What does Aliens vs Predator in order mean?
The phrase Aliens vs Predator in order usually refers to the sequence of key releases and story milestones across the shared Alien and Predator franchises, including films, games, and comics. There is no single official continuity endorsed by all rights holders, but a widely referenced order begins with the original Alien (1979), moves through Predator (1987) and Aliens (1986), then aligns around the AVP franchise starting with the 2004 film Aliens vs Predator: Requiem, alongside the mainline AVP games (2010 and 2020). This guide clarifies canonical touchpoints, platform timelines, and how the stories relate without treating any single version as definitive canon.
Alien and Predator core canon at a glance
Because Fox (now Disney) manages two long-running but separate franchises, the "official" in order view is best understood per franchise, then compared where licensing permits shared media. Use the table below as a reliable reference for major entries that inform the typical viewer and player sequence for Aliens vs Predator in order discussions.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Alien (film) | 1979 theatrical release; directed by Ridley Scott | Studio release |
| Aliens (film) | 1986 theatrical release; directed by James Cameron | Studio release |
| Predator (film) | 1987 theatrical release; directed by John McTiernan | Studio release |
| AVP: Alien vs Predator (film) | 2004 theatrical release; directed by Paul W.S. Anderson | Studio release |
| AVP: Requiem (film) | 2007 theatrical release; directed by The Brothers Strause | Studio release |
| AVP (2010 game) | 2010 release by Rebellion Developments | Verified publisher |
| AVP (2020 game) | 2020 release by Cold Iron Studios / 20th Century Games | Verified publisher |
Film order for Aliens vs Predator in order
When audiences ask for Aliens vs Predator in order on screen, the practical approach lists core Alien and Predator films first, then the crossover features. The resulting sequence frames context for shared references without implying rigid continuity between every entry.
Alien-series chronological film order
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien: Resurrection (1997)
Predator-series chronological film order
- Predator (1987)
- Predator 2 (1990)
- Predators (2010)
- The Predator (2018)
Crossover and shared titles
- AVP: Alien vs Predator (2004)
- AVP: Requiem (2007)
Game order and how it fits Aliens vs Predator in order
The gaming side of Aliens vs Predator in order centers on two key releases from Rebellion that treat the crossover as a deliberate, playable continuity. These entries are distinct from the films but are the most coherent attempts to present a shared experience for fans asking for an in order list of playable AVP content.
Mainline AVP games in order
- AVP (2010)
- AVP (2020)
Both games approach the conflict from the perspectives of the Alien, Predator, and human factions. The 2010 title emphasizes grounded survival horror and multiplayer, while the 2020 reboot leans into modern mechanics and colonial stakes. Neither is a direct adaptation of a specific film, but both reference the broader lore established across the franchises.
Notable interactions between game canons
The 2010 and 2020 AVP titles are treated as parallel interpretations rather than a strict single timeline. Because the underlying Alien and Predator film IPs remain separate, the games borrow aesthetics and set pieces while maintaining distinct story arcs. For viewers and players tracking Aliens vs Predator in order, this means treating crossover moments as thematic echoes rather than canonical events binding the franchises into one linear saga.
Key distinctions between canon and licensed crossover
Understanding Aliens vs Predator in order requires separating core canon from licensed crossover works. The Alien films by Ridley Scott and James Cameron, and the Predator films by John McTiernan and successors, form their own internally consistent arcs. The AVP movies and games exist in a looser "what if" space, permitted by rights holders to explore encounters between the species. This distinction stabilizes timeline discussions and reduces confusion when comparing media.
Continuity notes and common questions
Because there is no master continuity board for Aliens vs Predator in order, fans often ask whether game events affect films, or if comic series form part of the main story. Current rights structures allow multiple interpretations to coexist. Comics published by Dark Horse prior to the 20th Century Studios acquisition carried their own ongoing arcs, while newer materials align with contemporary film and game tones. No single medium overrides another; each offers a different lens on the shared mythology.
How to interpret Aliens vs Predator in order for viewing and play
For an optimal experience, treat film, games, and comics as branches of one themespace rather than a single timeline. Start with the core canon films to understand each species' tone, then explore the crossover titles to see how studios and developers imagine confrontations. Use the game order—2010, then 2020—for a modern, mechanically refined take on the rivalry. This approach respects the integrity of each franchise while satisfying curiosity about how Aliens and Predator intersect.