The Predator franchise is the movie equivalent of a blood-drenched jungle gym—occasionally exhilarating, occasionally bewildering, but always relentlessly feral. Since Arnold Schwarzenegger first battled the galaxy’s most ruthless trophy hunter in 1987, the franchise has given rise to sequels, crossovers, reboots, and now an ambitious animated anthology.
With Predator: Killer of Killers carving its way through Hulu, it’s the right time to list every Predator film, from the complete misfires to the genre-defining classics.
8. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
If ever there was a Predator movie to be seen behind a pair of blackout curtains, Requiem is it. What might have been a suburban slaughter descends into a dimly lit, incoherent nightmare. The characters are sketchy at best, the plot scarcely exists, and even the much-vaunted Predalien doesn’t make much of an impression. It’s not only the worst Predator film—it’s a dip for both beloved franchises.
7. Alien vs. Predator (2004)
The original AVP crossover is fan service rather than storytelling, giving us hints of what could be but never quite getting there. Paul W.S. Anderson’s PG-13 handling dilutes the gore, and the human cast is all forgettable. Yet, there is something retro about a Predator and Xenomorph staring down at each other, even if the execution is more blockbuster-light than gore-splattered.
6. The Predator (2018)
Shane Black’s return to the franchise promised much on paper, but delivers a tonal rollercoaster instead. Marvel-style attempts at humor battle with the franchise’s violent DNA, and the plot—spinning from traditional hunting tropes to a world-ending invasion—loses the heart of what makes the Yautja so scary. There’s entertainment in the chaos, but far from a solid comeback.
5. Predator 2 (1990)
Trading jungle combat for the city streets of Los Angeles, Predator 2 ratchets up the chaos. Danny Glover’s tough cop battles a new Predator during gang wars and heat waves, with some great set pieces, particularly the slaughterhouse scene. It broadens the mythology with that iconic Xenomorph skull cameo, but can’t quite live up to the tension of the first film.
4. Predators (2010)
This underappreciated entry takes the action to an extraterrestrial hunting ground, as a team of top killers is dropped into the ultimate game of survival. With Adrien Brody, Laurence Fishburne, and Topher Grace added to the mix, Predators brings new dynamics and a high-concept setup that generally succeeds. It lacks a memorable final act, but it demonstrates the franchise can continue to grow.
3. Predator: Killer of Killers (2024)
The new addition is and cuts arteries as a cool animated anthology. Led by Dan Trachtenberg and Josh Wassung, Killer of Killers deploys Predators in Viking raids, samurai fights, and WWII air battles. Featuring breathtaking animation by The Third Floor and high emotional risks through its vignettes, it’s an ambitious remaking that illustrates the Predator formula can be used in any context or age.
2. Predator (1987)
The original is still a genre-defining classic. John McTiernan’s spare, hard-boiled sci-fi thriller eliminates the fat and concentrates on bare-knuckle survival. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch takes his team of top commandos into a losing fight, and the outcome is a masterclass in suspense, practical FX, and iconic one-liners. It’s the template by which all others are built—or broken.
1. Prey (2022)
Prey is the adrenaline shot this franchise was crying out for. Out in 1719 and featuring a teenage Comanche hunter named Naru, this Hulu original returns the series to its earliest, most primitive roots. Director Dan Trachtenberg helms a visually breathtaking, emotionally powerful story of survival and wit. Amber Midthunder gives a breakout performance, and the film’s stripped-down ferocity constitutes the franchise’s new high-water mark.
The Hunt Isn’t Over Yet
With Predator: Badlands on the horizon and the franchise finally embracing bold new directions, there’s more carnage (and creativity) ahead. Whether you’re here for jungle ambushes, multiverse mayhem, or animated bloodbaths, Predator is once again evolving—and this time, it might just be unstoppable.