"Alien Movies: How to Watch in Chronological Order"

The Xenomorph from the Alien film franchise is one of the coolest, most nefarious movie monsters ever created, with its acid blood, mouths-within-mouths, and diabolical claws. It single-handedly (and multi-teethily) invented the space horror genre and gave an entire generation a new boogeyman to fear. With Alien: Romulus now streaming, you may be inspired to do a full rewatch of the Alien franchise, including the Alien/Predator films, which are set on Earth.

But what's the correct order to watch them in? We've got you covered. Below you'll find full listings for the Alien movies, in both chronological order and by release date.

Jump to:

• How to watch in chronological order
• How to watch by release order

How Many Alien Movies Are There?

There are a total of nine movies in the Alien franchise — four in the mainline series of films, two Predator crossovers, two prequels from Ridley Scott, and the newest addition, a standalone movie from Fede Álvarez.

Alien Movies in Chronological Order

1. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)

The story of the Xenomorphs begins, time-wise, in the first of the two crossover films for the franchise, AVP. Set in 2004, Alien vs. Predator, directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, brought to life a "battle of the titans" concept that first originated in a 1989 comic. In the film, humans discover that Predators (aka the "Yautja") have been coming to Earth for thousands of years. Old cults worshipping them would sacrifice themselves to a Xenomorph Queen's brood -- the facehuggers -- producing adult Xenomorphs, so the Predators could hunt the "ultimate prey." Suffice it to say, things go badly during the Predators' 2004 hunting trip.

Alien vs. Predator 20th Century Fox Aug 13, 2004 PG-13

Where to Watch

Powered by Rent/Buy Rent/Buy Rent/Buy More

2. Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)

Still set in our modern times, and therefore still happening before everything else in the Alien franchise, crossover sequel Aliens vs Predator: Requiem picks up right where AVP left off. An Alien-Predator hybrid -- the "Predalien" -- is now on the loose in a small Colorado town. A skilled, veteran Predator arrives to help clean up the mess and an ample amount of carnage ensues. This would be the final crossover film of the Alien franchise. You can see our guide to the Predator movies in order for more info.

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem Davis Entertainment Dec 25, 2007 R

Where to Watch

Powered by Rent/Buy Rent/Buy Rent/Buy More