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Where to Watch Every Alien Movie in Chronological Order (2026 Guide)
You can stream every Alien movie in chronological order on Hulu, starting with Prometheus (2012), then Alien: Covenant, Alien, Alien: Romulus, Aliens, Alien 3, and Alien: Resurrection. The FX series Alien: Earth also streams on Hulu and slots in right before the 1979 original.
Disney owns the franchise through 20th Century Studios. That puts the whole saga under one roof and makes a full xenomorph marathon easier than ever.
Here is the complete timeline, plus every way to watch it.
What Is the Chronological Order of the Alien Movies?
The Alien franchise jumps around its own timeline. Prequels and “interquels” are mixed into the release order, so watching by in-universe date feels like a different story.
It starts with the creation of the xenomorph and ends centuries after Ellen Ripley’s first encounter with it.
Alien Movies in Chronological Order (In-Universe Timeline)
- Prometheus (2012): Set in 2093. Directed by Ridley Scott, starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, and Charlize Theron.
- Alien: Covenant (2017): Set in 2104. Scott returns with Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, and Fassbender.
- Alien: Earth (2025, TV series): Set in 2120. Created by Noah Hawley, starring Sydney Chandler and Timothy Olyphant.
- Alien (1979): Set in 2122. Scott’s original, starring Sigourney Weaver as Ripley.
- Alien: Romulus (2024): Set in 2142. Directed by Fede Álvarez, starring Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson.
- Aliens (1986): Set in 2179. James Cameron directs Weaver and Michael Biehn.
- Alien 3 (1992): Set in 2179. David Fincher’s feature directorial debut.
- Alien: Resurrection (1997): Set in 2381. Jean-Pierre Jeunet directs Weaver and Winona Ryder.
Where Do the Alien vs. Predator Movies Fit?
Alien vs. Predator (2004), directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), directed by the Brothers Strause, take place on present-day Earth. Many fans treat them as separate from the main canon.
If you want them in your marathon, watch them first. They are set long before Prometheus, and both stream on Hulu.
Where Can You Stream the Alien Movies in 2026?
Hulu is the main destination. Alien moved there in March 2025, and Disney keeps most of its more adult catalog on the service.
The rest of the franchise followed, including the Predator crossovers.
Best Streaming Platforms for the Alien Franchise
- Hulu (U.S.): The core films, Alien: Romulus, the AVP movies, and Alien: Earth.
- Hulu on Disney+ (bundle): Bundle subscribers can watch the Alien saga from inside the Disney+ app.
- Disney+ (international): Alien: Earth streams here outside the U.S. Alien: Romulus is also on Disney+ in Canada.
- Apple TV, Amazon, and Fandango At Home: Rent or buy any film without a subscription.
Do You Need a Hulu Subscription to Watch the Alien Movies?
For streaming, yes. Hulu is the only place that carries the full lineup.
If you only want one or two films, renting from Apple TV, Amazon, or Fandango At Home can be cheaper. Streaming libraries rotate, so double-check the title page before you press play.
Where to Watch Each Alien Movie, Film by Film
Here is exactly where each entry in the timeline lives, plus what to expect before you press play.
Where to Watch Prometheus (2012)
Prometheus streams on Hulu in the U.S. It is also available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Amazon, and Fandango At Home.
Ridley Scott’s prequel is set in 2093. Noomi Rapace plays Dr. Elizabeth Shaw, who follows a star map to a distant moon in search of humanity’s creators.
Michael Fassbender steals the film as the android David, and Charlize Theron plays corporate overseer Meredith Vickers. Expect big questions, strange biology, and the first hints of the xenomorph’s origins.
Where to Watch Alien: Covenant (2017)
Alien: Covenant streams on Hulu. You can also rent or buy it on the major digital storefronts.
Scott returns for this 2104-set sequel to Prometheus. Katherine Waterston and Billy Crudup lead the crew of a colony ship that picks up a rogue transmission.
Fassbender plays two androids, David and Walter, which gives the film its sharpest scenes. This is where the xenomorph finally becomes the monster fans know.
Where to Watch Alien: Earth (2025)
In the U.S., all eight episodes of season 1 stream on Hulu. The series premiered on FX on August 12, 2025, and the finale aired on September 23.
