Alien - All Films, TV Series, and Viewing Order: An Endless Battle Between Humanity and the Unknown

The Alien universe has fascinated and terrified audiences worldwide since its debut in 1979. The saga, born from the visionary mind of Ridley Scott, has evolved over decades through a series of films that explore the struggle between humanity and the most terrifying alien creatures ever conceived.

With a compelling mix of science fiction, horror, and action, each chapter of the saga adds new layers of depth and suspense. In this article, we will discover all the films in the series and their viewing order.

The article will be subject to continuous updates to stay current with the latest news and information. Last updated: October 13, 2025.

• What is it?
• How many films are there?
• All the films
• The TV series
• The order in which to watch them
• The order including audiobooks
• The video games
• The novels

What is Alien?

Alien is one of the most iconic and influential science fiction and horror film series of all time. Born in 1979 with the film Alien directed by Ridley Scott, the saga has built a vast and complex universe that explores themes such as survival, technology, and the “nature” of evil.

At the heart of the saga are the Xenomorphs, deadly aliens with unique and terrifying biological characteristics. These creatures are known for their aggression, adaptability, and terrifying mode of reproduction.

The film series, with its oppressive and claustrophobic settings, is famous for its strong and unforgettable characters, first and foremost Ellen Ripley, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver. Alien explores profound themes such as the nature of artificial intelligence, the ethics of scientific exploration, and confrontation with the unknown.

How many Alien films are there?

Currently, the Alien saga comprises seven films that form the main core. Additionally, there are spin-offs and crossovers, such as the Alien vs. Predator series, but these are generally considered separate from the main storyline.

All Alien Films

Here are all the Alien films!

Alien (directed by Ridley Scott, 1979)

The commercial spaceship Nostromo receives a distress signal from an unknown planet. As the crew explores the source of the signal, they discover an alien life form that attaches itself to one of the members. Once back on board, the alien develops into a lethal creature, killing the crew members one by one.

Alien is a science fiction and horror film that revolutionized the genre thanks to its dark atmosphere and palpable tension. The alien's design, created by H.R. Giger, has become iconic. Sigourney Weaver's performance as Ellen Ripley set a new standard for female protagonists in genre films.

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Aliens (directed by James Cameron, 1986)

After being the sole survivor of the massacre aboard the Nostromo, Ellen Ripley is found and brought back to Earth. She discovers that planet LV-426, where they found the alien, has been colonized. When the colony loses contact with Earth, Ripley is sent along with a unit of Space Marines to investigate and fight the hordes of aliens.

Aliens is a sequel that changes tone from the first film, shifting from horror to pure military action. James Cameron expands the Alien universe, adding new dimensions to the mythology and delivering breathtaking action sequences. Sigourney Weaver returns in one of her most famous roles.

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Alien³ (directed by David Fincher, 1992)

After the events of Aliens, Ripley's spaceship crashes on Fiorina 161, a prison planet. Ripley discovers that an alien has arrived with her and begins to claim victims among the inmates. During the battle against the creature, Ripley discovers she is carrying an alien queen and makes an extreme decision to prevent it from falling into the Company's hands.

Alien³ is known for its dark and depressing tone. David Fincher, in his directorial debut, faced numerous production difficulties but managed to create a visually impressive and thematically complex film.

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Alien Resurrection (directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 1997)

Two hundred years after Ripley's death, a clone is created to retrieve the alien queen she had inside her. When the aliens inevitably escape, Ripley, along with a group of mercenaries, must prevent the spaceship from returning to Earth with its deadly cargo.

Alien Resurrection blends elements of science fiction, horror, and a touch of dark humor. Jean-Pierre Jeunet introduces a unique visual style and a surreal approach, bringing new energy to the series.

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Prometheus (directed by Ridley Scott, 2012)

A team of scientists aboard the spaceship Prometheus travels to a distant planet in search of the origins of humanity. The scholars discover an ancient structure and, within it, secrets that threaten to destroy the entire human race.

Prometheus explores philosophical and religious themes related to creation and the origin of life, with Scott returning to the roots of the saga. The film stands out for its special effects and its existential questions, while maintaining ties to the Alien universe.

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Alien: Covenant (directed by Ridley Scott, 2017)

The crew of the colonial ship Covenant discovers an apparently paradisiacal planet. However, they find David, the android survivor of the Prometheus expedition, and are forced to fight for survival against a new form of alien.

Alien: Covenant attempts to merge the philosophical themes of Prometheus with the action and horror of the original Alien. The film deepens David's character and continues to explore the origin of the xenomorphs.

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Alien vs. Predator (directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, 2004)

Alien vs. Predator is a crossover between two of the most famous science fiction and horror sagas. The film offers spectacular action and combat between the two creatures, despite receiving mixed reviews for its plot and character development.

An ancient pyramid is discovered beneath the ice of Antarctica. Scientists and adventurers find themselves trapped inside, where they discover that aliens and predators are engaged in a bloody hunting ritual.

Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (directed by Greg and Colin Strause, 2007)

After the events of the first crossover, a spaceship crashes in a small town in Colorado, unleashing the aliens. The citizens must survive the chaos while a single Predator arrives on Earth to eliminate the alien threat.

Alien vs. Predator: Requiem stands out for its darker and more violent tone compared to the first film. The story focuses more on action and clashes between the two species, although it received criticism for its screenplay and characterization.

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Alien: Romulus (directed by Fede Álvarez, 2024)

While scavenging the deep reaches of an abandoned space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying creature in the universe. To find out all the information about the film, you can consult our dedicated article.

