Few series invite more heated arguments than Alien and Predator. Some have cult followings; others we’d rather not acknowledge. No matter if you’re here for sci‑fi horror, action beasts, or simply arguing your preferred timeline, here’s a human list of the ten most iconic entries, numbering from least to most beloved.
10. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
Let’s be real: this one’s a tough watch. The imagery is grimy, the plot’s generic, and the horror half-baked. There’s a hospital sequence that’s more muddled than scary, and the nuke-it-all-and-destroy-everything-in-sight finale looks like the filmmakers simply reached for “just end it” by mid-film. If you wish to witness what transpires when creatures and script both go on autopilot, here’s your cautionary tale.
9. The Predator (2018)
A Shane Black-helmed return to the franchise should have been a blast, but instead, it’s fragmented. The jokes land unevenly, subplots are confusing, and some of the ancillary commentary falls flat. Even with a talented cast, it’s disappointing that the script doesn’t do anything with them. A sloppy but occasionally fascinating return that never quite reaches its full potential.
8. Alien: Covenant (2017)
Gorgeous imagery and a powerful turn by Michael Fassbender can’t quite rescue this prequel from storytelling disorganization. The film attempts to tie Prometheus up and bring it back to Alien, but the outcome is haphazard. It’s ambitious, to be sure, but half-baked storytelling and throwaway characters keep it from realizing its potential.
7. Alien: Resurrection (1997)
Resurrection becomes bizarre—perhaps too bizarre. Sigourney Weaver is back, and sure enough, there’s basketball-playing xenomorphs, flirtatious alien hybrids, and all manner of wacky shenanigans. The tone careens out of control, and what should be a finale instead becomes a wacky ride along absurdity boulevard. Fun? Sometimes. Plausible addition to the saga? Not even remotely.
6. Prometheus (2012)
Let’s call it: this one swings for the fences—and usually misses. It’s visually breathtaking, and it probes for big ideas such as creation and life made artificial. But character choices and continuity issues make you shake your head. Still, something is refreshing about a film that attempts so earnestly to bridge cosmic horror with philosophical thoughts.
5. Alien: Romulus (2024)
This low-key return does bring on genuine suspense. We accompany an android colonist and her orphan brother to a derelict space station. The zero-G Xenomorph scene is a stand-out moment, and the claustrophobic tension is effective. It pays homage to the originals but marks its territory—a strong, understated return.
4. Predator: Killer of Killers (2025)
A wild anthology experiment that moves the Predator into different eras: Viking age, samurai Japan, WWII. Some segments falter, but the WWII storyline is a highlight. Animation gives it a stylized flair—not for everyone, but if you embrace it, there are inventive showdowns and new Predator lore to chew on.
3. Predator 2 (1990)
Danny Glover stands front and center in a sweaty, frenzied L.A. environment. It’s grimier, noir-ier, and includes some social commentary, notably in some of the visuals and cornered city environments. Haywire action and Predator mythos expansion make this sequel notable. Less refined than the original but remembered for its tone and scope.
2. Prey (2022)
A Comanche warrior battles a Predator in 1719. That’s it—and that’s all you need. Tense, respectful to its culture, and beautifully shot, Prey mashes up primal survival with intelligent choreography. Amber Midthunder’s excellent performance holds every frame together. It takes all of what’s great about Predator and distills it into a lean, perfected formula.
1. Predator (1987)
The OG Predator is still a work of genius. Arnold Schwarzenegger takes a commando unit into the jungle, only to have their faces ripped apart by the ultimate alien predator. It’s smooth, taut, and full of unforgettable one-liners. From creature design to pacing, this gets every suspense beat and sci-fi horror moment just right. It’s the movie that made Predator the stuff of legend—and still does.
That’s the top ten from the misfires and strange detours to the ones that set the mythos. Agree or disagree for a better ranking, one thing’s certain: these movies keep us debating—and the monsters keep prowling the screen.