Outside the U.S., Alien: Earth is on Disney+. Noah Hawley’s show is set in 2120, just two years before the original film.
Sydney Chandler stars as Wendy, with Timothy Olyphant as the synthetic Kirsh. The story begins when the spaceship Maginot crash-lands on Earth.
Where to Watch Alien (1979)
Alien streams on Hulu, where it landed in March 2025. It is also available to rent or buy from Apple TV, Amazon, and Fandango At Home.
Scott’s original follows the crew of the commercial towing ship Nostromo in 2122. Sigourney Weaver became a horror icon as Ellen Ripley, alongside Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, and Ian Holm.
Nearly five decades later, it still plays like a haunted house in space. If you only watch one film from this list, make it this one.
Where to Watch Alien: Romulus (2024)
Alien: Romulus streams on Hulu and on Hulu on Disney+. In Canada, it is on Disney+.
Fede Álvarez directs this standalone entry, set in 2142 between Alien and Aliens. Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson lead a cast that also includes Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, and Spike Fearn.
It returns the franchise to claustrophobic horror. It also works well as a gateway for newcomers who have not seen the older films.
Where to Watch Aliens (1986)
Aliens streams on Hulu. As with every other entry, you can rent or buy it if you do not subscribe.
James Cameron’s sequel is set in 2179 and swaps slow-burn dread for a full-scale bug hunt. Weaver returns as Ripley and leads a squad of Colonial Marines that includes Michael Biehn, Bill Paxton, and Jenette Goldstein.
Carrie Henn plays the young survivor Newt. The film earned Weaver an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
Where to Watch Alien 3 (1992)
Alien 3 streams on Hulu. Rent or buy options are available on Apple TV, Amazon, and Fandango At Home.
David Fincher directed his first feature here. The story picks up right after Aliens and strands Ripley on a bleak prison planet.
Charles S. Dutton and Charles Dance lead the supporting cast. It is the franchise’s darkest and most divisive chapter, and many fans have come around to it over the years.
Where to Watch Alien: Resurrection (1997)
Alien: Resurrection streams on Hulu. It is also available on the major rental platforms.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet directs this 2381-set finale, written by Joss Whedon. Weaver returns as a cloned Ripley, with Winona Ryder, Ron Perlman, and Dominique Pinon in the cast.
It is the franchise’s strangest and most stylized entry. Treat it as a weird, fun epilogue rather than a traditional horror sequel.
Should You Watch the Alien Movies in Chronological or Release Order?
It depends on whether you are a newcomer or a veteran. Both approaches work, but they deliver different experiences.
Why Chronological Order Works for Rewatches
- You see the xenomorph’s origins before the horror begins.
- The Weyland-Yutani storyline plays out in order.
- Alien: Earth leads straight into the 1979 film.
Why Release Order Is Better for First-Timers
- The scares and reveals land the way their creators intended.
- You watch the franchise’s style evolve from Scott to Cameron to Fincher.
- Prometheus and Covenant make more sense after you know the xenomorph.
Our advice is simple. Watch in release order the first time, then do the chronological run on your next marathon.
Is Alien: Earth Season 2 Coming Soon?
Yes, but not yet. FX renewed the series in November 2025 alongside a new overall deal for creator Noah Hawley.
Production was slated to start in London in 2026. Peter Dinklage was reported in April 2026 as joining the cast in a new role.
No premiere date has been announced. Based on the production timeline, most outlets expect a 2027 arrival on FX and Hulu.
Alien Streaming FAQ: Quick Answers
Is Every Alien Movie on Hulu?
Yes. The core films, the Predator crossovers, and Alien: Romulus stream on Hulu in the U.S.
Is Alien: Earth a Movie?
No, it is an eight-episode TV series. It is part of the official franchise timeline and fits between Covenant and Alien.
Which Alien Movie Should You Watch First?
For a classic experience, start with Alien (1979). For a modern entry point, Alien: Romulus works as a standalone film.
Ready to Start Your Alien Marathon?
Whether you pick chronological or release order, Hulu has your whole xenomorph marathon covered. Start with Prometheus, work your way through Alien: Earth, and finish with Ripley’s wild resurrection.
If you loved this breakdown, check out our other Where to Stream guides, including our rankings of every Predator movie and the best sci-fi horror series to watch right now.