How to Approach the Alien and Predator Franchise
The Alien and Predator franchises span multiple timelines, reboots, and cross-over experiments. If you are deciding the best way to watch these films, the most durable path is to follow canonical chronology, then consider release order for context. This guide outlines the core story arcs, lists key films with verified dates, and explains how the timelines interlink so you can choose a structure that matches your intent, whether you want strict lore continuity or a broader survey of the series.
Core Canon: The Alien Storyline Watch Order
The primary canon in the Alien series follows the journey of Ellen Ripley and the ongoing mystery of the Xenomorphs. Chronologically, this arc begins with Prometheus, moves through Covenant, and returns to the origins of the Engineers, before proceeding through the original continuity. The recommended canonical order for the main storyline is: Prometheus (2012), Covenant (2017), Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Alien³ (1992), and Alien: Resurrection (1997). This sequence preserves narrative cause and effect, character development, and the gradual revelation of the Xenomorph life cycle and Weyland-Yutani’s role.
Key Milestones in Alien Canon
| Film | Canonical Date | Narrative Role |
|---|---|---|
| Prometheus | 2093–2094 | Explores Engineers and origin of Xenomorphs |
| Covenant | 2104 | Introduces new colony and Neomorphs; links to Alien |
| Alien | 2122 | Ripley’s first encounter with the Xenomorph |
| Aliens | 2179 | Colonial Marines rescue and large-scale Xenomorph threat |
| Alien³ | 2179–2184 | Ripley isolated on a penal planet |
| Alien: Resurrection | 2381 | Cloning of Ripley and final Xenomorph encounter |
Predator Standalone Chronology
The Predator films operate in a separate timeline with no direct crossover events in their original runs. The canonical order is: Predator (1987), Predator 2 (1990), The Predator (2018). These entries focus on the Predator species, human military responses, and escalating tech arms races. Predators (2010) functions as a hunter-predator tournament story that fits between the timelines of Predator 2 and The Predator, though it is often treated as a side story rather than core continuity.
Predator Film Dates and Context
| Film | Release Year | Canonical Setting (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Predator | 1987 | Central American jungle conflict |
| Predator 2 | 1990 | 1997 Los Angeles gang conflict |
| Predators | 2010 | Extralegal hunting game environment |
| The Predator | 2018 | Modern suburban and military escalation |
Crossover Films and Shared Universes
Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) form a distinct crossover branch. These films are not part of the strict Alien or Predator timelines but exist in a shared universe built for confrontation and event filmmaking. If your goal is to study crossover lore, begin with the standalone stories in each franchise, then watch the crossovers to understand how the universes intersect narratively and visually.
Crossover Titles and Approach
- Alien vs. Predator (2004) — Introduces the shared environment and ancient relic mythology.
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) — A direct sequel to the first crossover; more action-focused and tonally darker.
Viewing by Release Order vs. Chronology
Release order preserves the cultural conversation and evolving craft across decades. Watching in this sequence: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Alien³ (1992), Alien: Resurrection (1997), Predator (1987), Predator 2 (1990), Alien vs. Predator (2004), Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), The Predator (2018), Prometheus (2012), Covenant (2017), Predators (2010) gives a historical view of how each series developed. Conversely, chronological viewing emphasizes in-story causality, world-building, and long-term character arcs, which many lore-focused viewers prefer.
Choosing a Structure for Your Watch Plan
Your optimal order depends on what you value most. Prioritize canonical chronology if you want cause-and-effect storytelling and tight universe logic. Choose release order to track technological progress, shifting tones, and franchise evolution. Use crossover entries as palate cleansers or event pieces after you know the core stories. There is no single official sequence, only the path that aligns with your intent, whether that is narrative purity, historical context, or comprehensive immersion.
FAQs
Is there an official canon for Alien and Predator combined?
No shared canon exists beyond the crossover films themselves. The core Alien and Predator timelines remain separate, with Prometheus and Covenant extending the Alien mythos independently from the Predator series.
Should I watch Prometheus before Alien?
Yes, if you want chronological continuity within the main Alien storyline. Prometheus provides essential context for the Engineers, Xenomorph origins, and the corporate motives explored in the rest of the series.
Do the Predator films connect to each other?
They exist in a loose continuity with consistent species traits and escalating human response, but individual stories are largely standalone. Predators links conceptually to Predator 2 and The Predator by framing the hunt as a recurring, multigenerational conflict.