The Alien Universe in order
Alien Marathon

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Page Last Modified:

26 November 2025

Most Recent Release:

Alien: Earth - 2025

Total Runtime:

1076 Minutes

Total Items:

8

Average User Score:

(7)

Watching orders for Alien

The Alien Universe in order

Aliens, facehuggers, and androids that are just a bit too human; the Alien universe is a must for every sci-fi and horror fan. With prequels, sequels, comics, games, and new additions like Alien: Romulus, it can be tricky to know where to start. Fortunately, you don't have to figure it out alone. We've crafted the ultimate chronological order for you. Perfect for a weekend binge or a thematic movie night with friends. Get the popcorn ready, close your hypersleep chamber, and prepare for the ultimate Alien universe marathon.

1076 Minutes 7 Movies 1 TV Show
  1. 1
    Prometheus Movie 124 min. 2012
    A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.
    USER SCORE 7
  2. 2
    Alien: Covenant Movie 122 min. 2017
    The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise but is actually a dark, dangerous world.
    USER SCORE 6
  3. 3
    Alien: Earth TvShow min. 2025
    When the mysterious deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands on Earth, Wendy and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet's greatest threat.
    USER SCORE 2.1
  4. 4
    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
  5. 5
    Alien: Romulus Movie 119 min. 2024
    While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.
    USER SCORE 7
  6. 6
    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
  7. 7
    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
  8. 8
    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

Prometheus (2012)

Ridley Scott returned to his sci-fi roots with Prometheus, an ambitious prequel that expands the universe of the original 1979 Alien into deeper themes of creation, faith, and the origins of humanity. Here, you meet the mysterious Engineer race, discover the planet LV-223, and board the USCSS Prometheus. Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and the intriguing android David (Michael Fassbender) set off a chain reaction that ultimately leads to the birth of the Xenomorph. The film also introduces deadly variants like the Protomorph and Neomorph.

Alien: Covenant (2017)

While Prometheus raised questions, Alien: Covenant begins to provide answers. This film follows the fate of the USCSS Covenant, a colony ship visiting a remote planet, encountering the evolution of David's experiments. Here, you see the Xenomorph form getting closer to the creature we know from the classic films. Michael Fassbender shines again, this time in a dual role as David and Walter. The film connects the mythology of the Engineers to the grim future ahead, delivering space survival horror with chestbursters, facehuggers, and moral dilemmas on an interstellar level.

Alien: Earth (Upcoming Title)

Though Alien: Earth is still in development, it's confirmed to take place between Alien: Covenant and the 1979 Alien. What we know so far hints at a transition from David's experiments toward the first official Xenomorph infections on or near Earth. This film has the potential to bridge the original saga and the prequels, and fans are already theorizing how it all ties together. Expect more lore, more Weyland-Yutani Corporation secrets, and perhaps a first glimpse of how the Nostromo comes into play.

Alien (1979)

The classic that started it all. Directed by Ridley Scott, Alien set the standard for space survival horror and introduced us to the iconic Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver. Aboard the Nostromo, the crew faces an unknown life form that rapidly evolves into the ultimate predator. This is where we first encounter the Xenomorph in its classic form. The atmosphere: claustrophobic. The threat: invisible. The paranoia: maximum.

Alien: Romulus (2024)

Set between the events of Alien and Aliens (1986), the latest film Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Álvarez, dives into a new horror-driven storyline centered around young survivors in deep space. This film feels like a return to the raw tension of the original, with modern production and fresh characters. Expect intense facehugger action scenes, industrial sets, and possibly new variations of the Xenomorph. Perfect for giving your marathon a solid adrenaline boost.

Aliens (1986)

After the slow-burn horror of Alien, director James Cameron delivered an action-packed explosion with Aliens. Ripley returns, this time with a team of colonial marines, traveling to LV-426 where the nightmare is far from over. Here, we meet fan favorites like Hicks (Michael Biehn), Newt (Carrie Henn), Bishop (Lance Henriksen), and the insufferable Burke (Paul Reiser). The film introduces the Alien Queen and lays the groundwork for many elements that later appear in the Alien expanded universe. This is popcorn sci-fi at its best, with enough action and one-liners to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Alien³ (1992)

David Fincher’s directorial debut takes a radical turn: Alien 3 is dark, nihilistic, and stylistically unique. Ripley crashes on Fiorina 161, a prison planet without weapons, surrounded by convicts and a new Xenomorph variant. The tone shifts to pure survival and existential horror. Charles S. Dutton’s role as Dillon and the return of Bishop (sort of) add depth to the film. Though controversial upon release, it has become a cult favorite and an essential piece of the saga.

Alien Resurrection (1997)

Two centuries after her death, Ripley returns... as a clone. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Alien Resurrection takes place aboard the Auriga, where scientists led by the insane Gediman (Brad Dourif) experiment with Xenomorph DNA. Enter Call (Winona Ryder), an android with a mission. The film is weirder, more colorful, and visually distinct from the rest, but contains enough unique elements to make it a worthy conclusion to your marathon. Plus, a creepy new hybrid you won't soon forget.

Bonus: Alien Comics, Games & Predator Crossovers

If, after eight films, you're still hungry for chestbursters and synthetics, dive into the Alien expanded universe. The game Alien: Isolation is a nerve-wracking survival-horror experience where you play as Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen. The Alien comics from Dark Horse and Marvel expand the universe with new colonies, new creatures, and even crossovers with Predator. Not canon? Maybe. But absolutely worth it.

Plan Your Perfect Alien Universe Marathon

Whether you go for a full binge run or spread it over multiple nights, this viewing order provides a smooth transition from the origins of the Xenomorph to the bizarre genetics of Resurrection. Start with the philosophical questions of Prometheus, gradually shift to pure horror with Alien, and finish with spacepunk chaos on the Auriga. Ensure dim lighting, good snacks (beware of things that look like facehuggers), and a few fellow fans who can handle a screamfest. This Alien universe marathon is not just a movie night; it's an intergalactic experience.