The Alien franchise has thrilled fans for over four decades. It mixes sci-fi horror with space exploration. Since 1979, the series has grown to eight movies, including main films, crossovers, and prequels13>. This timeline spans 275 years, creating a complex story that has captivated fans for years1.
The Xenomorph is at the core of the Alien universe, striking fear into moviegoers. These creatures have evolved with the franchise, making a mark on sci-fi horror. The series has earned $1.6 billion at the box office, thrilling fans and making a lasting impact2.
With Alien: Romulus coming out on August 16, 2024, it’s a great time to look back at the series in order23>. From ancient rituals to futuristic experiments, each film adds depth to the Alien world.
Key Takeaways
- The Alien franchise spans over 40 years with eight released movies
- The series timeline covers 275 years of in-universe events
- Xenomorphs are the iconic creatures central to the franchise
- The franchise has generated $1.6 billion at the box office
- Alien: Romulus, the ninth film, is set for release in 2024
- The chronological order differs from the release order of the films
Introduction to the Alien Franchise
The Alien franchise has thrilled fans for over 40 years, mixing space horror with sci-fi excitement. It started in 1979 and has grown to include six main films, two crossovers, and two prequels. These movies have made a huge $1.6 billion at the box office21.
Alien Movie Franchise in chronological order
The Birth of a Sci-Fi Horror Icon
Ridley Scott’s “Alien” premiered on June 22, 1979, starting a 44-year journey21. This film introduced a scary new creature and changed space horror forever. Then, “Aliens” came out on July 18, 1986, adding more action to the series2.
The Xenomorph: A Terrifying Cinematic Creation
The Xenomorph is the heart of the Alien franchise. This terrifying alien has become a symbol of fear and wonder. Its design, with its long head and sharp teeth, still sends shivers down spines. The series shows how this creature evolved, from “Prometheus” (2012) to the original “Alien.”
The Franchise’s Impact on Pop Culture
The Alien series has deeply influenced science fiction movies. It has inspired many other films, spin-offs, and even crossovers like “Alien vs. Predator” (2004). With a new movie coming out on August 16, 20242, the franchise continues to shape space horror and sci-fi.
The Alien Universe Timeline
The Alien franchise covers a vast timeline, mixing space exploration with scary encounters. Alien movies explained – in order, show a rich story from Earth’s ancient past to humanity’s future in space.
It starts billions of years ago with the Engineers seeding Earth. This sets the stage for humanity’s space journey. By the late 20th century, we meet Sir Peter Weyland in 1990 and see the start of Weyland Corp in 20123.
Alien Movie Franchise in chronological order
The movie series begins with AVP: Alien vs. Predator in 2004, followed by its sequel in 2007. These films mix the Alien and Predator worlds, adding depth to the story4.
Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017) are prequels that explore the Xenomorphs’ origins and humanity’s space exploration. They are set in 2093 and later, showing missions that end in disaster34.
The first Alien (1979) is set in 2122, introducing Ellen Ripley and the Nostromo crew. This film set a new standard for space horror, mixing sci-fi with intense fear34.
Aliens (1986) takes place in 2179, expanding the Alien universe and increasing the action. Alien 3 (1992) and Alien: Resurrection (1997) move the story to the late 24th century. The latter explores Ripley’s cloning in 237934.
With nine films planned, including Alien: Romulus in 2024, the Alien saga keeps growing. Its story reaches to 2497, promising more exciting chapters in this space horror epic4.
AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
The alien franchise took an exciting turn with AVP: Alien vs. Predator in 2004. This film marks the earliest point in the Alien timeline. It introduces a unique blend of extraterrestrial life to Earth5.
Alien Movie Franchise in chronological order
Setting the Stage: Earth in 2004
AVP takes place in Antarctica, where experts find both Xenomorphs and Predators. The movie shows that Predators have been visiting Earth for thousands of years. They use Xenomorphs as prey in their hunts6.
The Ancient Ritual of Predator Warriors
The film reveals a shocking truth: Predators taught humans to build pyramids in Egypt around 2996 BC. These pyramids were battlegrounds for ritual hunts every century. Humans were unknowingly hosts for Xenomorphs6.
“You are here to be tested. Chosen for the honor of being sacrificed.”
