Chronological Order of Alien Universe Movies and TV Series
Title: The Chronological Order of the Alien Universe Movies and TV Series
The “Alien” franchise, renowned for its profound impact on the science fiction and horror genres, is a sprawling universe comprised of movies, TV series, and other media. Navigating through its timeline can be complex, as the release order does not follow the chronological events depicted in the narrative. Below is a guide that outlines the chronological order of the major films and TV series in the Alien universe.
1. **Prometheus (2012)**
Set in the late 21st century, “Prometheus” acts as a prequel to the original “Alien” film, exploring the origins of the mysterious “Engineers” and the beginnings of the infamous xenomorph species. The story unfolds in 2093 when the scientific vessel Prometheus travels to a distant moon.
2. **Alien: Covenant (2017)**
Taking place ten years after the events of “Prometheus,” around 2104, “Alien: Covenant” follows the crew of a colony ship traveling to a remote planet. They discover a dark, dangerous world, eventually leading to terrifying encounters with the evolved alien creatures. This film bridges the gap between “Prometheus” and the original “Alien” film.
3. **Alien: Awakening**
Though not yet produced, “Alien: Awakening” is intended to occur between “Alien: Covenant” and “Alien.” It would further explore the aftermath of the “Covenant” events and Dr. Elizabeth Shaw’s fate alongside the android David. Its narrative position is speculative based on public statements from creators.
4. **Alien (1979)**
The film where it all began, “Alien” is set in 2122 and follows the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo. Their discovery of a derelict alien ship and the lifeforms within sets off the iconic chain of events leading to the terrifying legacy of the xenomorph.
5. **Aliens (1986)**
Taking place 57 years after the events of “Alien,” in 2179, this sequel returns with Ellen Ripley as she joins a team of Colonial Marines to investigate the fate of a colony on LV-426. The film amplifies the horror-action balance and delves deeper into Ripley’s confrontation with the alien species.
6. **Alien 3 (1992)**
Occurring directly after “Aliens,” the year is still 2179, as Ellen Ripley crash-lands on the prison planet Fiorina 161. With a xenomorph on the loose and Ripley harboring a dark secret within, the movie explores themes of sacrifice and survival.
7. **Alien Resurrection (1997)**
Set in 2379, 200 years after “Alien 3,” “Alien Resurrection” sees scientists successfully clone Ellen Ripley to extract the xenomorph queen gestating inside her at her death. The fusion of Ripley’s DNA with the aliens leads to unforeseen consequences and a new evolution.
8. **Alien: Romulus**
As of writing, “Alien: Romulus” is an upcoming project speculated to form part of the canonical timeline. With limited details available, its chronological placement is currently speculative.
In addition to the main film series, the Alien universe has expanded into other media, including comic books, novels, and video games, broadening the scope and depth of the storyline. Fans of the “Alien” franchise who wish to watch or delve deeper into the lore should consider experiencing the stories chronologically, providing a richer understanding of the evolution of one of science fiction’s most iconic worlds.