. Alien: Romulus (2024)
Release Date: August 16, 2024
Set roughly 20 years after Alien, this standalone entry follows Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny) and a group of young colonists who discover a derelict Weyland-Yutani ship. Hoping to escape their harsh world, they board the vessel — only to find it harboring a horrifying secret. Directed by Fede Álvarez, the film blends classic Alien tension with modern horror influences and nods to the video games.
Available on: Digital Rental | Theater
7. Aliens (1986)
Release Date: July 18, 1986 | Rating: R
James Cameron takes the franchise in a more action-packed direction. Ripley returns, awakened after 57 years in cryo-sleep, to learn that the planet LV-426 has been colonized — and overrun by Xenomorphs. Teaming up with Colonial Marines, she fights to save the last survivor: a young girl named Newt. This film expands the lore, introduces the Queen Xenomorph, and solidifies Ripley as an action legend.
