Alien & Predator: Complete Timeline, Movies & More!

Ever wondered how to navigate the sprawling universe of Xenomorphs and Yautja? It's time to unravel the timeline of the Alien and Predator sagas, merging decades of films, comics, and lore into one coherent whole.

For fans both seasoned and new, the prospect of diving into the Alien and Predator cinematic universe can be as daunting as facing a Xenomorph in a dark corridor. With numerous films, expanded universe materials like comics and video games, and even crossovers, understanding the chronological order and interconnectedness of these stories requires a bit of guidance. This article serves as your comprehensive roadmap through the timelines, offering clarity and insight into this enthralling science fiction landscape.

Before we embark on this journey, it's essential to address the sources used to construct this timeline. The foundation is built upon the films themselves, including the core Alien quadrilogy (Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, Alien Resurrection), the Predator films (Predator, Predator 2, Predators, The Predator, and Prey), and the Alien vs. Predator crossover films (Alien vs. Predator and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem). However, the expanded universe provides rich context and crucial details that flesh out the timeline. This includes novels, comic books, short stories, video games, and promotional material that have been officially licensed. Fan-created resources, such as dedicated wikis and timelines, have also been consulted to ensure a comprehensive overview, though official materials take precedence when conflicts arise.

• Mydesi More Connecting The South Asian Diaspora Today
• Adam Garcia From Stage To Screen What You Need To Know

It's important to acknowledge that establishing a definitive, all-encompassing timeline is inherently challenging. The Alien and Predator universes have evolved over decades, with different creators contributing stories that sometimes contradict or retcon previous events. Certain storylines, particularly those in the expanded universe, may not perfectly align with the established cinematic canon. Furthermore, some stories lack explicit dates, making their placement in the timeline speculative. This list prioritizes events that have clear chronological markers, focusing on the core cinematic narrative while acknowledging the existence and influence of the expanded universe.

The Alien saga stands as a cornerstone of science fiction cinema, captivating audiences with its blend of horror, action, and thought-provoking themes. From Ridley Scott's groundbreaking Alien in 1979 to the latest installments, the franchise has consistently pushed the boundaries of genre filmmaking. Whether exploring the terrifying life cycle of the Xenomorph, the corporate greed that fuels its pursuit, or the resilience of humanity in the face of existential threats, the Alien films offer a complex and enduring vision of the future.

The Predator franchise, while distinct from Alien, shares a thematic kinship with its focus on survival, combat, and the hunt. These films introduce the Yautja, a species of highly skilled hunters who travel the galaxy in search of worthy prey. Often set in contemporary or near-future settings, the Predator films explore the clash between human ingenuity and the superior technology and tactics of these alien warriors. The crossover between Alien and Predator in the Alien vs. Predator series expands this universe even further, creating a unique and thrilling blend of science fiction horror.

• Mia Sand From Bodybuilding Mom To Fitness Sensation
• Who Are Storm Reids Parents Family Career Support

Let's delve into a chronological overview of the most important events in the Alien and Predator timeline. Note that this timeline primarily focuses on key events depicted in films, with occasional references to significant events in the expanded universe that provide additional context.

The earliest confirmed event in the combined timeline stems from the Alien vs. Predator crossover series, specifically the film Alien vs. Predator (2004). This movie posits that Predators have been visiting Earth for millennia, engaging in ritualistic hunts where they seed planets with Xenomorphs and then hunt them as a rite of passage. The film reveals that Predators were involved in the construction of ancient pyramids in Antarctica, where they trained humans as sacrifices for the Xenomorphs. This narrative suggests a long-standing connection between Predators, Xenomorphs, and humanity, with the Predators playing a pivotal role in the Xenomorph's propagation throughout the galaxy.

Moving forward in time, we encounter events that occur much closer to the present day. According to the Alien vs. Predator series, Charles Bishop Weyland, the founder of the Weyland Corporation, discovers the ancient pyramid beneath the ice in Antarctica in 2004. This discovery sets in motion the events of Alien vs. Predator, leading to a clash between humans, Predators, and Xenomorphs. The film culminates in the destruction of the pyramid and the apparent death of Charles Bishop Weyland, though his legacy lives on through the Weyland Corporation and its continuing obsession with Xenomorphs.

The first Alien film, simply titled Alien (1979), takes place in the late 22nd century. The commercial spaceship Nostromo, en route back to Earth, is diverted to investigate a distress signal from the moon LV-426. There, the crew discovers a derelict alien spacecraft filled with strange eggs. One of the eggs hatches, unleashing a Facehugger that attaches itself to crew member Kane. The Facehugger implants a Xenomorph embryo inside Kane, leading to the gruesome birth of a Chestburster. The Xenomorph rapidly matures into a deadly creature, stalking and killing the Nostromo's crew one by one. Ultimately, Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley manages to destroy the Xenomorph and escape the Nostromo's self-destruction.

The sequel, Aliens (1986), picks up several years later, with Ripley rescued from stasis after drifting in space. She is recruited by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation to return to LV-426, which has now been colonized. The colonists have stumbled upon the derelict spacecraft and unknowingly unleashed the Xenomorphs. Ripley joins a team of Colonial Marines to investigate, only to discover that the colony has been overrun by Xenomorphs. The film escalates into a desperate battle for survival, with Ripley leading a small group of survivors against overwhelming odds. Ripley confronts the Xenomorph Queen and ultimately destroys the alien hive, though at great personal cost.

