Alien vs. Predator: Which Franchise Has More Sequels?

Both the Alien and Predator franchises have garnered significant following over the years. While many fans debate which franchise is more iconic, one interesting angle of comparison is the number of sequels each has produced. This article delves into the details of both franchises and provides an objective analysis to determine which has more sequels in the realm of film.

Alien

The Alien franchise, which began with Ridley Scott's groundbreaking film in 1979, has expanded into a rich franchise with a total of four sequels, including an upcoming prequel to a prequel. Let's break down each of these films:

Aliens (1986) - Often held as the best Alien film, this sequel was not just a sequel but also a prequel, offering a detailed look at the Newt’s life form and the Aliens in a new setting Alien (1979) - The original, although not a direct sequel, marked the foundation of the entire franchise Alien Resurrection (1997) - A direct sequel to the original, though it took place in a new timeline, marked by advanced technology and genetic manipulation Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017) - While these two films were prequels to the original Alien, they are often considered part of the AvP (Alien vs. Predator) franchise for their interconnected universe

These films have significantly contributed to the Alien universe, bringing in new elements and mythology that have captivated fans and filmmakers.

Predator

The Predator franchise, which started in 1987 with John McTiernan's classic, has a slightly different trajectory. The franchise has three sequels, with an additional prequel and a crossover film that ties into the Alien universe. Here's the breakdown:

Predator (1987) - The original and the foundation of the franchise Predator 2 (1990) - A direct sequel that expanded the Predator’s actions and history Predator: Aliens vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) - Direct crossovers that merged the Predator and Alien franchises, creating more rich backstories for the antagonists The Predator (2018) - A standalone prequel that focused on a new Predator and a new set of soldiers

The crossovers have been particularly successful, expanding the scope of the Predator universe and offering new perspectives on the classic Predator.

Considering the Entire AvP Franchise

From a technical standpoint, if we consider the AvP (Alien vs. Predator) franchise, which includes all films under each title, both Alien and Predator have the same number of sequels. This is because the Prometheus and Alien: Covenant films are considered part of the AvP world due to their alignment with the original Alien film. Similarly, the Prey film, set in the 1700s, serves as a prequel to the Predator franchise, further expanding the timeline.

This combination makes the AvP franchise an expansive and rich universe, stretching the boundaries of both Alien and Predator casts and lore.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when comparing the sequels of the Alien and Predator franchises, we find a relatively close count. However, the AvP (Alien vs. Predator) universe provides an even richer tapestry with multiple prequels and crossover films. Both franchises have proven their staying power through their sequels, expanding the world and captivating fans with each new installment.