Introducing the Weyland Corporation
AVP introduces the Weyland Corporation, linking the film to the broader Alien universe. The company’s founder, Peter Weyland, born in 1990 in Mumbai, plays a crucial role in humanity’s encounters with extraterrestrial life6.
Some debate its place in the canon, but AVP offers valuable insight into the long-standing presence of these alien species on Earth. It sets the stage for future conflicts between humans, Xenomorphs, and Predators. This is seen in subsequent films in the franchise.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2996 BC | Predators arrive on Earth, teach pyramid building |
| 2896 BC | First ritual hunt begins |
| 1990 | Peter Weyland born |
| 2004 | Events of AVP: Alien vs. Predator |
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
“Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” came out in 2007, being the second film in the Alien vs. Predator series7. It continues the story from the first movie, bringing more action between two famous aliens.
Alien Movie Franchise in chronological order
The story takes place in a small town in Colorado. Here, a new threat appears: the Predalien. This creature is a mix of Alien and Predator DNA. It starts a horror in the town, making life hell for the people there.
A veteran Predator comes to stop the chaos. This sets up a fight between three groups: the town’s people, the Xenomorphs, and the Predators. It’s a battle for survival.
This movie builds on the first “Alien vs. Predator” (2004)8. It adds more action and excitement, bringing fans of both series together for an epic fight on Earth.
| Film | Release Year | Franchise |
|---|---|---|
| Alien | 1979 | Alien |
| Predator | 1987 | Predator |
| AVP: Alien vs. Predator | 2004 | Crossover |
| Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem | 2007 | Crossover |
“Requiem” is the last in the AVP series within the Alien universe. It shows how the Alien and Predator species have changed and their ongoing fight. It connects the past of “AVP” with the future of the Alien movies.
Prometheus (2012): The Search for Human Origins
Ridley Scott’s “Prometheus” is a key film in space exploration movies. It explores where humans came from and the secrets of aliens. The movie made over $403 million worldwide in 2012, drawing fans with its amazing visuals and deep story9.
Exploring LV-223 in 2093
In 2093, “Prometheus” takes us to the moon LV-223 with a team of explorers. The movie was made in England, Iceland, Scotland, Jordan, and Spain, creating a unique and otherworldly setting9. It was shot in 3D on real sets, pushing movie tech to new limits9.
The Engineers and Their Creations
The movie introduces the Engineers, a strange race thought to have made humans. This idea broadens the Alien universe, looking into the beginnings of humans and the Xenomorphs. “Prometheus” explores these themes without linking to the original Alien series, setting the stage for more movies910.
David’s Role in the Xenomorph Evolution
David, an android, plays a key role in the story by helping the Xenomorphs evolve. Stars like Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, and Charlize Theron add depth to the story9. Their acting brings together themes of creation, destruction, and what it means to be human.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Budget | $120–130 million |
| Box Office | $403.4 million |
| Running Time | 124 minutes |
| Release (US) | June 8, 2012 |
“Prometheus” set the stage for its sequel, “Alien: Covenant,” in 2017. It linked the film to the Alien franchise, making its mark in sci-fi history910.
Alien: Covenant (2017): The Birth of the Xenomorph
Alien: Covenant, released in 2017, is a key moment in the alien saga11. It happens 11 years after Prometheus, connecting the prequels to the original Alien story11. The film delves into the origins of the Xenomorphs, enriching the franchise’s lore11.
The story begins with the colony ship Covenant meeting David, an android from the Weyland Corporation11. David’s experiments with bio-weapons create new aliens, including the scary Neomorph. This leads to the birth of the classic Alien, linking the prequels to the originals11.
After Prometheus’s success, making $400 million worldwide11, Covenant was eagerly awaited. It proved the Alien saga still draws in fans with its mix of sci-fi and horror11. The movie explores themes of survival, corporate greed, and the risks of playing with life forms we don’t understand11.
Covenant is a vital chapter in the Alien series. It prepares for what’s next while honoring what made the originals great1211. With new projects like a TV series, the Alien universe is far from over, offering more excitement for fans11.
Alien Movies Explained – In Chronological Order
The Alien franchise started with Ridley Scott’s 1979 film. This film introduced us to the scary xenomorphs and the famous Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver.
The Original Alien (1979)
Set in 2122, Alien took us into a scary space horror. It showed the xenomorph’s life cycle, from egg to adult. This made a new kind of movie terror. Ridley Scott and H.R. Giger created a monster that has made $1.6 billion at the box office2.
