The “Alien” franchise is a cornerstone of sci-fi horror, captivating audiences with its blend of suspense, innovative design, and unforgettable characters since its debut in 1979. Directed by Ridley Scott, the original “Alien” introduced us to the terrifying Xenomorph, a creature that has become an iconic figure in both horror and science fiction.
The journey begins aboard the commercial space tug Nostromo, where the crew encounters a distress signal from a derelict alien ship. What follows is a masterclass in tension and horror, as the crew, led by the resilient Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), battles an unknown and deadly alien life form. Ripley’s character became a trailblazer for strong female protagonists in cinema, and the film’s blend of sci-fi elements with pure horror made it an instant classic.
The franchise expanded with James Cameron’s “Aliens” in 1986, which shifted gears from horror to action-packed thriller. Ripley returns, this time accompanied by a group of marines to investigate a colony that has lost contact. “Aliens” ramps up the intensity with more Xenomorphs and introduces the terrifying Alien Queen. This sequel is celebrated for its gripping action sequences, deeper character development, and memorable lines.
In 1992, “Alien 3” directed by David Fincher, took a darker, more somber turn. Set in a prison planet, it explored themes of sacrifice and survival, though it faced mixed reactions from fans and critics. “Alien: Resurrection” (1997) brought Ripley back in a clone form, blending horror with dark humor and new twists on the Xenomorph lore.
The franchise also includes prequels like “Prometheus” (2012) and “Alien: Covenant” (2017), both directed by Ridley Scott, which delve into the origins of the Xenomorphs and their creators, the Engineers. These films provide a deeper exploration of the universe, blending philosophical questions with intense horror elements.
With its rich history, compelling characters, and nerve-wracking suspense, the “Alien” franchise remains a must-watch for any sci-fi or horror enthusiast. Whether you’re revisiting the classics or discovering them for the first time, the “Alien” series offers an unforgettable cinematic experience that continues to inspire and terrify. So, dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and prepare for a thrilling journey into the unknown!
How to watch Alien movies in release order
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien: Resurrection (1997)
- Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien: Covenant (2017)
How to watch Alien movies in chronological order
- Alien vs. Predator
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
- Prometheus
- Alien: Covenant
- Alien
- Aliens
- Alien 3
- Alien: Resurrection
Alien vs. Predator
Set in the remote Antarctic wilderness, a team of scientists and adventurers embarks on an expedition to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the ice. However, they soon discover that they are not alone. Deep within the ancient pyramid they unearth, a deadly battle between two extraterrestrial species unfolds as the Aliens and Predators clash in a brutal fight for supremacy. As the humans become caught in the crossfire, they must fight for survival against both the terrifying creatures and the unforgiving environment.
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
Set in the small town of Gunnison, Colorado, “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” follows the aftermath of a Predator spacecraft crash-landing on Earth. Unbeknownst to the unsuspecting residents, the crash releases a horde of deadly Aliens, unleashing chaos and destruction upon the town. As the Predators descend to clean up the mess and eliminate the Xenomorph threat, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to survive the nightmarish onslaught.
Prometheus
Set in the late 21st century, the film follows a team of scientists aboard the spaceship Prometheus as they embark on a journey to uncover the origins of humanity. Led by archaeologists Elizabeth Shaw and Charlie Holloway, the crew discovers a star map pointing to a distant moon, believed to hold the secrets of humanity’s creators, the Engineers. As the expedition progresses, the crew encounters evidence of an ancient alien civilization and confronts the terrifying truth behind their existence.
Alien: Covenant
Set aboard the colony ship Covenant, the story follows a crew of explorers who stumble upon a seemingly paradise planet while searching for a new home. However, their discovery quickly turns into a nightmare when they encounter the android David, the sole survivor of the ill-fated Prometheus expedition. As they uncover the planet’s dark secrets, they become ensnared in a deadly game of survival against the monstrous Xenomorphs and David’s sinister machinations.
Alien
Set aboard the commercial spaceship Nostromo, the film follows a crew of astronauts who encounter a deadly extraterrestrial creature after investigating a distress signal on a remote planet. As the crew members battle for survival against the relentless and nightmarish xenomorph, tension mounts, and trust fractures within the group.
Aliens
The film follows Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo’s encounter with the deadly xenomorph, as she joins a team of Colonial Marines to investigate the disappearance of a colony on LV-426, the same planet where her crew first encountered the alien creature.
Alien 3
The film follows Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, as she crash-lands on Fiorina 161, a remote prison planet inhabited by male inmates with no weapons or technology. As Ripley tries to survive in this harsh environment, she discovers that a deadly xenomorph has stowed away on her ship, continuing the nightmare she thought she had escaped.
Alien: Resurrection
Set aboard the USM Auriga, a military research vessel, Ripley, now a genetically engineered hybrid of human and xenomorph DNA, struggles to come to terms with her new existence while facing off against a horde of alien creatures bred for experimentation. Joined by a ragtag group of mercenaries and scientists, including Annalee Call (Winona Ryder) and Johner (Ron Perlman), Ripley embarks on a mission to escape the Auriga and prevent the xenomorphs from reaching Earth. Along the way, they encounter treachery, betrayal, and the terrifying realization that the creatures they face are more intelligent and adaptable than ever before.
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