Welcome, intrepid fans, to the ultimate guide for navigating the sprawling, terrifying, and action-packed universe of the Alien and Predator franchises. For decades, these two iconic sci-fi titans have captivated audiences, each presenting a distinct vision of cosmic horror and relentless hunting. While they once stalked their separate cinematic paths, their worlds famously collided, creating a shared timeline that's as complex as it is thrilling.
Whether you're a seasoned veteran looking to untangle the latest additions or a newcomer eager to dive into the dread, understanding the "alien vs predator films in order" is key. This hub will not only lay out every film and TV series in precise chronological and release orders but also connect you to deeper dives into each corner of this incredible saga. Prepare to face Xenomorphs, Yautja, and the terrifying questions they raise about humanity's place in the cosmos.
Deciphering the Terrifying Alien Saga
The Alien franchise has long been synonymous with visceral horror and the indomitable spirit of humanity's fight for survival against overwhelming odds. At its heart lies the Xenomorph, a creature of nightmare with acid blood and a chilling life cycle, alongside the unforgettable Ellen Ripley. The narrative has expanded significantly over the years, delving into the origins of these creatures and the nefarious Weyland-Yutani Corporation.
The story truly kicks off with the Weyland Corporation's ill-fated mission in Prometheus (2012), starring Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender's android, David 8, as they encounter nightmare-inducing precursors to the classic Xenomorphs. This directly leads into Alien: Covenant (2017), where David’s sinister experiments continue to shape the future of the species. Following these prequels, the upcoming TV series, Alien: Earth (2025), is set just two years before the original Alien, introducing "hybrids" and a terrifying new terrestrial threat.
The legendary Alien (1979) then sets the gold standard for sci-fi horror, introducing Sigourney Weaver as Ripley and the dreaded facehuggers and chestbursters that define the Xenomorph's terror. We'll soon explore new horrors in Alien: Romulus (2024), which bridges the gap between Alien and James Cameron's action-packed sequel, Aliens (1986), where Ripley confronts an entire hive. The saga continues with Ripley's desperate battles in Alien 3 (1992) and the controversial clone narrative of Alien: Resurrection (1997). For a granular breakdown of every twist and turn, be sure to explore The Alien Film Series Timeline.
Alien Films and TV Series in Chronological Order:
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien: Covenant (2017)
- Alien: Earth (2025)
- Alien (1979)
- Alien: Romulus (2024)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien: Resurrection (1997)
Tracking the Hunters: The Predator Chronicles
Parallel to the Xenomorph's reign of terror, the Predator franchise introduces the Yautja, an alien race of elite hunters who traverse the galaxy seeking the most dangerous prey for sport. Their advanced technology and strict honor code make them formidable adversaries, often clashing with humanity across different historical periods.
The earliest known encounters are dramatically presented in the animated anthology Predator: Killer of Killers (2025), with chapters set in 841 AD Scandinavia and 1609 AD Japan. The critically acclaimed Prey (2022) takes us to 1719, showing Naru of the Comanche nation as one of the first humans to encounter a Predator. Later, a WWII chapter of Killer of Killers sees combatant Torres fighting alongside familiar faces.
The classic Predator (1987), starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, brings the hunt to a Central American jungle, establishing the iconic creature. Predator 2 (1990) shifts the action to Los Angeles and famously features a Xenomorph skull, marking the first hint of a shared universe. The future sees a team of soldiers battling Yautja in The Predator (2018), and Adrien Brody leading a cast of unwilling prey in Predators (2010). The upcoming Predator: Badlands (2025) promises to take us to the Predator home world for the first time, with direct ties to Weyland-Yutani, further deepening the interconnected lore. To truly grasp the scope of their galactic hunts, we invite you to Understand the Predator Film Series Timeline.
Predator Movies in Chronological Order:
- Predator: Killer of Killers (2025) - Viking & Samurai chapters
- Prey (2022)
- Predator: Killer of Killers (2025) - WWII Chapter
- Predator (1987)
- Predator 2 (1990)
- The Predator (2018)
- Predators (2010)
- Predator: Badlands (2025)
The Epic Crossover: Alien vs Predator Films
For many fans, the ultimate clash of titans came when the Alien and Predator sagas finally converged. While these "Alien vs Predator" (AVP) films were a massive event, subsequent Alien prequels have largely rendered them non-canonical within the main timelines of both franchises. Nevertheless, they offer a thrilling self-contained duology that's essential viewing for any complete understanding of the AVP lore.
