Complete Chronological Viewing Order of the Aliens Franchise
The chronological order of the Aliens franchise begins with the original 1979 film Alien, directed by Ridley Scott and produced by 20th Century Fox. This film, set in the future, introduces the xenomorph creature and the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, which becomes a central antagonist across all sequels. The second chronological entry is Aliens, released in 1986, directed by James Cameron, and produced by 20th Century Fox and Brandywine Productions. This film shifts the tone to a military action horror and expands the lore of the xenomorph hive and the android Bishop. The full chronological sequence continues with three more films, including the prequel series that explores the origins of the Engineers and the creation of the xenomorphs.
Prequel Films Set Before the Original Alien
Watch Prometheus first in the chronological timeline, released in 2012 and directed by Ridley Scott. The film was produced by 20th Century Fox and Scott Free Productions, and it follows the crew of the Prometheus as they search for humanity's creators on LV-223. The second prequel is Alien: Covenant, released in 2017, directed by Ridley Scott, and produced by 20th Century Fox, Scott Free Productions, and TSG Entertainment. This film directly connects to the original Alien by showing how the android David triggers the xenomorph outbreak that leads to the events of the 1979 film. The chronological order places these prequels before Alien, even though they were released decades later.
Production Companies, Directors, and Key Figures in the Aliens Franchise
The franchise spans multiple production companies, with 20th Century Studios and its predecessors serving as the primary studio for most entries. Ridley Scott directed the original Alien, the two prequels, and is involved in future installments, while James Cameron directed Aliens and contributed to the franchise's expansion into military science fiction. Other directors include David Fincher for Alien 3, Jean-Pierre Jeunet for Alien Resurrection, and Neill Blomkamp for the proposed Alien 5. Brandywine Productions has been a consistent producer across the series, working alongside major studios to develop the films and their interconnected lore.
Box Office and Critical Reception
Aliens remains the highest-grossing entry in the franchise, earning over $131 million in its initial theatrical run and receiving critical acclaim for its action sequences and Sigourney Weaver's performance. The original Alien was a sleeper hit, grossing over $104 million worldwide and becoming a landmark in horror and science fiction cinema. The prequel films, Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, each earned over $400 million globally, reflecting the enduring commercial appeal of the franchise despite mixed critical reception for the latter entries.
Where to Watch the Aliens Movies in Chronological Order
The films are available on major streaming platforms and digital purchase services, with subscription options on platforms like Disney+ and Hulu, which hold the streaming rights for many 20th Century Studios