Ripley’s First Encounter with the Xenomorph
Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley changed what female characters in sci-fi could be. Her mix of strength and vulnerability struck a chord with people. This made Ripley a symbol13. The movie’s hit led to more movies, each adding to the Alien world.
The Nostromo Incident in 2122
The Nostromo incident in 2122 started the Alien story. This event is 20 years before Alien: Romulus, set in 214214. The crew’s meeting with the xenomorph brought us face-huggers, chest-bursting, and the alien threat.
| Film | Year Set | Director |
|---|---|---|
| Alien | 2122 | Ridley Scott |
| Aliens | 2179 | James Cameron |
| Alien 3 | 2179 | David Fincher |
The first Alien film started a big franchise. It inspired more movies, prequels, and crossovers. Its effect on sci-fi and horror is huge. Each new film adds to the xenomorph and Ripley’s story.
Alien: Romulus (2024): Bridging the Gap
Alien: Romulus, coming in 2024, is the ninth film in the Alien series. It happens 20 years after the first Alien movie1516. This new film will deepen our understanding of the Xenomorphs and how humans interact with them17.
The movie stars Cailee Spaeny, Isabela Merced, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu15. David Jonsson plays Andy, a new android who is like a brother to Rain Carradine16.
The Alien: Romulus trailer brings back old-school vibes with its analog tech and VHS glitches from the ’80s16. These elements match the space horror style fans love.
This film takes a new approach to the alien threat compared to the first Alien16. The trailer suggests a big facehugger outbreak. This could mean an alien queen is coming, making things even scarier16.
| Film | Year | Chronological Order |
|---|---|---|
| Alien vs. Predator | 2004 | 1 |
| Alien vs. Predator: Requiem | 2007 | 2 |
| Prometheus | 2012 | 3 |
| Alien: Covenant | 2017 | 4 |
| Alien | 1979 | 5 |
| Alien: Romulus | 2024 | 6 |
| Aliens | 1986 | 7 |
| Alien 3 | 1992 | 8 |
| Alien: Resurrection | 1997 | 9 |
Ridley Scott is behind Alien: Romulus as an executive producer. This means the movie will be a thrilling space horror that connects Alien and Aliens in the series’ timeline15.
Aliens (1986): The Action-Packed Sequel
James Cameron’s “Aliens” came out in 1986, changing the franchise’s tone to something thrilling. This sci-fi film, set in 2179, brought Sigourney Weaver back as Ellen Ripley. It was 57 years after her first meeting with the Xenomorphs18.
Ripley’s Return in 2179
Weaver made Ripley an action hero in this sequel. The movie’s 135-minute length lets us see deep into Ripley’s character. We see her trauma and her drive18
The Colonial Marines vs. the Xenomorph Horde
Cameron’s direction makes the action scenes intense. Ripley leads a team of Colonial Marines against Xenomorphs on LV-426. Stars like Michael Biehn and Carrie Henn add to the tension18.
Expanding the Alien Lore
“Aliens” adds new elements like the Alien Queen and terraforming colonies. These additions make the sci-fi world richer. They also set the stage for what comes next19.
“Aliens” makes you feel drained, creating unease and anxiety. This shows how well it blends horror and action.
| Feature | Theatrical Cut | Director’s Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | 137 minutes | 154 minutes |
| Character Development | Standard | Enhanced |
| Sentry Gun Scene | Not included | Included (80 minutes) |
| Ripley’s Backstory | Limited | Expanded (Amanda’s death scene) |
The director’s cut of “Aliens” has more character development and atmosphere. It includes an 80-minute scene with unmanned sentry guns20. This version gives us more of Ripley’s backstory, making the movie better for fans.
Alien 3 (1992): A Controversial Continuation
The Alien franchise took a dark turn with its third installment, Alien 3. Released in 1992, this space horror film marked David Fincher’s directorial debut21. It introduced a new twist to the alien lifecycle, showcasing a quadrupedal Xenomorph born from a dog21.
Set on Fiorina “Fury” 161, a desolate prison planet with breathable air but harsh temperature drops, Alien 3 follows Ripley’s struggle for survival21. The film’s grim tone and high death count – surpassing its predecessors – polarized audiences2122.