The crossover begins with AVP: Alien vs Predator (2004), set in 2004, where an expedition beneath Antarctic ice awakens a dormant Alien Queen, pitting humans against ancient Predators in a fight for survival. The direct sequel, AVPR: Alien vs Predator - Requiem (2007), picks up immediately, unleashing a terrifying Alien-Predator hybrid, the Predalien, upon a small American town. These films present a unique narrative that is best appreciated as its own arc. For a deeper dive into how these crossovers came to be and their impact on the wider universe, our guide on The Alien vs. Predator Crossover is invaluable.
Alien vs Predator Movies in Chronological Order:
- AVP: Alien vs Predator (2004)
- AVPR: Alien vs Predator - Requiem (2007)
Charting Your Course: Chronological vs. Release Order
Deciding how to watch the "alien vs predator films in order" can significantly impact your viewing experience. Do you prioritize the unfolding of a single, grand narrative, or the original journey of discovery as films were released? Both approaches offer unique advantages, especially when considering the intricate web connecting Aliens and Predators.
The Ultimate Chronological Journey
Viewing the entire combined Alien and Predator universe in chronological order offers a single, sweeping narrative that stretches across millennia. This approach allows you to witness the very first encounters with Predators, the terrifying origins of the Xenomorphs, and how humanity grapples with both threats over centuries. It's a fantastic way to appreciate the epic scope and interconnected lore that the creators have painstakingly built. If you're ready to embrace the full narrative arc from ancient history to the far future, then you'll want to Unlock the AVP viewing order for the definitive timeline experience.
Complete Alien and Predator Universe Chronological Order:
- Predator: Killer of Killers (2025) - Viking & Samurai chapters (841 AD / 1609 AD)
- Prey (2022) (1719)
- Predator: Killer of Killers (2025) - WWII Chapter (WWII)
- Predator (1987) (Unspecified, over 100 years before Alien)
- Predator 2 (1990) (1997)
- AVP: Alien vs Predator (2004) (2004)
- AVPR: Alien vs Predator - Requiem (2007) (2004, immediately after AVP)
- The Predator (2018) (Present-day, 2018)
- Prometheus (2012) (2093)
- Alien: Covenant (2017) (2104)
- Alien: Earth (2025) (2106)
- Alien (1979) (2122)
- Alien: Romulus (2024) (Between Alien and Aliens)
- Aliens (1986) (2179)
- Alien 3 (1992) (2179)
- Alien: Resurrection (1997) (2379)
- Predators (2010) (Unspecified future)
- Predator: Badlands (2025) (Future)
Experiencing Them as They Arrived: Release Order
For many, the most authentic way to watch the "alien vs predator films in order" is by their original release date. This method allows you to experience the franchises as audiences first did, witnessing the evolution of storytelling, special effects, and thematic depth in real-time. It preserves the initial impact of each film, including the surprise of the AVP crossover and the subsequent narrative shifts in later prequels. To follow the path of cinematic history, our guide on Alien vs. Predator: Film Release is your ideal starting point.
Complete Alien and Predator Universe Release Order:
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Predator (1987)
- Predator 2 (1990)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien: Resurrection (1997)
- AVP: Alien vs Predator (2004)
- AVPR: Alien vs Predator - Requiem (2007)
- Predators (2010)
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien: Covenant (2017)
- The Predator (2018)
- Prey (2022)
- Alien: Romulus (2024)
- Alien: Earth (2025)
- Predator: Killer of Killers (2025)
- Predator: Badlands (2025)
Your Ultimate Viewing Recommendation
Ultimately, the best way to watch the "alien vs predator films in order" depends entirely on what you seek from your viewing experience. If you prioritize historical context, how the narrative organically grew, and the gradual introduction of new concepts, then Release Order is your best bet. It respects the original artistic and commercial journey of these groundbreaking films.
However, if you're keen to immerse yourself in a cohesive, overarching story, witnessing events unfold as they canonically happened within the universe, then the Chronological Order offers an unparalleled journey. This allows for a deeper appreciation of character arcs, technological progression, and the grand tapestry of human-alien conflict, despite some retcons along the way. Whichever path you choose, a thrilling and terrifying adventure awaits.
This super pillar hub is designed to be your comprehensive guide through the Alien and Predator sagas. With new films and series on the horizon, the interconnected universe continues to expand, promising even more thrilling encounters. May your next viewing be filled with dread, suspense, and perhaps, a few less facehuggers.