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Alien - Earth, TV series (created by Noah Hawley)

The saga lands on Earth with its first live-action TV series. Set in 2120, just two years before the original 1979 film, Alien: Earth (available on Disney+) brings xenomorph terror to our planet for the first time. Created by Noah Hawley (Fargo, Legion), the series explores new themes such as digital identity, human-machine hybrids, and the race for immortality, while maintaining a strong connection to the original imagery. A bold and visually rich prequel that expands the myth without distorting it. Here you can find our review!

Alien, the order in which to watch them

The Alien universe has developed across various films and media. There are two main ways to watch the films: release order and chronological order of events.

Chronological Order

1. Prometheus (2012) - Prequel exploring the origins of the Engineers and the terrifying xenomorph.
2. Alien: Covenant (2017) - Follows the events of Prometheus and continues to explore the genesis of the creatures known as xenomorphs.
3. Alien - Earth (TV series) - An adventure set in 2120.
4. Alien (1979) - The original story where the Nostromo crew first encounters the xenomorph.
5. Alien: Romulus (2024) - A group of young space colonizers who, while scavenging an abandoned space station, come face to face with the most terrifying life form in space.
6. Aliens (1986) - Follows Ellen Ripley's experiences after her first encounter with the xenomorph.
7. Alien³ (1992) - Continues Ripley's story after the events of Aliens.
8. Alien Resurrection (1997) - Set 200 years after the events of Alien³, it explores the attempt to clone Ripley.

There are also two crossover films with the Predator series: Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007). These films are not considered canonical in the traditional Alien universe. If one chose to include these films, Alien vs. Predator could be placed before Prometheus and Alien vs. Predator: Requiem after Alien³.

Release Order

1. Alien
2. Aliens
3. Alien³
4. Alien Resurrection
5. Prometheus
6. Alien: Covenant
7. Alien vs. Predator
8. Alien vs. Predator: Requiem
9. Alien: Romulus
10. Alien - Earth (TV series)

Alien, the order including audiobooks

Audiobooks add significant details to the main plot, enriching the Alien story with new characters and events. Many of these audio recordings are available on Audible (here you can find all the details).

1. Prometheus (2012) - Prequel exploring the origins of the Engineers and the xenomorph.
2. Alien: Covenant (2017) - Follows the events of Prometheus and continues to explore the genesis of the xenomorphs.
3. Alien - Earth (TV series) - An adventure set in 2120.
4. Alien (1979) - The original story where the Nostromo crew first encounters the xenomorph.
5. Alien: Out of the Shadows (Audiobook, 2014) - Takes place between Alien and Aliens, exploring events involving Ellen Ripley and other survivors.
6. Alien: River of Pain (Audiobook, 2014) - Prequel to Aliens, exploring the history of the Hadley's Hope colony before Ripley's arrival.
7. Alien: Romulus (2024) - A group of young space colonizers who, while scavenging an abandoned space station, come face to face with the most terrifying life form in space.
8. Aliens (1986) - Follows Ellen Ripley's experiences after her first encounter with the xenomorph.
9. Alien: Sea of Sorrows (Audiobook, 2014) - Set many years after the events of Aliens, it explores a new xenomorph threat on Earth.
10. Alien³ (1992) - Continues Ripley's story after the events of Aliens.
11. Alien Resurrection (1997) - Set 200 years after the events of Alien³, it explores the attempt to clone Ripley.

Alien Video Games

• Alien (1982, Atari 2600)
• Alien (1984, various computers)
• Aliens: The Computer Game (1986, various computers)
• Aliens: The Computer Game (1987, various computers)
• Aliens: Alien 2 (1987, MSX)
• Aliens (1990, arcade)
• Alien³ (1992, various systems)
• Alien³ (1993, SNES)
• Alien³ (1993, Game Boy)
• Alien³: The Gun (1993, arcade)
• Aliens: A Comic Book Adventure (1995, DOS)
• Alien Trilogy (1996, various systems)
• Aliens Online (1998, Windows)
• Alien Resurrection (2000, PlayStation)
• Aliens: Thanatos Encounter (2001, Game Boy Color)
• Aliens: Unleashed (2003, mobile phones)
• Aliens: Extermination (2006, arcade)
• Aliens: Roguelike (2007, various computers)
• Aliens: Infestation (2011, Nintendo DS)
• Aliens: Colonial Marines (2013, various)
• Alien: Isolation (2014, various)
• Aliens: Fireteam Elite (2021, various) - available on Amazon for PS5, Xbox and PS4.
• Aliens: Dark Descent (2023, various) - available on Amazon for PS5, Xbox and PS4.

Alien, all the novels

Here are the novels.

Based on the films

• Alien (Alan Dean Foster, 1979)
• Aliens (Alan Dean Foster, 1986)
• Alien³ (Alan Dean Foster, 1992)
• Alien: Resurrection (A.C. Crispin, 1997)

Original novel series

• Alien: Out of the Shadows (Tim Lebbon, 2014)
• Alien: Sea of Sorrows (James A. Moore, 2014)
• Alien: River of Pain (Christopher Golden, 2014)

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Other books

• Alien: The Cold Forge (Alex White, 2018)
• Alien: Isolation (Keith R.A. DeCandido, 2019)
• Aliens: Bug Hunt (AA.VV., 2017)
• Alien: Prototype (Tim Waggoner, 2019)
• Aliens: Phalanx (Scott Sigler, 2020)
• Alien: Into Charybdis (Alex White, 2021)