Every Alien Movie In Chronological Order (Including Alien: Romulus)

As a longtime fan of the Alien franchise, I must say that my journey through these films has been a rollercoaster of emotions, much like Ripley herself. Each installment offers a unique perspective on the Xenomorphs and our heroine’s struggle against them.

It’s been five years since our last update, and “Alien: Romulus” is the seventh installment of the “Alien” series to grace the big screen. Enthusiasts are eager to witness the return of the infamous Xenomorph, but some may wonder about the film’s placement within the canonical timeline.

As a diehard fan of the Alien franchise, I’ve found myself diving into this terrifying universe spanning several decades, both in our reality and within its own lore. The series offers a mix of sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, each offering unique thrills for viewers. But, if you’re like me and prefer to explore this universe in the order of events instead of release dates, it can get a bit confusing.

9 Alien Vs. Predator (Not Canon) – 2004

Flawed But Cheesy Fun Monster Action

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Starring: Sanaa Lathan, Lance Henriksen, Ian Whyte, Tom Woodruff Jr.
Released: August 13, 2004

In an alternate scenario, the movie “Alien Vs. Predator” suggests that the Xenomorphs were a species of creatures hunted by the Yautja (also known as Predators) over millennia as their ultimate game. However, the films “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant” present a new creation story for these aliens, contradicting this earlier theory.

As a diehard fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about the thrilling clash between extraterrestrial titans in “Alien Vs. Predator.” Set in the chilly Antarctic landscape of 2004, this film follows a band of intrepid explorers who stumble upon an ancient Yautja pyramid, unwittingly awakening both the Aliens and the Predators from their slumber. The ensuing battle royale is nothing short of spectacular!

8 Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem (Not Canon) – 2004

Nobody Could See The Aliens And Predators Fight

Director: The Brothers Strause
Starring: Steven Pasquale, Reiko Aylesworth, Ian Whyte, Tom Woodruff Jr.
Released: December 25, 2007

Following the dramatic finale of Alien Vs. Predator, the sequel, titled Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem, unfolds immediately after the initial encounter. This film introduces the fearsome creature called the Predalien, a well-known adversary from the games and comics, who triggers a fresh Xenomorph outbreak in a quaint Colorado town.

In comparison to its R-rating and the introduction of the new Wolf Predator, Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem is frequently criticized as one of the weaker entries in the Alien and Predator series. This is largely due to fan dissatisfaction with the excessive darkness that pervades the film, making it nearly indistinguishable in numerous scenes. Coupled with uninteresting characters, this visual and narrative shortcoming led to an unfortunate downfall for the combined franchise.

7 Prometheus – 2093

The Prequel Brought The Movies Back But Divided Fans

Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, Charlize Theron
Released: June 8, 2012

As a dedicated gamer, I found myself revisiting the director’s seat with “Prometheus,” a movie that stirred quite a debate among fans about the Xenomorph origins. Set thirty years prior to the events of “Alien,” “Prometheus” delves less into the Xenos and more into the enigmatic race of beings called the Engineers, who were merely skeletal remains in the original film, often referred to as the Space Jockey.

As a hardcore gamer, I’ve got to say that Ridley Scott really took a swing with the movie “Prometheus.” It was packed with unexpected twists and turns, challenging everything we thought we knew about the iconic creatures of this franchise. Some fans loved it, seeing it as a brilliant prequel, while others were less than impressed, even finding fault with some of its choices. This film certainly divided opinion!

6 Alien: Covenant – 2104

More Divisive Origins Of The Xenomorph

Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterson, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride
Released: May 19, 2017

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about the closing chapter of Ridley Scott’s origin saga, “Alien: Covenant.” This thrilling sequel finally brings the iconic Xenomorph to life on the big screen, revealing its origins as promised. Much like its predecessor, “Prometheus,” “Alien: Covenant” sparked diverse reactions among viewers, but for contrasting reasons. Those who found “Prometheus” captivating were left dissatisfied by the shift in focus, while those who felt let down by “Prometheus” embraced the return to Alien’s gritty roots.

In “Alien: Covenant”, it is Michael Fassbender who truly shines, earning acclaim from both fans and non-fans alike for his captivating portrayal of the robots David and Walter. Although the Protomorph scenes were intriguing, they didn’t receive enough focus, and the practical effects used during filming were replaced by entirely computer-generated imagery, which left many viewers feeling underwhelmed.

