The Alien franchise spans millennia, weaving a complex narrative that begins in Earth’s distant past and extends far into the future. Here’s a chronological breakdown of the series :

1. Alien vs. Predator (2004) – Set in 2004, this crossover film introduces the concept of ancient Xenomorphs on Earth.

2. Aliens vs. Predator : Requiem (2007) – A direct sequel to AvP, taking place immediately after its events.

3. Prometheus (2012) – The story begins in 2089 and culminates in 2093, exploring the origins of humanity and the Engineers.

4. Alien : Covenant (2017) – Set in 2104, this prequel delves deeper into the creation of the Xenomorphs.

5. Alien (1979) – The original masterpiece takes place in 2122, introducing Ellen Ripley and the terrifying Xenomorph.

6. Alien : Romulus (2024) – Set in 2142, this upcoming film bridges the gap between the original and its sequel.

7. Aliens (1986) – Taking place in 2179, 57 years after the events of the first film.

8. Alien 3 (1992) – Occurs shortly after the events of Aliens, also in 2179.

9. Alien : Resurrection (1997) – Set in 2381, this film makes a significant leap into the future.

Evolution of the xenomorph : from ancient threat to future nightmare

The Xenomorph, the franchise’s iconic creature, has undergone significant changes throughout the series. Initially presented as an ancient threat in the AvP films, later installments rewrite its origins. Prometheus and Alien : Covenant introduce the concept of the Engineers and synthetic creation, fundamentally altering the Xenomorph’s backstory.

In the original Alien, the creature is a mysterious and terrifying entity. As the series progresses, we see various iterations and stages of the Xenomorph life cycle, including :

• Facehuggers
• Chestbursters
• Adult Xenomorphs
• Queens
• Neomorphs (introduced in Alien : Covenant)

This evolution of the Xenomorph mirrors the franchise’s expansion, showcasing how sci-fi-level tech can be used to create increasingly terrifying threats. The creature’s design and capabilities have become more complex, reflecting advancements in both storytelling and special effects.

Alien movies in release order : a journey through cinematic history

Experiencing the Alien franchise in release order offers a unique perspective on its evolution. Here’s a chronological list of the films’ theatrical releases :

Year	Movie	Director
1979	Alien	Ridley Scott
1986	Aliens	James Cameron
1992	Alien 3	David Fincher
1997	Alien : Resurrection	Jean-Pierre Jeunet
2004	Alien vs. Predator	Paul W.S. Anderson
2007	Aliens vs. Predator : Requiem	Colin and Greg Strause
2012	Prometheus	Ridley Scott
2017	Alien : Covenant	Ridley Scott
2024	Alien : Romulus	Fede Álvarez

Each film brings its own unique vision to the franchise, from Ridley Scott’s claustrophobic horror in the original to James Cameron’s action-packed sequel. The later entries, including the prequels and crossovers, expand the universe in both expected and surprising ways.

Legacy and future of the alien franchise

The Alien franchise has left an indelible mark on science fiction and horror cinema. Its influence extends beyond films to video games, comics, and literature. The series has explored themes of corporate greed, artificial intelligence, and the nature of humanity in the face of an unknowable threat.

Looking ahead, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. With Alien : Romulus set for release in 2024 and a potential TV series in development, the Xenomorph continues to terrify new generations of viewers. The enduring appeal of the Alien series lies in its ability to blend primal fears with futuristic settings, creating a unique and captivating cinematic experience.

Whether you choose to watch the Alien movies in chronological order or by release date, each viewing offers a new perspective on this rich and complex universe. The franchise’s legacy as a cornerstone of science fiction horror ensures its place in film history for years to come.