If you’re looking for the best order to watch the Alien and Predator movies, it’s important to note that both franchises are somewhat intertwined, especially with the Alien vs. Predator films. There are two main approaches: watching them in release order or following a chronological timeline.
Here are the common approaches suggested by fans on Reddit:
1. Release Order (For the Best Experience)
Watching the movies in the order they were released allows you to experience the franchises as audiences did when they first premiered. This method avoids spoilers and keeps the suspense intact.
– Alien (1979)
– Aliens (1986)
– Alien 3 (1992)
– Alien: Resurrection (1997)
– Alien vs. Predator (2004) – Set after Aliens and before Alien 3 in terms of timeline.
– Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) – Direct sequel to Alien vs. Predator.
– Prometheus (2012) – A prequel to Alien, set in the same universe.
– Alien: Covenant (2017) – Direct sequel to Prometheus.
– The Predator (2018) – While it doesn’t directly tie into the Alien franchise, it is part of the Predator series.
2. Chronological Timeline (If You Prefer the Story’s Timeline)
If you want to watch the films in a more chronological order, you can follow this sequence, which puts the Alien and Predator timelines in order.
– Prometheus (2012) – Prequel to Alien, exploring the origins of the Xenomorphs.
– Alien: Covenant (2017) – Sequel to Prometheus and further expands the Alien lore.
– Alien (1979) – The original film.
– Aliens (1986) – Set after Alien, continuing the story of Ellen Ripley.
– Alien 3 (1992) – A direct sequel to Aliens, with Ripley facing a new nightmare.
– Alien: Resurrection (1997) – Set far in the future, after the events of Alien 3.
– Alien vs. Predator (2004) – Set before the events of Alien 3 and Aliens.
– Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) – Direct sequel to Alien vs. Predator.
– Predator (1987) – The first Predator film, which is set in the 1980s.
– Predator 2 (1990) – Set in Los Angeles in the early 1990s.
– Predators (2010) – Takes place on a mysterious planet, acting as a “reboot” of sorts.
– The Predator (2018) – Follows the events of the original Predator series, but doesn’t fit neatly within either Alien or Predator timelines.
3. Predator and Alien Separate Viewing Order
If you’re more interested in watching the Predator and Alien films as separate franchises, here’s an order for each:
Alien Movies:
– Alien (1979)
– Aliens (1986)
– Alien 3 (1992)
– Alien: Resurrection (1997)
– Prometheus (2012)
– Alien: Covenant (2017)
Predator Movies:
– Predator (1987)
– Predator 2 (1990)
– Predators (2010)
– The Predator (2018)
If you’re planning on including the Alien vs. Predator films, it’s generally agreed they fit between Aliens and Alien 3, as they don’t really interfere with the main storyline of either franchise.
Conclusion:
– If you want to follow the movie release order, go with the release order list.
– If you want to follow the chronology of the events in the films, the chronological timeline would be your best bet.
Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prefer the surprises of release order or want a more linear experience following the events of each universe. Both approaches have their merits!
