The Xenomorph, from the *Alien* franchise, is arguably cinema's most iconic and terrifying monster. Its acid blood, terrifying double-mouthed maw, and deadly claws practically invented the space horror genre, giving generations a new reason to fear the dark. With *Alien: Romulus* now streaming, you might be itching for a complete *Alien* rewatch (including the *Alien vs. Predator* crossovers, which *do* take place on Earth). But what's the best viewing order? We've got you covered, with viewing options by both chronological order and release date.
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Chronological Order
Release Order
The Alien Movies in Chronological Order
How Many Alien Movies Are There?
There are nine films in the Alien franchise: four main entries, two Predator crossovers, two Ridley Scott prequels, and the latest standalone film from Fede Álvarez.
Alien: 6-Film Collection
Alien: Romulus
Alien: 35th Anniversary Edition
Aliens
Prometheus
Alien Movies in Chronological Order
1. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
Chronologically, the Xenomorph saga begins with *AVP: Alien vs. Predator*. This 2004 film from Paul W. S. Anderson depicts the Predators' long history of hunting Xenomorphs on Earth, using human sacrifices to breed them. The 2004 hunt, needless to say, goes awry.
Alien vs. Predator
20th Century Fox
PG-13
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2. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
Also set in the modern era, *Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem* follows the events of the first crossover. A Predalien is loose in a small Colorado town, forcing a veteran Predator to intervene, resulting in widespread carnage. This concludes the *Alien vs. Predator* storyline.
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
Davis Entertainment
R
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...(continues similarly for the remaining films)
How to Watch the Alien Movies by Release Date
For a release-date viewing order:
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien Resurrection (1997)
- AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien: Covenant (2017)
- Alien: Romulus (2024)
What's Next for the Alien Franchise?
Following the success of *Alien: Romulus*, a sequel is in discussion, with director Fede Álvarez suggesting filming could begin this year. An FX TV series, *Alien: Earth*, another prequel, is also in development and expected to premiere on Hulu this summer.