Despite its initial poor reception and box office performance, Alien 3 has gained appreciation over time22. The movie’s Assembly Cut, released in 2003, offered a fresh perspective on Fincher’s original vision22.
“Alien 3 pushed the boundaries of the franchise, exploring darker themes and introducing new alien forms.”
The film concludes with Ripley’s ultimate sacrifice, preventing the Weyland-Yutani Corporation from acquiring the Xenomorph21. This bold move set the stage for future installments in the alien franchise.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | David Fincher (directorial debut) |
| Setting | Fiorina “Fury” 161 (prison planet) |
| New Alien Form | Quadrupedal Xenomorph |
| Tone | Dark and controversial |
| Notable Release | Assembly Cut (2003) |
Alien: Resurrection (1997): Cloning and Consequences
Alien: Resurrection is the fourth chapter in the iconic sci-fi series. It takes us 200 years into the future, to 2381. Here, we see the future of space exploration through genetic engineering and human-alien hybrids23.
200 Years Later: Ripley’s Clone in 2381
Sigourney Weaver returns as Ellen Ripley, but she’s now a clone named Ripley 8. This clone has Xenomorph DNA24. This twist offers a new perspective on the character and raises questions about cloning in space missions.
The USM Auriga’s Xenomorph Breeding Program
The USM Auriga is a military ship with a dangerous Xenomorph breeding program. This plot makes us think about the risks of playing with alien life for military goals in space.
“My mommy always said there were no monsters – no real ones – but there are.”
The Future of Humanity and Xenomorphs
Alien: Resurrection shows a future where humans and Xenomorphs mix. The ending suggests Xenomorphs might reach Earth, opening new paths for the series in sci-fi films23.
| Film Details | Data |
|---|---|
| Budget | $70 million |
| Box Office Revenue | $161.4 million |
| IMDb Rating | 6.2/10 |
| Runtime | 1h 49m |
| Director | Jean-Pierre Jeunet |
Even with mixed reviews, Alien: Resurrection made $161 million worldwide. It was nominated for six Saturn Awards, proving its value in the Alien series2425. Its mix of horror, action, and deep questions about identity keeps fans hooked on sci-fi and space stories.
The Legacy of the Alien Franchise
The Alien franchise has made a big impact on movies, mixing sci-fi with horror and deep themes. The first “Alien” movie came out in 1979 and started a series that has lasted for decades26. Its influence was so strong that in 2002, it was added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress27.
Every movie in the series has added to its lasting impact. “Aliens” in 1986 brought more action, while “Alien 3” and “Alien: Resurrection” in the 90s explored darker sides26. The prequels, “Prometheus” in 2012 and “Alien: Covenant” in 2017, looked into the beginnings of humans and the aliens26.
The Alien series has also influenced beyond movies. Hans Rudolf Giger’s designs have become symbols in pop culture27. The chestburster and facehugger scenes are now famous in sci-fi horror27. Even small details, like using K-Y Jelly for alien slime, have become part of movie history27.
Looking at the Alien movies shows us common themes:
- Corporate greed and the dangers of unchecked science
- Questions about humanity and artificial intelligence
- The power of motherhood and survival
These themes, along with amazing visual effects and stories, have kept the franchise popular. The Alien world has grown through books, comics, and games, drawing in new fans.
With “Alien: Romulus” on the way, the franchise’s story is far from ending. The Alien series shows the power of creative storytelling and the lasting appeal of movies that challenge and scare us.
| Movie | Release Year | Director | Critical Reception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alien | 1979 | Ridley Scott | A+ |
| Aliens | 1986 | James Cameron | A |
| Alien 3 | 1992 | David Fincher | C |
| Alien: Resurrection | 1997 | Jean-Pierre Jeunet | D+ |
| Prometheus | 2012 | Ridley Scott | B- |
| Alien: Covenant | 2017 | Ridley Scott | B |
Conclusion
The Alien franchise has been thrilling fans for over 40 years. It started as a sci-fi horror series and has grown into a vast universe. This universe takes us from ancient times to the future, showing us terror and wonder2829.
Every movie in the series adds more to the story of the Xenomorphs. We learn about their creation and the dangers of corporate greed30. The story covers 4 billion years, from the past to 2379 AD. This long timeline means there’s always more to explore, keeping the space horror exciting.
