Ranking Every Movie in the Predator Franchise: Which One Reigns Supreme?

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Regarding screen monster entities, the distinctive creature known as “The Predator” stands alone. Originating from the 1987 film masterpiece “Predator”, this extraterrestrial hunter arrives on our planet to pursue and eliminate Earth’s deadliest creatures – you guessed it, humans (occasionally Xenomorphs as well). Unlike other cinematic monsters, The Predator is not confined to a particular era or setting. Instead, he possesses the versatility to adapt to any environment or genre, making him an intriguing and formidable adversary. Across more than three decades, this iconic creature has graced our screens in eight movies, with another installment, “Predator: Badlands”, scheduled for release in November.

The Predator series, sometimes regarded as a B-series, maintains a dedicated fan base that has endured across decades (and periods of infrequent production). However, under the direction of Dan Tractenberg on projects such as Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers, the franchise is experiencing unprecedented attention and a surge in new supporters. Here’s a list ranking every Predator film from least favorite to favorite.

8
‘Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem’ (2007)

The film titled “Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem” has the unique disgrace of being considered the poorest quality in both the Predator and Alien series. Immediately following the initial movie’s storyline, this sequel chooses to introduce a Predalien hybrid in a secluded town, where an older, skilled Predator is dispatched to eliminate any traces of both species. A concept that could be intriguing is instead overshadowed by a cast of uninteresting human characters, seemingly drawn from the most lackluster prime-time teen dramas available.

The main attraction was that the movie would be rated R, and it was emphasized in the advertising with the tagline “AVP: R“. However, the violence is excessive and serves only to shock viewers or please disgruntled fans. What truly undermines this film, though, is its poor quality in terms of cinematography. The production appears to have lacked both adequate lighting and camera equipment, resulting in a significant portion of the movie being filmed in near-darkness. This makes the supposed action nearly impossible to follow. Unfortunately, these two films represent the lowest point in the franchise, and they both need to bounce back after this disastrous production.

7
‘The Predator’ (2018)

Indications strongly suggested that The Predator was the one who could revitalize the franchise as a successful, critically acclaimed action series. The production company enlisted director Shane Black, who not only starred in the original Predator but also boasted an impressive career as a screenwriter on hit movies like Lethal Weapon and The Last Boy Scout, and was fresh off directing critically praised films like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, The Nice Guys, and the box office sensation Iron Man 3. However, the final product falters due to trying to fit too much narrative and mythology into its limited runtime.

Although boasting a skilled cast and enough ideas for several Predator films, The Predator overreaches by attempting to expand the modest action series into a broader mythology. This transformation, however, weakens the original film’s brilliantly straightforward concept. The script retroactively alters crucial motivations of the Predators, which is problematic enough, but the final act, evidently reshot, results in some characters dying so swiftly that viewers barely have a moment to process it. Despite the involvement of numerous gifted professionals on The Predator, the film succumbed to the trend of the 2010s, which sought to transform every franchise into an expansive shared universe filled with complex lore, mythology, and backstory.

6
‘Predator 2’ (1990)

While it’s not accurate to label “Predator 2” as a poor film, it’s undeniable that it pales in comparison to the original “Predator.” The shift from the jungle setting to the urban landscape was a clever concept, opening up possibilities for future installments such as “Prey” and “Predator: Killer of Killers,” where the intrigue lies in determining where or when they’ll place a Predator.

Although Danny Glover is an exciting choice to continue the action series after Arnold Schwarzenegger, there’s still a sense of letdown. This sentiment is intensified because he portrays a Los Angeles cop, sparking expectations for a fusion of “Lethal Weapon” and “Predator.” Unfortunately, Mel Gibson’s character from “Lethal Weapon” isn’t present, but it’s essential to remember that “Predator 2” lays the groundwork for many key aspects of the Predator’s central mythology, which became crucial for future films in the franchise. Despite not holding up as well over time, its role is indispensable.

5
‘Alien vs. Predator’ (2004)

The movie titled “Alien vs. Predator” stands out as it managed to be a financial success despite receiving criticism from both critics and fans of the series. However, this film played a crucial role in the development of these franchises, helping them survive and thrive to their current status. This was an eagerly anticipated battle between two iconic screen legends, a confrontation that had been hinted at since Predator 2 (1990) and marked the Predators’ return to the big screen after a gap of fourteen years.

In simpler terms, the Alien vs. Predator series, unlike some other popular franchises like Ghostbusters and Jurassic World that tend to take themselves too seriously, manages to keep things light-hearted and entertaining by embracing its concept wholeheartedly. Although it might not be considered a “classic” film, Alien vs. Predator delivers on its promise, offering numerous exciting confrontations between the two titular creatures. It’s also worth mentioning that while Alien vs. Predator and Prometheus share similar narratives, many viewers find the former to be more enjoyable.

