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A Guide to Watch All Alien Movies in Order Chronologically in UK
Table of Contents
The alien movies are now available for viewing. Given the delay in the series and their varying chronological placements, it may be challenging to determine the best sequence to immerse oneself in the Alien universe. You may also include the Alien vs. Predator movies to spice things up. The following is a complete list of the Alien movies in order, determined by the events of the fictional universe in which they are set.
- AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- AVPR: Alien vs. Predator – Requiem (2007)
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien: Covenant (2017)
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien: Resurrection (1997)
Alien Movies in Release Order
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien: Resurrection (1997)
- Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien: Covenant (2017)
Alien Films in Chronological Order
1. Alien vs. Predator (AVP)
Modern humans first see the xenomorph in the 21st century when they discover an old ziggurat buried for miles beneath the Antarctic ice. Alien “Predators” come in to stop the pandemic before they lose their hunting grounds to the oncoming crowd.
Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, “Alien vs. Predator” brings together two iconic extraterrestrial species from separate franchises. Set in the present day, the film follows a group of scientists and adventurers who travel to Antarctica and unwittingly become caught in a battle between the Aliens and Predators. “Alien vs. Predator” attempts to combine the horror and action elements of both series, but the result is a somewhat underwhelming and shallow film that didn’t fully capitalize on the potential of its premise.
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Stars: Sanaa Lathan, Lance Henriksen, Raoul Bova
IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
2. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
An alien predator spacecraft carrying face-huggers crashes outside of a tiny woodland settlement just after the events of AVP. As the number of xenomorphs rises above the settlement, a single predator alien is sent out to try to stop the attack.
Directed by the Brothers Strause, “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” serves as a direct sequel to its predecessor. It follows a small town as it becomes infested with Aliens and Predators battling it out. This film aims for a darker and grittier tone, featuring more violence and gore than its predecessor. However, it was met with negative reviews for its poor storytelling, lack of character development, and excessively dark cinematography that made it difficult to see the action.
Directors: Colin Strause, Greg Strause
Stars: Reiko Aylesworth, Steven Pasquale, Shareeka Epps(uncredited)
IMDb Rating: 4.6/10
3. Prometheus
Prometheus takes place about 90 years after the events of both AVP films. It follows a team of scientists as they travel beyond space searching for an extraterrestrial species they think is responsible for creating the human race. Too preoccupied with whether something is possible, the protagonist of this film fails to consider whether or not it is a good idea.
Directed by Ridley Scott, “Prometheus” serves as a prequel to the original “Alien” film. The story follows a group of explorers who travel to a distant moon in search of the origins of humanity. Upon arrival, they discover a mysterious alien structure and encounter a threat that could have dire consequences for humanity. “Prometheus” delves into deep philosophical and existential questions while exploring the origins of the Xenomorphs. It is visually stunning, with impressive production design and visual effects. However, the film received mixed reviews due to its ambitious narrative, which left some viewers wanting more concrete answers and character development.
Director: Ridley Scott
Stars: Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
4. Alien: Covenant
A colony ship carrying two thousand dozing colonists is rerouted after receiving an urgent message from a planet similar to Earth. The events of this film occur ten years after Prometheus, but we learn more about them and the ideas they expand on via flashbacks and conversation.
Directed by Ridley Scott and serving as a sequel to “Prometheus,” “Alien: Covenant” continues the exploration of the origins of the Xenomorphs. The story follows the crew of the colonization ship Covenant, who arrive on a seemingly uninhabited planet in search of a new home. They soon discover the android David (from “Prometheus”) and encounter a deadly threat that puts their lives at risk. “Alien: Covenant” blends elements of horror and sci-fi, providing a darker and more intense atmosphere compared to its predecessor. It explores themes of creation, identity, and the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition. While the film received mixed reviews, it is praised for its visuals, strong performances, and return to the franchise’s horror roots.
Director: Scott
Stars: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
5. Alien
The crew of the hauling and mining spacecraft Nostromo is awakened from cryosleep in 2122 and rerouted from their home planet to investigate a periodic radio signal from a distant planet. They come upon an alien species that takes control of the ship through a parasitic connection with one of the crew.
Directed by Ridley Scott, “Alien” is a groundbreaking science fiction horror film that introduced audiences to the terrifying Xenomorph. Set in the future, the story follows the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo, who respond to a distress signal on an alien planet. As they investigate, they unwittingly bring aboard a deadly extraterrestrial organism that begins to hunt them down. “Alien” is known for its atmospheric tension, stunning production design, and memorable characters, especially Ellen Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver). It combines elements of horror and suspense with a claustrophobic setting, making it a masterpiece of the genre
Director: Scott
Stars: Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt
6. Aliens
A life pod carrying Ripley is found floating in space decades after the events of Alien, and she is reintroduced to a galaxy somewhat dissimilar to the one she once knew. A colony on LV. 426, the same rocky moon where the Nostromo crew met the face-hugger, is invaded by aliens due to corporate greed.
Directed by James Cameron, “Aliens” is a thrilling action-packed sequel that takes the Alien franchise in a different direction. Set several decades after the events of the first film, Ellen Ripley is awakened from hypersleep to help a team of Marines investigate a terraforming colony on the planet LV-426, where the Xenomorphs are discovered. “Aliens” expands the world of the Alien universe, introduces iconic characters like Corporal Hicks and Bishop, and offers a blend of horror, sci-fi, and intense combat. It features remarkable special effects, a gripping storyline, and outstanding performances, earning it a reputation as one of the greatest action films of all time.
Director: James Cameron
Stars: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
7. Alien 3
After the events of Aliens, Ripley is taken prisoner on the planet Fiora 161 after crashing on an unknown world. The only other person to survive the crash was a stowaway xeromorph that feeds on captives.
Directed by David Fincher, “Alien 3” continues Ripley’s story as she crash-lands on a prison planet and once again faces the threat of the Xenomorph. This film has a darker and more somber tone compared to its predecessors. Despite production issues and a troubled development process, “Alien 3” has its merits, including atmospheric cinematography and solid performances, but it didn’t quite live up to the high standards set by the previous films in the series.
Director: Fincher
Stars: Weaver, Charles S. Dutton, Charles Dance
IMDb rating: 6.5/10
8. Alien: Resurrection
Ripley is brought back to life hundreds of years after the events of Alien 3 by using a clone in a laboratory. As expected, havoc and destruction follow the escape of experimented-on aliens.
Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, “Alien: Resurrection” takes place 200 years after the events of “Alien 3” and sees Ripley resurrected through cloning. The film follows a group of mercenaries and scientists aboard a military ship as they become hunted by a new breed of Aliens. While “Alien: Resurrection” has its moments of visual flair and some interesting ideas, it received mixed reviews due to its departure from the tone and atmosphere of the original films.
Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Stars: Weaver, Winona Ryder, Dominique Pinon
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Wrap Up!
The Alien and Predator franchises have left an indelible mark on the science fiction and horror genres. While some films in the series have achieved critical and commercial success, others have faced mixed reviews and struggled to live up to the high standards set by the original installments.
“Alien” and “Aliens” stand out as exceptional works of cinema, with Ridley Scott and James Cameron crafting masterful entries that have become cultural touchstones. These films effectively combined elements of horror, suspense, and action, while also introducing iconic characters like Ellen Ripley. The atmospheric tension, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes in Alien movies in order continue to resonate with audiences.
