Watch the Alien Saga in chronological order
Embark on a chilling journey with Alien, a four‑film marathon that traces the battle between humans and the Xenomorph from its first horrifying encounter in 1979 to the cloned horrors of 1997. Clocking in at 477 minutes, this marathon offers a compact yet intense sci‑fi horror experience.
What’s Included in the Alien marathon
- Alien (1979) – During its return to Earth, the commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal. When a landing party discovers thousands of eggs, a parasite attacks an explorer, unknowingly bringing a deadly organism aboard.
- Aliens (1986) – Rescued after drifting in space for 57 years, Ripley is persuaded to return to LV‑426 with a unit of Colonial Marines when contact with the colony is lost. On arrival they find the outpost deserted save for a traumatized girl named Newt and soon face an entire hive of Xenomorphs.
- Alien³ (1992) – Ripley’s escape pod crashes on the prison planet Fiorina 161, leaving her as the sole survivor. As inmates begin to die, she discovers she carries a queen embryo; with no weapons and a corporation en route to exploit the creature, she and the prisoners plan a desperate trap.
- Alien: Resurrection (1997) – Two centuries later, scientists clone Ripley along with the alien queen inside her, hoping to breed the ultimate weapon. The resurrected Ripley must join a band of smugglers to stop the new Xenomorphs from reaching Earth.
Why Watch the Alien in Chronological Order?
- Chronological storytelling: Watching the films sequentially lets you follow Ellen Ripley’s evolution from a warrant officer to a reluctant warrior, and witness how the Xenomorph menace escalates across decades.
- Character evolution: Experience Ripley’s arc and the shifting tone of each film—from atmospheric horror to action‑packed combat and existential dread—culminating in the ethical dilemmas of cloning.
- Building intensity: Each installment raises the stakes, introducing new settings like a military colony, a prison planet and a clandestine laboratory, ensuring fresh scares and suspense.
Total Run Time and Viewing Tips
- Total run time: At 477 minutes, the four‑film marathon spans just under eight hours—perfect for a long afternoon or evening of sci‑fi horror.
- Plan breaks: Schedule short intermissions between movies to discuss theories and catch your breath—the tension builds steadily through each film.
- Snack suggestions: Stock up on space‑themed treats—think freeze‑dried ice cream, dark chocolate and popcorn—to keep the mood playful amid the scares.
Get Started Today
The Alien Collection offers a concise yet unforgettable trek through the darkest corners of science‑fiction horror. Watching these movies in order reveals the franchise’s evolving themes of corporate greed, survival and identity. Start your marathon now and share your most intense moments with fellow fans!