Alien 3 (1992) finds Ripley crash-landing on the prison planet Fiorina 161, also known as Fury 161. She is the sole survivor of the crash, and soon discovers that a Xenomorph embryo had survived the journey and gestated inside an animal. The Xenomorph begins to prey on the inmates of the prison, who are largely defenseless. Ripley discovers that she is also carrying a Xenomorph Queen embryo, forcing her to confront the grim reality of her situation. In a final act of sacrifice, Ripley throws herself into a molten furnace, destroying the Xenomorph Queen embryo and preventing Weyland-Yutani from acquiring it.

Alien Resurrection (1997) jumps forward several centuries. Scientists on the space station USM Auriga clone Ellen Ripley using DNA salvaged from the crash site on Fiorina 161. The clones possess enhanced strength and reflexes, and they also carry Xenomorph DNA, blurring the line between human and alien. The scientists also clone the Xenomorph Queen, who gives birth to a new type of Xenomorph known as the Newborn. The Newborn is a grotesque hybrid of human and Xenomorph traits, and it becomes a threat to both humans and Xenomorphs. Ripley and a group of mercenaries attempt to escape the Auriga as it spirals towards Earth. They manage to destroy the Newborn and escape before the station is destroyed.

The Predator timeline also presents a compelling series of events, beginning with the original Predator (1987). Set in Central America, the film follows a team of U.S. special forces soldiers who are hunted by a technologically advanced alien warrior. The Predator, a Yautja, targets the soldiers as part of a hunting ritual, using its advanced weaponry and cloaking technology to stalk its prey. The film culminates in a showdown between the Predator and Major Alan "Dutch" Schaefer, who uses his knowledge of the jungle to outwit and defeat the alien hunter.

Predator 2 (1990) shifts the action to Los Angeles in the near future. A Predator arrives in the city during a heat wave and begins to hunt members of rival drug gangs. Lieutenant Mike Harrigan, a detective with the Los Angeles Police Department, becomes embroiled in the hunt, eventually confronting the Predator in its spaceship. Harrigan manages to kill the Predator, earning the respect of the other Predators who arrive to retrieve their fallen comrade.

Predators (2010) takes a different approach, transporting a group of disparate individuals to a game preserve planet where they are hunted by multiple Predators. The group includes mercenaries, criminals, and soldiers, all of whom possess unique skills that they must use to survive. They discover that they are being used as prey in a training exercise for young Predators. The survivors manage to kill some of the Predators, but their ultimate fate is uncertain.

The Predator (2018) introduces the concept of genetically modified Predators, who are even more dangerous and formidable than their predecessors. The film follows a group of soldiers and scientists who must band together to stop a Super Predator from wreaking havoc on Earth. The Super Predator is seeking to acquire human DNA to further enhance its own abilities. The film explores the potential for Predators to evolve and adapt, posing an even greater threat to humanity.

Prey (2022) serves as a prequel to the original Predator film, taking place in the Great Plains of North America in 1719. The film follows Naru, a young Comanche woman who dreams of becoming a warrior. She encounters a Predator who is hunting wildlife and humans in the area. Naru uses her knowledge of the land and her hunting skills to track and confront the Predator, ultimately defeating it and proving her worth as a warrior.

The Alien and Predator franchises have also spawned numerous video games, which offer interactive experiences that expand upon the lore and gameplay mechanics of the films. Games like Alien: Isolation and Aliens: Colonial Marines allow players to immerse themselves in the terrifying world of the Xenomorphs, while games like Predator: Hunting Grounds put players in the role of a Predator, hunting humans in a variety of environments.

The expanded universe of the Alien and Predator franchises includes a vast array of comic books and novels that explore different aspects of the mythology and introduce new characters and storylines. These stories often delve into the origins of the Xenomorphs and Predators, as well as the motivations and actions of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. Some notable comic book series include Aliens vs. Predator, Aliens: Dead Orbit, and Predator: Hunters.

As the Alien and Predator universes continue to evolve, new films and television series are in development that will further expand the timeline and introduce new characters and concepts. The upcoming film Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede lvarez, is set to take place between the events of Alien and Aliens, exploring a new group of characters who encounter the Xenomorph threat. A Predator television series is also in development, promising to explore new aspects of the Yautja culture and their interactions with humanity.

The enduring appeal of the Alien and Predator franchises lies in their ability to blend science fiction, horror, and action into compelling and thought-provoking stories. Whether exploring the existential dread of facing a relentless alien threat or the thrill of the hunt against a formidable predator, these films and expanded universe materials offer a rich and complex vision of the future. By understanding the chronological order and interconnectedness of these stories, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate and ever-evolving universe of Alien and Predator.

Here is a table summarizing the key elements of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, a recurring element throughout the Alien saga:

In conclusion, the Alien and Predator timelines are rich and complex, offering a compelling blend of science fiction, horror, and action. From the ancient Predator hunts on Earth to the terrifying Xenomorph outbreaks in deep space, these stories continue to captivate audiences with their unique blend of suspense, thrills, and thought-provoking themes. As new films and television series are released, the Alien and Predator universes will undoubtedly continue to expand and evolve, offering new opportunities for fans to explore and discover the mysteries of these iconic franchises.