How To Watch the Alien Movies in Release Order (And Where To Watch Them)

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Rachel Ulatowski

Rachel Ulatowski

JustWatch Editor

The Alien franchise is one of the most iconic movie franchises of all time. Combining science fiction, action and horror, this terrifying franchise has captured the imagination of fans all over the world with the warning that "In Space, nobody can hear you scream." If you want to watch every Alien movie in order, we've got you covered with this complete guide. Here you can find out all the latest information on where to watch them, and the correct order. We've also provided the chronological order in case you want to revisit the franchise and follow the story as it unfolds.

Alien

The Alien franchise began in 1979 with the release of Alien from director Ridley Scott. It follows the crew of the spacecraft Nostromo, including warrant officer Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), Captain Dallas (Tom Skerritt), and executive officer Kane (John Hurt), who are on their way home from a mission in deep space. However, they soon find themselves fighting for survival when an alien species (later identified as Xenomorphs) infiltrates their ship.

Although Alien received mixed reviews upon release, it was reassessed and is now considered one of the greatest sci-fi horror movies ever. The blend of horror and sci-fi, the strong female lead in Sigourney Weaver, and the chilling and dreadful premise were groundbreaking. Additionally, the scene where the alien emerges through Kane’s chest is considered one of cinematic history's most iconic scenes.

Aliens

Sigourney Weaver returned for the 1986 sequel, James Cameron g on to direct. The film sees Ripley return to the original site of the attack on Nostromo after another ship goes dark while in the area. Aliens did what few sequels accomplish and came to be considered equal to or greater than Alien in quality, thrilling viewers with its exploration of a Queen Xenomorph and further character development of Ripley.

Alien 3

Following directly on from the events of Aliens, Alien 3 begins with a xenomorph's egg hatching aboard the Colonial Marine spaceship Sulaco. As a new facehugger is released, a fire causes damage to the ship and the computer launches an escape pod with a handful of survivors – Ellen Ripley, Newt, Hicks, and Bishop.

Alien Resurrection

Alien Resurrection takes place 200 years later, with bold storytelling decisions that involve military scientists that clone Ellen Ripley to create Ripley 8. However, Ripley's DNA has been combined with the alien queen's, creating a clone with an embryo inside it.

Alien vs. Predator

The next Alien film would diverge from the original movies and start a new crossover franchise with Predator. Also known as 'AVP', this marked an iconic head-to-head between the two most famous sci-fi horror characters of all time.

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem

The ongoing fight between the Xenomorph (Alien) and Yautja (Predator) continues in a small Colorado town, where the unfortunate residents must work together if they want to survive.

Despite getting a sequel, original Alien director Ridley Scott was vehemently against the AVP crossover and eventually received the green light to revive the franchise with two prequel films, Alien: Covenant.

Prometheus

The Alien prequel, titled Prometheus, introduces archeologists Elizabeth (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie (Logan Marshall-Green) and android David (Michael Fassbender), who run into a deadly alien species while attempting to track the origin of humanity.

Alien: Covenant

Covenant continues on directly from Prometheus, following the crew of a colony ship as they land on an unexplored planet. While the prequels didn’t entirely eclipse the original movie and its sequel, they received relatively positive reviews. They revitalized the franchise, raising excitement for Alien: Romulus, which will take viewers back to the time of the original films.

Alien: Romulus

As the first Alien movie to be produced by Disney, the movie follows a group of space scavengers who come face to face a xenomorph. It centers on an all-new cast but functions as an 'interquel', taking place between the events of Alien and Aliens.

How to watch the Alien movies in chronological order

Viewers can either watch the Alien movies in chronological or release date order. Chronological order is fairly simple, as it is the Predator vs. Alien movies, followed by the prequels and original series. The new film, Alien: Romulus, is set to take place between Alien and Aliens. The chronological order is:

  • AVP: Alien vs. Predator

  • Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem

  • Prometheus

  • Alien: Covenant

  • Alien

  • Alien: Romulus

  • Aliens

  • Alien 3

  • Alien Resurrection

How can I watch the Alien movies in order on streaming services?

If you want to watch every Alien movie in release order, our streaming guide can help you know exactly where to watch them on streaming services. This complete guide shows you every Alien movie in release order and all the latest streaming offers for viewers in the United States.

  1. Alien

    Alien

    1979

    # 1

    During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is birthed.

  2. Aliens

    Aliens

    1986

    # 2

    Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo's deadly encounter with the monstrous Alien, returns to Earth after drifting through space in hypersleep for 57 years. Although her story is initially met with skepticism, she agrees to accompany a team of Colonial Marines back to LV-426.

  3. Alien³

    Alien³

    1992

    # 3

    After escaping with Newt and Hicks from the alien planet, Ripley crash lands on Fiorina 161, a prison planet and host to a correctional facility. Unfortunately, although Newt and Hicks do not survive the crash, a more unwelcome visitor does. The prison does not allow weapons of any kind, and with aid being a long time away, the prisoners must simply survive in any way they can.

  4. Alien Resurrection

    Alien Resurrection

    1997

    # 4

    Two hundred years after Lt. Ripley died, a group of scientists clone her, hoping to breed the ultimate weapon. But the new Ripley is full of surprises … as are the new aliens. Ripley must team with a band of smugglers to keep the creatures from reaching Earth.

  5. AVP: Alien vs. Predator

    # 5

    When scientists discover something near Antarctica that appears to be a buried Pyramid, they send a research team out to investigate. Little do they know that they are about to step into a hunting ground where Aliens are grown as sport for the Predator race.

  6. Aliens vs Predator: Requiem

    # 6

    After a horrifying PredAlien crash-lands near a small Colorado town, killing everyone it encounters and producing countless Alien offspring, a lone Predator arrives to "clean up" the infestation.

  7. Prometheus

    Prometheus

    2012

    # 7

    A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

  8. Alien: Covenant

    Alien: Covenant

    2017

    # 8

    The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise but is actually a dark, dangerous world.

  9. Alien: Romulus

    Alien: Romulus

    2024

    # 9

    While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonists come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.