So you wanna tackle the Alien franchise in order? Smart move. Back when I tried watching these for the first time, I accidentally started with Alien³ – yeah, don't do that. Total confusion. Whether you're a newbie or revisiting this sci-fi horror saga, getting the sequence right changes everything. This guide cuts through the confusion once and for all.
Why Getting the Alien Viewing Order Matters
Here's the thing about the Alien universe: it's messy. Original director Ridley Scott returned decades later with prequels that rewrote the lore. Then throw in those Alien vs Predator spin-offs that some fans pretend don't exist. You need context before diving in.
Just last month, my buddy Mike started with Prometheus and complained none of it made sense. Well duh – that's like reading chapter 5 of a book first. The Alien franchise in order of release shows how filmmaking evolved since 1979, while chronological order reveals the hidden story connections. I'll give you both.
The Official Alien Franchise Release Order
This is how most of us experienced the saga. Watching in release order preserves the original suspense and cultural impact. Remember, the first movie had zero explanations about the Xenomorphs – that's what made it terrifying.
| Year | Title | Runtime | Director | Key Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Alien | 117 min | Ridley Scott | Groundbreaking horror in space, introduced Ripley |
| 1986 | Aliens | 137 min (Theatrical) 154 min (Special Edition) |
James Cameron | Shift to action; iconic queen alien reveal |
| 1992 | Alien³ | 114 min (Theatrical) 145 min (Assembly Cut) |
David Fincher | Controversial tonal shift; prison planet setting |
| 1997 | Alien: Resurrection | 109 min | Jean-Pierre Jeunet | Weird genetic experiments; divisive among fans |
| 2004 | Alien vs. Predator | 101 min | Paul W.S. Anderson | Crossover event; non-canonical to main storyline |
| 2007 | Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem | 94 min | Colin & Greg Strause | Notoriously dark lighting; messy storyline |
| 2012 | Prometheus | 124 min | Ridley Scott | Prequel exploring Engineers; new mysteries |
| 2017 | Alien: Covenant | 122 min | Ridley Scott | Directly connects to original Alien; David's origin |
Release Order Viewing Tips
The theatrical vs director's cut debate matters most here. For Aliens, always choose the Special Edition – those extra 17 minutes show why Ripley lost her daughter, which explains her bond with Newt. But for Alien³? The Assembly Cut transforms a disaster into something watchable. Seriously, the studio butchered Fincher's vision originally.
Personal hot take: Skip both AVP movies on your first run. They're like fan fiction with studio budgets. That time I dragged my horror club to a marathon? Half the group walked out during Requiem. Save these for later if you crave schlock.
The Alien Saga in Chronological Order
Now for the complete timeline order. This sequence reveals how David the android became the franchise's secret main villain – something totally missed when watching release order. Mind-blowing stuff.
- Prometheus (2093) - Weyland Corp searches for humanity's creators
- Alien: Covenant (2104) - David's genocide on Engineer planet
- Alien (2122) - Nostromo's doomed mission with original Xenomorph
- Aliens (2179) - Colonial Marines battle the hive
- Alien³ (2179) - Ripley crash-lands on Fiorina 161
- Alien: Resurrection (2381) - Military clones Ripley 200 years later
| Skippable Entries | Why Optional? | Only Watch If... |
|---|---|---|
| Alien vs Predator (2004) | Contradicts established timeline | You want popcorn fun |
| AVP: Requiem (2007) | Unrelated to Ripley saga | You enjoy chaotic monster fights |
| Alien: Resurrection | Divisive tone shift | You must see all Ripley stories |
That gap between Covenant and the original Alien? That's where Disney's upcoming TV show fits. Noah Hawley (Fargo series) is developing it – supposedly bridging David's experiments to the derelict ship on LV-426. Could fix some plotholes.