New movies and a possible TV series show the Alien saga is still popular30. The next film, Alien: Romulus, will fill in some gaps in the story. Other projects are also diving into this rich sci-fi world28. The Alien series mixes horror, action, and deep questions about life and survival. It proves that great stories can capture our imaginations for years.
FAQ
What is the Alien franchise about?
Who created the Alien franchise?
What is the chronological order of the Alien movies?
What is the significance of the AVP crossover films?
What role does Prometheus play in the Alien timeline?
What is the significance of Alien: Covenant?
What are the key events in the original Alien film?
How does Aliens expand the Alien lore?
What is the significance of Alien: Resurrection?
Source Links
- Alien Movies in Order: How to Watch Chronologically and By Release Date – https://movieweb.com/alien-movies-in-order/
- Here’s How to Watch the ‘Alien’ Movies in Order (Chronologically and by Release Date) – https://collider.com/alien-movies-in-order-how-to-watch/
- Alien Universe Timeline – https://alienanthology.fandom.com/wiki/Alien_Universe_Timeline
- How to Watch the Alien Movies in Chronological Order – IGN – https://www.ign.com/articles/alien-movies-in-order
- How to watch the Alien and Predator movies in chronological order – https://www.pocket-lint.com/how-to-watch-alien-predator-movies-chronological-order/
- Timeline – https://avp.fandom.com/wiki/Timeline
- How to Watch the Predator Movies in Chronological Order – IGN – https://www.ign.com/articles/the-predator-movies-in-order
- How to watch the Alien and Predator movies in order – https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/alien-predator-movies-watch-order/
- Prometheus (2012 film) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prometheus_(2012_film)
- Alien (franchise) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_(franchise)
- How to watch the Alien movies in chronological order – https://filmcolossus.com/alien-movies-in-order
- How Alien: Covenant fits in the larger Alien timeline, and what comes next – https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/19/15567256/alien-covenant-aliens-prometheus-franchise-ridley-scott-explainer
- The Alien Movie Saga Finally Explained – Looper – https://www.looper.com/164100/the-alien-movie-saga-finally-explained/
- When Does Alien Romulus Take Place on the Alien Timeline? – https://www.escapistmagazine.com/when-does-alien-romulus-take-place-on-the-alien-timeline/
- Alien: Romulus Timeline – When It Takes Place Compared To The Other Movies – https://screenrant.com/alien-romulus-timeline-franchise-sequel-set-explained/
- Alien: Romulus: 8 important questions we have about its place in the Alien timeline – https://www.cineworld.co.uk/static/en/uk/blog/alien-romulus-questions-we-have-about-alien-timeline
- Explore Alien Universe Movies in Order – https://www.xxtrabutta.com/alien-universe-chronological-watch-order/
- Aliens movie review & film summary (1986) – https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/aliens-1986
- Alien – TV Tropes – https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Franchise/Alien
- The Alien and Predator Discussion Thread – Page 22 – https://www.tohokingdom.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1069&start=420
- Alien³ – https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Film/Alien3
- Alien 3 (1992): How a turbulent production derailed David Fincher’s ambitious closing chapter to the Alien saga – The Projection Booth – https://the-projection-booth.com/alien-3-1992-david-fincher/
- How to Watch the ‘Alien’ Movies in the Right Order – https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a37417939/alien-movies-chronological-order/
- Alien Resurrection – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_Resurrection
- Alien: Resurrection (1997) ⭐ 6.2 | Action, Horror, Sci-Fi – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118583/
- Alien: Franchise Breakdown – https://www.andsoitbeginsfilms.com/2017/05/alien-franchise-breakdown.html
- The A-Z of the Alien Franchise – IGN – https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/10/the-a-z-of-the-alien-franchise
- Where Alien: Romulus Fits in the Franchise’s Timeline – https://www.cbr.com/where-alien-romulus-fits-in-the-franchises-timeline/
- The complete Alien movie timeline – https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a844657/alien-timeline-chronology-prometheus/
- Alien timeline in order, from Prometheus to Resurrection, Romulus next – https://www.thedigitalfix.com/alien/timeline-romulus
Alien franchise Alien movies timeline Chronological alien movies Extraterrestrial films Sci-fi movie explanations Space horror films
Last modified: July 23, 2024
