Alien movies in order
Alien Marathon

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Page Last Modified:

26 November 2025

Most Recent Release:

Alien: Earth - 2025

Total Runtime:

477 Minutes

Total Items:

4

Average User Score:

(7)

Watching orders for Alien

Alien movies in order

So, you're ready for an Alien movie marathon, but you're faced with the big question: in what order should you watch them? The Alien franchise is legendary, yet with its mix of prequels, sequels, and xenomorphs lurking in every corner, it's easy to lose your way. Fear not, for we've crafted the perfect chronological viewing order for you, starting with the original Alien (1979) and ending with the bizarre yet captivating Alien Resurrection. Whether you're a seasoned fan or joining Ellen Ripley in space for the first time, this marathon will guide you through the tense, grim, and occasionally insane universe of the Alien films. Grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and brace yourself for survival horror in space.

477 Minutes 4 Movies
  1. 1
    Alien Movie 117 min. 1979
    During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is birthed.
    USER SCORE 8
  2. 2
    Aliens Movie 137 min. 1986
    Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo's deadly encounter with the monstrous Alien, returns to Earth after drifting through space in hypersleep for 57 years. Although her story is initially met with skepticism, she agrees to accompany a team of Colonial Marines back to LV-426.
    USER SCORE 8
  3. 3
    Alien³ Movie 114 min. 1992
    After escaping with Newt and Hicks from the alien planet, Ripley crash lands on Fiorina 161, a prison planet and host to a correctional facility. Unfortunately, although Newt and Hicks do not survive the crash, a more unwelcome visitor does. The prison does not allow weapons of any kind, and with aid being a long time away, the prisoners must simply survive in any way they can.
    USER SCORE 6
  4. 4
    Alien Resurrection Movie 109 min. 1997
    Two hundred years after Lt. Ripley died, a group of scientists clone her, hoping to breed the ultimate weapon. But the new Ripley is full of surprises … as are the new aliens. Ripley must team with a band of smugglers to keep the creatures from reaching Earth.
    USER SCORE 6

Alien (1979):

This is where it all begins. Ridley Scott's original Alien (1979) isn't just a milestone in science fiction; it's the blueprint for claustrophobic horror in space. With an iconic cast—Sigourney Weaver as Ripley, Tom Skerritt as Dallas, and John Hurt as Kane—and creature design by H.R. Giger that haunts your dreams, this film sets the tone for everything that follows. The crew of the Nostromo is sent to LV-426 on a distress signal, and what they find there is... well, let's just say it might spoil your appetite. Watching this film, you immediately feel the threat, tension, and industrial coldness that make the Alien franchise so unique.

Aliens (1986):

Thought one xenomorph was bad? Wait until you see Aliens (1986). This time, James Cameron takes the helm and cranks up the action. Ripley returns, now with a group of space marines who think they're ready for anything (spoiler: they're not). The setting shifts to the Hadley’s Hope colony on LV-426, and the atmosphere is a blend of military sci-fi action and horror. We meet Hicks (Michael Biehn), Newt (Carrie Henn), Hudson (Bill Paxton with his legendary "Game over, man!"), and Bishop (Lance Henriksen), an android who tests Ripley's trust. And who could forget the queen xenomorph and that unforgettable power loader fight?

Alien³ (1992):

After the adrenaline rush of Aliens, Alien³ (1992) slows the pace but ramps up the intensity. David Fincher, in his directorial debut, brings a darker, grittier tone. Set on Fiorina 161, a remote prison planet with no weapons, Ripley finds herself stranded with a new threat. This time, she is literally and figuratively alone. The film's existential tone and oppressive atmosphere make it a must-watch for those wanting to understand the Alien universe. With strong performances from Charles S. Dutton as Dillon and Charles Dance as Clemens, this film shouldn't be skipped.

Alien Resurrection (1997):

Just when you thought it was safe to return to space, Alien Resurrection (1997) arrives. Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amélie) infuses the franchise with a bizarre, almost grotesque style in a film set 200 years after Alien³. Ripley is back, but as a clone with xenomorph DNA. This is the most experimental film of the quadrilogy, featuring bioweapon experiments, androids (Winona Ryder as Call), and a new type of alien that borders on body horror. Set on the spaceship USM Auriga, where a new generation of scientists with dubious intentions has taken over, Ron Perlman as Johner provides brutal comic relief. The film explores themes of identity, evolution, and what it means to be human—or a monster.

Why This Order for Your Alien Movie Marathon?

The Alien franchise isn't just a collection of sci-fi films; it's an evolving story about survival, humanity, and the limits of technology. By starting with Alien (1979) and continuing in this chronological order, you witness the development of Ripley as a character and see how the Alien universe itself grows and changes. From the first facehugger to the genetically engineered xenomorphs in Resurrection, each film builds on the last. You follow the impact of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, see how androids become more humanlike (or scarier), and learn about the alien hive structure and their evolutionary potential. This order offers the perfect mix of horror, action, drama, and weird sci-fi vibes, with a finale that leaves you with questions—and goosebumps.

Bonus: What to Snack on During Your Marathon

No Alien movie marathon is complete without the right snacks. Start with classic popcorn during Alien, switch to something spicy (chips with jalapeño dip?) for Aliens, keep it somber and dark with Alien³ (think black licorice or dark chocolate), and go for something weird and unexpected with Resurrection (sour candies? Bubble tea with jelly balls?). Hydration is key, but beware: no dairy products during facehugger scenes. Just for the atmosphere.

Ready to Start? Cue Up That First Film

Whether you're watching alone, with friends, or via an online watch party, this Alien movie marathon is a journey through four decades of film history, with Sigourney Weaver's Ripley guiding you through the darkest corners of the universe. So grab your blanket, close the curtains, and immerse yourself in one of the most iconic sci-fi horror franchises ever. And remember: in space, no one can hear you scream... but your neighbors might. Enjoy the show!