Humans often view themselves at the top of the food chain, but in the cosmic arena of the "Predator" franchise, we're mere prey to the towering Yautja—extraterrestrial hunters who scour the galaxy for worthy adversaries. Since the iconic 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, the saga has captivated audiences with its thrilling hunts and high-stakes action. The Yautja, known for their trophy-seeking expeditions across various planets, have even been known to abduct species for their lethal games back on their home world.
The first two Predator films, released in 1987 and 1990, laid the groundwork for an expansive universe. The introduction of Xenomorphs from the "Alien" series in the 2000s led to the creation of a shared universe through two "Alien vs. Predator" films. Over the years, directors like Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg have each added their unique flair to the franchise.
With two new Predator movies set to hit screens in 2025, it's the perfect time to dive into the original sci-fi classics. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer, here's a comprehensive guide to watching every Predator movie in order, complete with a timeline and streaming options.
Jump to:
- How to watch in chronological order
- How to watch by release order
How to Watch the Predator Movies in Chronological Order
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You can also check out our guide to the Alien movies in order to incorporate the whole timeline.
How Many Predator Movies Are There?
There are a total of seven movies in the Predator franchise—four in the mainline series of films, two Alien crossovers, and one prequel. Two new Predator movies are slated for release in 2025.
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Predator Movies in (Chronological) Order
1. Prey (2022)
Prey serves as a prequel and is best watched after the other films, especially Predator 2. However, for a true chronological experience, start here. Set in 1719 on the Great Plains, Prey follows a young Comanche woman, Naru (Amber Midthunder), who encounters a more primitive Predator during a hunting expedition with her brother. Determined to prove herself, Naru embarks on a thrilling quest to take down the alien hunter, adding a fresh perspective to the three-decade saga.
Read IGN's review of Prey
Where to Stream: Hulu
2. Predator (1987)
The franchise kicked off with 1987's Predator, directed by John McTiernan of Die Hard fame, and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger alongside Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Shane Black. This action classic showcases a formidable military rescue team being hunted by an invisible alien force in the South American jungle. Once the alien hunter is revealed, Schwarzenegger's Dutch must outsmart and defeat a technologically superior foe.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
3. Predator 2 (1990)
Predator 2 shifts the setting to a futuristic 1997 Los Angeles, where a heatwave and crime wave set the stage for the Predator's return. Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso star as cops battling a deadly Cartel and the alien hunter stalking the city.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
4. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
After a 14-year hiatus, the Predator returned in Alien vs. Predator, a crossover with the Alien franchise directed by Paul W. S. Anderson. Set in present-day America, the film reveals a centuries-old connection between the Yautja and Xenomorphs, with humans used as breeding bodies for the latter. Sanaa Lathan, Lance Henriksen, Raoul Bova, and Ewen Bremner lead the cast.
Read IGN's review of AVP: Alien vs. Predator
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
5. Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)
Aliens vs Predator: Requiem picks up immediately after AVP, continuing the same battle. While not as successful as its predecessor, it introduces the "Predalien," a hybrid creature terrorizing a small Colorado town. A Predator "cleaner" is dispatched to eliminate the threat.
Read IGN's review of Alien vs. Predator: Requiem
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
6. Predators (2010)
Predators, directed by Robert Rodriguez, takes the action off-world to a Yautja game reserve. A diverse group of human "killers," including Adrien Brody, Walton Goggins, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, and Alice Braga, are abducted and pitted against each other and the Yautja. The timeline is ambiguous, but it can be slotted into the early 21st century.
Read IGN's review of Predators
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
7. The Predator (2018)
In The Predator, directed by Shane Black, the franchise returns to Earth with a squad of unstable soldiers, portrayed by Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Jane, and Alfie Allen, facing off against two rampaging Predators. The film hints at further adventures, with alternate endings teasing a crossover with the Alien series.
Read IGN's review of The Predator
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
How to Watch the Predator Movies by Release Date
If you prefer to watch the films in the order they were released, follow this list:
- Predator (1987)
- Predator 2 (1990)
- AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)
- Predators (2010)
- The Predator (2018)
- Prey (2022)
The Future of the Predator Franchise
Two new Predator movies are set to release in 2025. Predator: Badlands, scheduled for theatrical release on November 7, 2025, will star Elle Fanning and feature the Predator as the protagonist, as envisioned by director Dan Trachtenberg.
The second film, also directed by Trachtenberg, was shrouded in secrecy but has been revealed as Predator: Killer of Killers, an animated movie exploring three different encounters with the ultimate hunter at various points in history. It will premiere directly on Hulu on June 6.