Get ready, Alien enthusiasts! Alien Day, which falls on April 26th, is quickly approaching, making now the ideal moment to delve into or revisit all the Alien films in the franchise. Starting with Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking 1979 sci-fi horror masterpiece, Alien, this beloved series has spawned six additional movies that fit within its canonical universe. These range from direct sequels to the original movie to prequels set in the distant past, each telling a chilling tale where countless humans meet their demise at the hands of the deadly Xenomorphs. The danger doubles when you consider the Alien vs. Predator crossover films; however, these movies take place in a timeline distinct from the main Alien universe. As we anticipate the upcoming FX prequel series, Alien: Earth, both longtime fans and newcomers should catch up on every Alien movie beforehand.
To fully immerse yourself in the Alien universe for Alien Day 2025, it’s recommended that you watch the series of movies in the order they were originally released. This includes all the canonical films followed by the Alien vs. Predator crossovers. So, gather your streaming platform and enjoy the following sequence:
1. Alien (1979)
2. Aliens (1986)
3. Alien 3 (1992)
4. Alien Resurrection (1997)
5. AVP (2004 – Alien vs. Predator)
6. AVP: Requiem (2007 – Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem)
Alien
To fully appreciate the Alien franchise, it’s crucial to watch the original film, Alien, first. Despite being released in 1979, this sci-fi masterpiece continues to captivate audiences with its intense suspense, terror, and groundbreaking visual effects for its time. In Alien, Sigourney Weaver plays Ellen Ripley, a member of the Nostromo spaceship crew who investigate an unidentified transmission. Their investigation leads them to a deadly alien species known as xenomorphs. With its chilling storyline and iconic moments, such as the “chestburster” scene, Alien is a timeless classic that sets the stage for the rest of the series. So, if you want to experience the terror of the Alien universe from the very beginning, make sure to watch Ridley Scott’s Alien first.
Alien is available to stream on Hulu.
Aliens
50 years after my survival of the Nostromo incident, I found myself back in the shoes of Ellen Ripley, this time as director James Cameron handed me the reins for the sequel to Alien, aptly titled Aliens. This gripping tale unfolds with Ripley joining a group of Marines on a mission to locate a missing colony on a neighboring moon, only to uncover a swarm of xenomorphs, led by a ferocious queen, who have taken over. A flawless sequel that masterfully builds upon the foundation laid in Alien, Aliens is equally as captivating, if not more so, than its predecessor. The struggle for survival as Ripley protects Newt (Carrie Henn), the sole survivor of the colony, offers a riveting narrative. Furthermore, the xenomorphs reach their most terrifying peak in Aliens. Having witnessed the original film, I strongly recommend watching Aliens to delve deeper into Ripley’s journey as she engages in battles against the Xenomorphs under even more bone-chilling circumstances.
Aliens is currently streaming on Hulu.
Alien 3
1992’s “Alien 3” had a mixed reception from both critics and viewers, but it remains essential viewing due to its contribution to the development of the character Ripley. Directed by David Fincher, this film follows Ripley after her escape from the Xenomorphs in “Aliens.” In “Alien 3,” Ripley crash-lands on a planet where a penal colony for violent male prisoners is located. A facehugger on board her escape pod gives birth to a xenomorph (a hybrid of a dog), causing mayhem within the facility, and Ripley must once again evade death. While “Alien 3” lacks the same level of thrilling sci-fi, horror, and action as the first two Alien movies, it effectively continues Ripley’s story arc. The franchise’s central character remains tough and fearless in “Alien 3,” making the film a worthwhile watch for fans.
Alien 3 is available to stream on Hulu.
Alien: Resurrection
In 1997, we saw the last time Sigourney Weaver appeared in an Alien film with Alien: Resurrection. This was the fourth installment of the series, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, set around 200 years after Alien 3. The story revolves around a Ripley clone, genetically mixed with a Xenomorph Queen’s DNA, who steps in to save humanity from an impending disaster caused by countless Xenomorphs escaping and heading towards Earth. While Alien: Resurrection isn’t overly iconic within the Alien universe, it does thoughtfully explore the catastrophe that arises from mankind’s continuous tinkering with Xenomorphs. Enhanced by strong performances from Weaver, Winona Ryder, and others, Alien: Resurrection serves as a fitting conclusion for viewers before diving into the prequels.
Alien: Resurrection is streaming on Hulu.