Where to Stream or Buy Right Now
Finding these legally gets annoying. As of 2023:
- Disney+ Bundle: Has all main films except the AVP spin-offs
- Hulu: Rotates the prequels monthly
- Prime Video: Charges $3.99 rental per film
- Physical Media Tip: The Alien Anthology Blu-ray box set (under $50) includes all cuts and documentaries
Breaking Down Each Essential Entry
Alien (1979) - The Game Changer
Still holds up visually thanks to Giger's bio-mechanical designs. That chestburster scene? My dad walked out of the theater in '79 and refused to finish his steak dinner. Smart move watching the Director's Cut – includes the cocooned Dallas scene that explains the alien's life cycle.
- Lost half a point because Parker and Brett deserved more screen time before becoming alien chow.
Aliens (1986) - Peak Action-Horror
Cameron took the sequel in a genius direction: Marines vs Hive. The smartguns, motion trackers, that iconic queen reveal... chills every time. Always choose the Special Edition though – without it, you miss why Ripley risks everything for Newt.
- Bill Paxton's "Game over, man!" might be the most quoted line in sci-fi history. Fight me.
Prometheus (2012) - Flawed But Fascinating
Look, I get why people hate this. Characters make baffling decisions (removing helmets on unknown planets? Really?). But Fassbender's David steals the show. His sociopathic curiosity explains so much about Weyland Corp's later obsession with Xenomorphs. The Engineer opening scene alone justifies the watch.
- Great ideas hampered by script issues.
Alien: Covenant (2017) - David's Masterpiece
Darkest entry since the original. That prologue with David and Weyland? Perfection. The scene where he experiments on Shaw still haunts me. Connects directly to the Space Jockey in the original Alien – finally answering that 40-year mystery.
- Needed more Xenomorph action but Fassbender's dual performance is award-worthy.
Which Viewing Order Should You Choose?
- First-Timers: Release order, no question. Experience the shock value as intended.
- Re-Watchers: Chronological order. Spot David's manipulations across centuries.
- Time-Crunched: Alien → Aliens → Prometheus → Covenant. The core essentials.
- Completionists: Add the Assembly Cuts and Resurrection for closure.
Fun story: My film professor made us watch them chronologically. Half the class didn't realize David was the same android across both prequels until the ending of Covenant. That collective gasp? Priceless.
Franchise FAQs Answered Straight
Should I watch Alien vs Predator movies?
Only after finishing the main films. They contradict established lore but deliver monster fights. The first AVP has decent practical effects. Requiem? Even the director admitted lighting was too dark to hide cheap CGI.
What's the best way to watch Alien³?
The 2003 Assembly Cut exclusively. Restores 30+ minutes of character development and fixes plotholes. Changes the alien's origin from runner to dog-like creature too.
Will there be more Alien movies?
Yes. Fede Alvarez (Don't Breathe) is directing a standalone film set between Alien and Aliens. Noah Hawley's FX series starts filming in 2024. Ridley Scott keeps teasing his "Alien: Awakening" project too.
Why are the prequels so divisive?
Different priorities. Prometheus explores philosophical questions about creation, while the original focused on primal terror. Some fans wanted more Xenomorphs, less android monologues. Valid criticism.
Is Resurrection canon?
Technically yes, but Disney may retcon it. Ron Perlman's space pirate is fun, but the cloned Ripley felt jarring. Practical effects for the Newborn alien deserve praise though.
My Personal Journey Through the Alien Saga
Confession time: I hated Alien³ as a teen. Killing Newt off-screen felt like a betrayal. Rewatching the Assembly Cut twenty years later? Changed my mind. The themes of faith and sacrifice hit differently at 40. That's the magic of this franchise – it grows with you.
Finding the correct Alien franchise in chronological order transformed my understanding. Suddenly David wasn't just a creepy android; he was the hidden architect of everything. Blew my mind.
So whether you're prepping for the new TV series or finally experiencing Ripley's journey, get the order right. Avoid my mistakes. Start tonight with that perfect HD transfer of Alien – lights off, volume up. You'll thank me later.
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