5 Alien – 2122

In Space, No One Can Hear You Scream

Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Yaphet Kotto, Ian Holm
Released: June 22, 1979

The initial “Alien” movie, undeniably a classic, kick-started the entire series and takes place roughly twenty years after the enigmatic finale of “Alien: Covenant”. Essentially, it’s as basic as a horror film can be, with a crew of space travelers discovering an abandoned spaceship, which unfortunately turns their own vessel into a breeding ground for a single Xenomorph.

The Alien film, much like many monster or slasher flicks, follows a pattern where characters are systematically eliminated until only Ellen Ripley is left standing as a memorable heroine. Director Ridley Scott solidified his reputation as a masterful storyteller through meticulous scriptwriting, impressive set design, and skillful tension-building. This groundbreaking movie had such an impact that it led to the creation of a sequel video game that recounts the film’s events.

4 Alien: Romulus – 2142

The Franchise Returns To Its Horror Roots

Director: Fede Alvarez
Starring: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Isabela Merced, Aileen Wu
Released: August 16, 2024

Twenty years following my personal hero Ellen Ripley’s destruction of the Nostromo and expulsion of the Xenomorph into the cosmos, Alien: Romulus revolves around a band of colonists seeking a fresh start, but instead, they encounter a space station teeming with the dreaded Xenomorph creatures. This exciting new chapter in the franchise is masterfully directed by contemporary horror maestro Fede Alvarez, renowned for his chilling films like Evil Dead and Don’t Breathe.

In the style of the game “Alien: Isolation”, the new title “Romulus” once again delves into the realm of slasher horror, focusing the Xenomorph threat within a confined location. This setting is significant as it takes place between the first two movies, thus presenting an enigma for longtime fans regarding the origin of additional Xenomorphs and their connection to the wider film series.

3 Aliens – 2179

Often Considered Better Than The Original

Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Beihn, Carrie Henn, Lance Henriksen
Released: July 18, 1986

Back in the sci-fi universe once more, I found myself slipping into the iconic boots of Ellen Ripley, brilliantly reprised by Sigourney Weaver, in James Cameron’s groundbreaking film, “Aliens.” While the original “Alien” certainly left an indelible mark on many a fan, the sequel has sparked endless debates as to whether it surpasses its predecessor. Unlike the solitary Xenomorph that haunted us in the first installment, this time we were faced with an army of them lurking on LV-426, ready to clash against a squadron of marines sent to annihilate them.

James Cameron tended to give ‘Alien’ a more action-oriented thriller feel, introducing well-known characters, and adding fresh spins on Xenomorph mythology, such as the renowned Queen Alien. Ripley emerged as an exceptional protagonist, particularly in the Special Edition. A blend of action, suspense, and tension results in what many consider the finest ‘Alien’ film.

2 Alien 3 – 2179

The Black Sheep Of Alien Movies

Director: David Fincher
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Charles Dance, Charles S. Dutton, Danny Webb
Released: May 22, 1992

Following the harrowing events of Aliens, I find myself as Ripley, the lone survivor once more. The horrifying infestation we encountered on LV-426 has pursued me to the isolated prison planet of Fury-161. What’s chilling is that the Xenomorph I encounter here, born from an Ox, is a new and terrifying variant, unlike any I’ve faced before – this Runner breed moves and acts in ways that are eerily distinct from those birthed from humans.

Over the course of time, I’ve found that Alien 3 has been a bit of an outlier in the series, largely due to its bold decisions in crafting a grim, prison-set storyline. Characters like Newt and Hicks meet their ends rather abruptly at the start, while Ripley’s shocking transformation into a Xenomorph host leaves many fans stunned. However, with the release of the Special Edition, it’s garnered fresh acclaim from enthusiasts thanks to improved pacing, fleshed-out subplots, and a more fulfilling ending.

1 Alien: Resurrection – 2381

The Sequel So Bad, It’s Hilarious

Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Winona Ryder, Ron Perlman, Brad Dourif
Released: November 26, 1997

In the Alien series, the movie often criticized as the most problematic, “Alien: Resurrection,” skipped forward by two centuries following the incidents depicted in “Alien 3.” The scientists involved employed cloning techniques not only to revive Ripley but also to resurrect the Queen that she had carried and perished with in the previous film.

Apart from some impressive special effects on the Xenomorphs and intriguing ideas, the film “Alien: Resurrection” was marred by inappropriately placed humor, both intentional and unintentional, that gave the once-terrifying sci-fi horror series a comical feel. No other work within the Alien canon – be it movies, books, comics, or video games – have attempted to continue the storyline of “Resurrection,” which is likely for the better.

2024-08-16 02:24