Prometheus
As a movie enthusiast, I found myself drawn back into the Alien universe with Ridley Scott’s 2012 prequel, Prometheus. Embarking on a mission to investigate ancient human civilizations on a distant moon, our crew aboard the Prometheus spacecraft stumbled upon an alien species and their terrifying bio-weapons. Set three decades before the original Alien film, Prometheus offers a unique perspective that sets it apart from its predecessors. Stunning visual effects and palpable tension make it a must-watch in the sci-fi genre. The first prequel to the Alien franchise takes us on an intriguing journey into uncharted territory, providing a fresh take after four interconnected stories. Although it may not reach the heights of excellence set by Alien and Aliens, Prometheus offers a captivating glimpse into the universe before the events depicted in the classic films.
Prometheus is currently streaming on Hulu.
Alien: Covenant
As a diehard Alien enthusiast, I found 2017’s “Alien: Covenant” to be a gripping and terrifying continuation of the saga reminiscent of the classic Alien movies from years past. Directed once again by Ridley Scott, this third installment in his Alien series follows a new band of space explorers as they discover the remains of the “Prometheus” on an enigmatic planet. There, they cross paths with David (Michael Fassbender), the sole surviving member of the Prometheus crew and an android. It quickly becomes apparent that they are walking into a nightmare scenario.
Alien: Covenant primarily delves into expanding the lore of Prometheus and connecting it to subsequent events, making it more about storytelling than non-stop action. However, it doesn’t skimp on delivering some nerve-wracking sequences and clever plot twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The pairing of “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant” forms a compelling duo of Alien backstory that any fan of the original films must experience next.
Alien: Covenant is currently available to stream on Hulu.
Alien: Romulus
2024’s “Alien: Romulus” marks the latest addition to the “Alien” series, with numerous fans expressing that this movie has given new life to the franchise. Directed by Fede Álvarez, the film is set between the events of “Alien” and “Aliens,” following a group of young astronauts as they venture into an abandoned space station inhabited by live facehuggers. A xenomorph is born, leaving the crew stranded on the desolate station.
The movie titled “Alien: Romulus” may not contribute significantly to the overall depth of the “Alien” universe, but it manages to keep viewers engrossed by weaving together numerous storylines from the franchise. Notably, this film offers more intense horror scenes and improved visuals compared to other installments in the series. The action sequences featuring humans versus xenomorphs are both innovative and graphic. While “Alien: Romulus” appears as a standalone tale with occasional Easter eggs, it’s recommended to watch it after viewing all other canon films in the franchise for a more complete experience.
Alien: Romulus is streaming on Hulu.
Alien vs. Predator
2004 marked the collision of two famous science fiction franchises in the form of Paul W. S. Anderson’s “Alien vs. Predator.” In this movie, the xenomorph and Yautja species engaged in combat while a human archaeological expedition was taking place on Earth. Although the Alien prequel movies have essentially discarded “Alien vs. Predator” and its sequel from the main franchise’s continuity, they remain enjoyable for audiences seeking more. However, it should be noted that “Alien vs. Predator” did not receive many favorable reviews, so fans of the best Alien series entries might be disappointed. As far as entertainment goes, “Alien vs. Predator” offers a fun blend of action and legendary science fiction creatures, provided viewers don’t take it too seriously.
Alien vs. Predator is currently streaming on Hulu.
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
2007’s “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” further explores the clash between these two intriguing universes, a production helmed by directors Colin and Greg Strause. This film follows the intense struggle between xenomorphs and Yautja, with an unexpected twist – the appearance of a terrifying Alien-Predator hybrid in rural Colorado. As unsuspecting locals find themselves entangled in this lethal conflict, they are forced to battle for their very survival against these fearsome creatures. While it may not have won over the critics as much as its predecessor, “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” remains a thrilling and action-packed spectacle for enthusiasts of both the “Alien” and “Predator” series.
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem is available to stream on Hulu.
The upcoming FX series Alien: Earth will premiere in 2025.
Read More
- Best Race Tier List In Elder Scrolls Oblivion
- Elder Scrolls Oblivion: Best Pilgrim Build
- Becky G Shares Game-Changing Tips for Tyla’s Coachella Debut!
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Elder Scrolls Oblivion: Best Thief Build
- Yvette Nicole Brown Confirms She’s Returning For the Community Movie
- Meet Tayme Thapthimthong: The Rising Star of The White Lotus!
- Silver Rate Forecast
- Rachel Zegler Claps Back at Critics While Ignoring Snow White Controversies!
- The Gilded Age season 3: Release date, cast and latest news
2025-04-24 22:44