4
‘Predators’ (2010)

The upcoming film, “Predators,” carried significant weight in its production. Not only did it aim to rectify the disappointing reception of “AVP: R” and restart a standalone Predator series, but it also marked the first solo Predator movie in two decades. Utilizing an idea that Robert Rodriguez had conceived in the 90s for a third Predator film (with Rodriguez serving as producer), “Predators” chose to reinvent the original Predator narrative by turning it upside down.

In this scenario, instead of a traditional jungle, we find ourselves in an alien wilderness, a preserve exclusively for Predators. The hunted are not ordinary humans, but rather exceptional individuals from diverse global backgrounds, each embodying distinct aspects of life. This narrative draws inspiration from the popular show Deadliest Warrior, merging its concept with the Predator universe.

In essence, the film “Predators” appears to be an ordinary action movie, but director Nimród Antal skillfully constructs a grim ambiance that transforms these ruthless hunters into characters traveling metaphorically through hell. The storyline offers each of them an opportunity for redemption before they might perish. This classic summer B-movie seamlessly blends science fiction, horror, and action elements, and even 15 years after its release, enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting a follow-up.

3
‘Predator: Killer of Killers’ (2025)

One of the two upcoming “Predator” films set to release in 2025 (with “Predator: Badlands” scheduled for November), the movie titled “Predator: Killer of Killers” is similar to the series premiere, “Prey”, as it will be available on Hulu streaming and will feature the Predator in various time periods. The innovative concept here is an animated anthology film, a first for the franchise, where viewers will witness a Viking, a samurai, and a World War II fighter pilot encounter different Predators throughout history. Each tale serves as a standalone mini-short film, highlighting the adaptability of this cinematic monster that few others can rival.

As a devoted enthusiast, I’d express it like this: Immersing myself in a thrilling blend of distinct Predator incarnations and unrivaled gory intensity that underscores the formidable threat and might of the extraterrestrial hunter, this animated adventure caters to die-hard fans while also extending an inviting hand to newcomers. The animation elevates the action to epic proportions, making it the largest-scale fight sequence in any Predator film, with the dogfight being a truly spectacular highlight.

Director Dan Trachtenberg, along with co-director Joshua Wassung, craft the Predator movie that every kid who doodled monsters during class has long imagined. The film’s quality is evident just by knowing that one of the Predators sports a cape fashioned from spines, making it a strong contender for the Best Animated Film accolade at the 2025 Academy Awards.

2
‘Prey’ (2022)

The film Prey, directed by Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane), served as a fresh and invigorating shot in the arm for the Predator franchise, offering a much-needed improvement after the misstep of The Predator. Set over 200 years ago on the Great Plains, the movie chronicles the journey of a Comanche woman named Naru, who crosses paths with a Predator and must defeat this extraterrestrial being to prove herself as the most formidable warrior in her tribe. In essence, Prey represents the kind of film that Predator should have been all along, as it successfully transports the Predator into a new era and pairs it with a specific type of warrior.

The movie “Prey” is skillfully directed, maintaining a thrilling pace that both pays homage to the 1987 film and intensifies its horror aspects. It serves as a prequel, engaging in a thoughtful dialogue with the original, further exploring themes such as colonialism and masculinity from a fresh perspective. The unfortunate aspect of “Prey” is that it was released amidst Disney’s heavy focus on streaming platforms, sending it straight to Hulu instead of cinemas, where it might have achieved a decent box office success. In today’s market where numerous franchises strive to remain relevant for modern audiences, “Prey” demonstrates the optimal approach by prioritizing the creation of an engaging story above all else.

1
‘Predator’ (1987)

Few movies can rival the charm of the original. While it’s debatable that Prey could surpass Predator, nothing quite matches the distinctive pleasure of watching Predator. A true product of its era, blending the two most sought-after genres of the 1980s – slasher flicks and high-octane action movies – Predator was a game-changer in cinema. Its impact is evident in films such as From Dusk Till Dawn and even Sinners.

Utilizing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s renowned status as a cinematic powerhouse, the fear factor of the Predator character intensifies as it becomes evident that this invincible action hero might struggle against him. The Predator stands out among other movie monsters for its breathtaking visual design, with his armored helmet swiftly becoming an iconic symbol. However, his true visage is something unlike anything previously encountered.

The classic film “Predator” is universally recognized for its memorable lines, memes, and the unforgettable handshake scene. Remarkably, it was initially regarded as just another action movie, yet its impact has endured significantly. Boasting an exceptional cast like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Duke, Shane Black, and Carl Weathers (who later became U.S governors), this film stands out among others. Its continued success in comics, video games, sequels, spin-offs, and beyond can be attributed to the 1987 blockbuster that continues to inspire awe and excitement even after 38 years.

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2025-06-08 01:08