Alien vs Predator exists as two intertwined continuities: the Alien saga (beginning with Alien, 1979) and the Predator saga (beginning with Predator, 1987). This guide lists every branded Alien vs Predator feature film in release order, clarifying which are canonical to each universe and which are direct-to-video side stories. We focus on theatrical and official direct-to-video releases, excluding short films, promos, and unmade projects.
Core filmography overview
There are three dedicated Alien vs Predator feature films released between 2004 and 2007, plus two legacy Alien films and one legacy Predator film that anchor the respective continuities. The AVP series is explicitly non-canonical to the main Alien and Predator timelines, while the original films remain the primary canon. Below is a concise reference table summarizing each title, its release year, format, and its canonical status.
Quick reference table: Alien vs Predator releases at a glance
| Title | Year | Format | AVP continuity | Alien canon | Predator canon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alien | 1979 | Theatrical | No | Yes (1) | No |
| Predator | 1987 | Theatrical | No | No | Yes (1) |
| Aliens vs Predator: Requiem | 2007 | Direct-to-video | Yes (AVP) | No | No |
| Alien vs Predator | 2004 | Direct-to-video | Yes (AVP) | No | No |
| Predator 2 | 1990 | Theatrical | No | No | Yes (2) |
| Aliens | 1986 | Theatrical | No | Yes (2) | No |
| Predator 2 | 1990 | Theatrical | No | No | Yes (2) |
| Alien 3 | 192 | Theatrical | No | Yes (3) | No |
| Predator 2 | 1990 | Theatrical | No | No | Yes (2) |
| Alien: Resurrection | 1997 | Theatrical | No | Yes (4) | No |
| Alien vs Predator | 2004 | Direct-to-video | Yes (AVP) | No | No |
| Aliens vs Predator: Requiem | 2007 | Direct-to-video | Yes (AVP) | No | No |
| Predator | 1987 | Theatrical | No | No | Yes (1) |
| Predator 2 | 19 Predator 2 | 1990 | Theatrical | No | Yes (2) |
| Predator | 1987 | Theatrical | No | No | Yes (1) |
| Predator 2 | 1990 | Theatrical | No | No | Yes (2) |
Release-order viewing list: only the AVP films
If your goal is to watch every Alien vs Predator branded feature (not the canonical Alien or Predator series), the set is small and intended as direct-to-video events. These two films form the AVP continuity and should be viewed in release order to respect intended narrative progression and production context.
- Alien vs Predator (2004) — the first AVP theatrical direct-to-video entry, introducing the crossover premise on a remote Antarctic research station.
- Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007) — the sequel, which continues the crossover with a new setting and escalated Xenomorph-Predator conflict.
Canonical Alien franchise films (in order)
The canonical Alien saga consists of the following theatrical releases. The prequels expand the lore of the Xenomorphs without directly involving Predators. Skip the AVP films if you want to follow the main Alien timeline.
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien: Resurrection (1997)
Canonical Predator franchise films (in order)
The Predator series is standalone and does not include Alien vs Predator crossovers if you seek strict continuity. These films focus on the Predator species and their hunts.
- Predator (1987)
- Predator 2 (1990)
How to approach the series
Three practical paths suit most viewers: 1) Pure continuity watchers should follow the canonical Alien or Predator lists exclusively, avoiding AVP. 2) Viewers curious about the crossover should watch the two AVP films in release order (2004, then 2007) and understand they are separate from the main timelines. 3) Completionists who want every related feature can combine the canonical lists with the AVP pair, noting that doing so mixes non-canonical stories with core canon.
Frequently asked questions
Does Alien vs Predator count as canon to Alien or Predator?
No. Alien vs Predator and its sequel are considered non-canonical side stories and are not part of the official Alien or Predator continuities.
Is there a recommended viewing order for the combined set?
By release date: Alien (1979), Predator (1987), Aliens (1986), Alien 3 (1992), Predator 2 (1990), Alien: Resurrection (1997), Alien vs Predator (2004), Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007). By preference, keep canonical and crossover films separate to avoid narrative confusion.