Alien and Predator Timeline: The Order Of Alien Movies and TV Series

The Predator franchise is one of the most iconic and enduring sci-fi series in cinematic history. Known for its terrifying extraterrestrial hunters, intense action sequences, and crossovers with other popular franchises, the Predator timeline is a complex web of movies, comics, novels, and video games. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the Predator Alien timeline, exploring the origins of the Predators, their encounters with humans, and their infamous battles with the Xenomorphs from the Alien franchise. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this guide will provide a detailed overview of the Predator universe.

The Origins of the Predator Franchise

The Predator franchise began in 1987 with the release of the original Predator movie, directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film introduced the world to the Yautja, a highly advanced alien species that hunts for sport. The Predators are characterized by their advanced technology, including cloaking devices, plasma casters, and thermal vision, as well as their strict code of honor.

Over the years, the franchise has expanded to include multiple sequels, spin-offs, and crossovers, most notably with the Alien franchise. The Predator Alien timeline is a fascinating mix of standalone stories and interconnected events that span centuries and even galaxies.

The Predator Alien Timeline: Movies and Key Events

1. Prehistoric Era: Predators on Earth

Predator 2 (1990) Hint: In Predator 2, a Predator ship is shown containing a trophy wall with a Xenomorph skull, hinting at the ancient connection between the two species.
Alien vs. Predator (2004): This movie reveals that Predators visited Earth thousands of years ago and were worshipped as gods by ancient civilizations. They used humans as hosts to breed Xenomorphs for their hunting rituals. The film is set in Antarctica, where a group of archaeologists inadvertently awakens the Predators and Xenomorphs.

2. Modern Era: Predators Hunt on Earth

Predator (1987): Set in the jungles of Central America, a team of commandos led by Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is hunted by a Predator. This film establishes the Predators’ hunting techniques and their fascination with challenging prey.
Predator 2 (1990): Set in Los Angeles, this sequel follows a police officer (Danny Glover) as he battles a Predator in the urban jungle. The film expands on Predator culture and introduces the idea of different Predator clans.

3. Future Era: Predators in Space and Beyond

Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007): A direct sequel to Alien vs. Predator, this film shows the aftermath of the Xenomorph outbreak in a small Colorado town. A Predator arrives to clean up the mess, leading to an all-out war between the two species.
The Predator (2018): This installment introduces the concept of Predator evolution and genetic enhancement. A group of soldiers and scientists must stop an upgraded Predator from harvesting human DNA to create a hybrid species.

4. Crossovers with the Alien Franchise

Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007): These films officially merge the Predator and Alien timelines, showcasing the centuries-long rivalry between the Yautja and the Xenomorphs. The Predators hunt Xenomorphs as the ultimate prey, while humans often get caught in the crossfire.
Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017): While not directly connected to the Predator timeline, these films explore the origins of the Xenomorphs, providing additional context for the Alien vs. Predator crossovers.

Expanded Universe: Comics, Novels, and Video Games

The Predator Alien timeline extends beyond the movies, with a rich expanded universe that includes comics, novels, and video games. These stories delve deeper into Predator culture, their history, and their encounters with other species.

1. Comics

Dark Horse Comics: The Aliens vs. Predator comic series is one of the most famous crossovers in the expanded universe. It explores the brutal battles between the two species and introduces new characters and storylines.
Predator: Concrete Jungle: This comic follows a Predator who returns to Earth to reclaim lost technology, only to face off against a powerful crime syndicate.

2. Novels

Predator: Hunters and Hunted: This novel explores the origins of the Predators and their first encounters with humans.
Alien vs. Predator: War: A novel that delves into the ongoing conflict between the Yautja and the Xenomorphs.

3. Video Games

Aliens vs. Predator (1994): A classic arcade game that allows players to control Predators, Xenomorphs, or Colonial Marines.
Aliens vs. Predator (2010): A first-person shooter that offers a unique perspective on the conflict, with separate campaigns for each species.

Key Themes in the Predator Alien Timeline

Honor and Hunting: The Predators are driven by a strict code of honor, valuing skill and bravery in their prey. They hunt not for sustenance but for the thrill of the challenge.
Survival and Evolution: Both the Predators and Xenomorphs are constantly evolving, adapting to new environments and threats. This theme is explored in The Predator and the Alien prequels.
Humanity’s Role: Humans often serve as pawns in the conflict between Predators and Xenomorphs, but they also demonstrate resilience and ingenuity in the face of overwhelming odds.

Conclusion

The Predator Alien timeline is a sprawling and intricate narrative that has captivated audiences for decades. From the jungles of Central America to the far reaches of space, the Predators’ quest for the ultimate hunt has led to some of the most thrilling moments in sci-fi history. Whether you’re exploring the movies, diving into the expanded universe, or simply enjoying the epic battles between Predators and Xenomorphs, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of this iconic franchise.

By understanding the timeline and its key events, you can fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the Predator universe. So gear up, stay vigilant, and remember: in the hunt, only the strongest survive.