Humans often pride themselves on being at the top of the food chain, but in the grand scheme of the universe, we're mere contenders in the galactic gladiator competition. The Predator franchise, which kicked off with the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger film in 1987, introduces us to the "Yautja"—towering, trophy-seeking hunters from space who scour different worlds for lethal sport and have been known to abduct species for hunts on their home planet.
The saga began with two seminal films in 1987 and 1990, setting the stage for an enduring narrative. The crossover with the Xenomorphs from the Alien series in the 2000s brought a new dimension to the franchise, merging two of cinema's most formidable extraterrestrial threats. Directors like Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg have since added their unique touches to the series.
With two new Predator films slated for release in 2025, now is the perfect time to dive back into the original sci-fi classics. Whether you're a newcomer or a long-time fan, we've compiled a comprehensive guide on how to watch every Predator movie in both chronological and release order. Below, you'll find the full timeline and where to stream or purchase each film online.
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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For a complete cinematic experience, consider our guide to the Alien movies in order to weave the entire timeline together.
How Many Predator Movies Are There?
There are a total of seven movies in the Predator franchise—four in the mainline series, two Alien crossovers, and one prequel. Two additional Predator movies are set to hit screens in 2025.
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Predator Movies in (Chronological) Order
1. Prey (2022)
Prey serves as a prequel, ideally viewed after the other films, especially Predator 2. However, for a true chronological journey, start here. Set in 1719 on the Great Plains, Prey follows a young Comanche woman, Naru (Amber Midthunder), who faces more than she bargained for on a hunt, encountering a primitive Predator. Determined to prove herself, Naru takes on the alien hunter in this fresh addition to the saga.
Read IGN's review of Prey
Where to Stream: Hulu
2. Predator (1987)
It all began with 1987's Predator, directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Shane Black. This action classic follows a military rescue team ambushed by an invisible alien hunter in the South American jungle. When the predator is revealed, Schwarzenegger's Dutch must outsmart and defeat an enemy far superior in technology and tactics.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
3. Predator 2 (1990)
Predator returned in 1990, shifting the setting to a futuristic 1997 Los Angeles amidst a heatwave and crime surge. Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso star as cops battling both a cartel war and a Predator stalking the city.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
4. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
After a 14-year hiatus, Predator returned with a crossover in 2004, merging with the Alien franchise. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, Alien vs. Predator was a hit, revitalizing both series. Set in contemporary America, it reveals that Predators have been hunting on Earth for centuries, using humans to breed Xenomorphs for sport. 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)
Continuing directly from AVP, Aliens vs Predator: Requiem introduces the "Predalien" and follows a Predator "cleaner" sent to eliminate this new threat in a small Colorado town. Though less successful than its predecessor, it concludes the crossover series.
Read IGN's review of Alien vs. Predator: Requiem
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
6. Predators (2010)
Robert Rodriguez's Predators is the only film not set on Earth, taking place on a Yautja game reserve. With a cast including Adrien Brody, Walton Goggins, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, and Alice Braga, it explores humans abducted for sport between rival Yautja tribes. While the exact timeline is unclear, it's generally placed in the early 21st century.
Read IGN's review of Predators
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
7. The Predator (2018)
Shane Black's The Predator returned to the series' roots, featuring a squad of soldiers facing off against two Predators and thwarting their DNA splicing plans. The film teases future developments, with alternate endings hinting at potential crossovers 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
For those preferring to follow the theatrical release order, here is the correct sequence:
- 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 slated for release in 2025. **Predator: Badlands**, premiering in theaters on November 7, 2025, will star Elle Fanning and feature the Predator as the protagonist, directed by Dan Trachtenberg.The second film, also directed by Trachtenberg, was shrouded in secrecy until recently. Predator: Killer of Killers is an animated movie that will explore three different encounters with the ultimate hunter across various points in history. It is set to debut directly on Hulu on June 6, 2025.
