From First Contact to Conquest: The Ultimate Order of Alien and Predator Movies You Need to Watch

Embarking on a cinematic journey through sci-fi horror and action-packed confrontations, the epic saga of From First Contact to Conquest showcases the most iconic and thrilling confrontations between humanity’s greatest extraterrestrial adversaries: the Aliens and the Predators. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of tense encounters in deep space or a fan of brutal battles fought for survival, this curated list guides you through the ultimate must-watch films that define the ultimate alien and predator conquests.


Understanding the Context

Using the full narrative arc — from the first harrowing first contact to the climactic final conquest — this selection spans decades of cinematic brilliance, blending visceral action with emotional depth, gripping suspense, and unforgettable visuals.


Part 1: The First Contact — The Beginning of Conquest

The story begins not with violence, but tension. First contact sets the tone—a moment where humanity suspects, wonders, and braces for the unknown. These films establish the premise of vulnerability and hyper-awareness.

Key Insights

Top Titles:

  • Alien (1979) — The groundbreaking encounter aboard the Nostromo stages the arrival of a hostile alien within human space. Through claustrophobic dread and relentless horror, it ignites the modern predator-alien formula.
  • Predator 2 (1990) — A sequel not just in genre but in thematic depth, exploring the manufacturer mindset behind the alien’s superior merging strategy.
  • The Butcher (1984) — A lesser-known gem blending survival with first-contact suspense, offering a gritty preview of what’s to come.

Part 2: The First Confrontation — Tension & Peril

Here, the first kinetic clashes erupt. These subsequence blockbusters showcase escalating threats, environmental peril, and the raw fear of being outmatched. The narrative often shifts from initial awe to desperate fight survival.

Top Titles:

  • Alien 3 (1992) — A haunting parallel where first contact transforms into inescapable horror inside a confined, oppressive prison.
  • Total Recall (1990) — Though not strictly alien-prey, its themes of identity and invasion mirror psychological conquest.
  • Predator (1987) — The iconic origin of the species, where the Predator’s hunt begins in a tense urban battlefield before plunging into jungle ambush.

Final Thoughts


Part 3: Closing in — The Path to Total Conquest

In the final phase, tension sharpens, stakes multiply, and humanity’s endurance is tested. Theances of escape grow slim, traps tighten, and survival hinges on wit, courage, and rare alliances. These films deliver emotional weight alongside explosive action.

Top Titles:

  • Aliens (1986) — Redefining the genre with relentless siege warfare, where humanity battles a hive-minded alien empire.
  • Predator 3 (1992) & 4 (2011) — Stories of redemption, survival, and ultimate destruction, culminating in exhausting human resistance.
  • Aliens vs. Predator: Covenant (2017) & Crossfire (in development) — Modern crossover films merging both franchises for ultimate scale and chaos.

Why Watch This Ultimate Order?

  • Narrative Progression: Follows the journey from moment of discovery to epic finale, revealing layers of character, theme, and cosmic scale.
  • Cinematic Impact: Combines groundbreaking special effects, tense storytelling, and world-building that has shaped sci-fi action for decades.
  • Cultural Legacy: These films have fundamentally influenced how we imagine alien and predator threats—essential viewing for both fans and newcomers.

Final Thoughts

From the first flicker of alien presence to the brutal climax of conquest, From First Contact to Conquest delivers an epic saga where humanity faces existential threat head-on. Whether you’re drawn to psychological dread, survival horror, or adrenaline-fueled battle, this ultimate selection promises an unforgettable odyssey through some of sci-fi’s darkest and most thrilling chapters.