As humans, we often pride ourselves on being at the top of the food chain here on Earth. But in the vastness of the galaxy, our standing is far less impressive. The Predator franchise, which kicked off with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic 1987 film, plunges us into the world of the “Yautja” – formidable, trophy-hunting aliens from beyond the stars. These creatures journey to different planets in pursuit of deadly sport, even abducting other species for hunts on their homeworld.
The first two Predator films, released in 1987 and 1990, laid the groundwork for this thrilling saga. Given that the Xenomorphs from the Alien movies also pose a significant threat to humanity, it was a stroke of genius in the 2000s to merge these two terrifying universes into a pair of Alien vs. Predator films. In the years that followed, acclaimed directors like Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg each brought their unique vision to the franchise.
With “Predator: Killer of Killers” now streaming and “Predator: Badlands” on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to revisit these classic sci-fi thrillers. If you’re ready to embark on a chronological journey through every Predator movie, we’ve got you covered! Below, you’ll find the complete timeline of the Predator films and where you can watch them.
Jump to:
- How to watch in chronological order
- How to watch by release order
You can also explore our guide to the Alien movies in order to combine both epic timelines.
How Many Predator Movies Are There?
The Predator franchise currently boasts a total of eight movies. This includes four core films, two Alien crossover events, one prequel, and one anthology film. Plus, another highly anticipated Predator movie is slated for release later in 2025.
Predator Movies in (Chronological) Order
1. Predator: Killer of Killers (2025)
Killer of Killers is an anthology film featuring different iterations of Predators doing what they do best across three different timelines. The first two segments, set during the Viking Age and Feudal Japan, predate even the prequel Prey by centuries. The third timeline, however, is set after World War 2, falling between Prey and the original Predator. While “Killer of Killers” can be enjoyed at any point, it truly shines with the context provided by the earlier movies.
Where to Stream: Hulu
2. Prey (2022)
While often best appreciated after experiencing the wider franchise (especially Predator 2), “Prey” is the perfect starting point if you’re committed to a strictly chronological viewing. Set in 1719 across the vast Great Plains, this film introduces Naru (Amber Midthunder), a skilled young Comanche woman. What begins as a hunting expedition with her brother quickly turns into a desperate struggle for survival when she finds herself targeted by a more primitive yet equally lethal Predator. Determined to prove her worth, Naru sets out to defeat this alien stalker in a fresh and exhilarating chapter of the long-running saga.
Where to Stream: Hulu
3. Predator (1987)
The legend began in 1987 with “Predator,” directed by John McTiernan of Die Hard fame. It stars a powerhouse cast from Hollywood’s golden era, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and even Shane Black (who would later direct his own Predator film). This action classic throws an elite military rescue team into the unforgiving jungles of South America, where they are brutally outmatched by a terrifying, unseen force. When they discover their attacker is an alien hunter on a deadly safari, Schwarzenegger’s character, Dutch, must strategize how to ambush and overcome a monster armed with technology and tactics light years beyond human understanding.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
4. Predator 2 (1990)
Just a few years later, “Predator” returned to theaters, delivering more chaos and carnage, but with a completely new cast and backdrop. The film transports us to a near-future 1997 Los Angeles, gripped by a sweltering heatwave and rampant crime. Danny Glover leads a team of police officers, including Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso, as they grapple not only with a brutal cartel war on the streets but also with a relentless alien Predator stalking the city’s inhabitants.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
5. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
After a 14-year hiatus, during which novels, comics, and video games kept the flame alive, the Predator franchise made a spectacular comeback with a crossover event. It merged with the equally iconic Alien saga, which had seen its own struggles in the 90s. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson (Resident Evil, Event Horizon), “Alien vs. Predator” was a massive success, breathing new life into both sci-fi horror properties. Set in “present-day” America, AVP revealed a dark historical link between the Yautja and Xenomorphs. It showed that Predators had been using humans as hosts for Xenos for centuries, then hunting the resulting swarms as a deadly “right of passage” ritual. The film stars Sanaa Lathan, Lance Henriksen, Raoul Bova, and Ewen Bremner.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
6. Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)
Picking up immediately after its predecessor, “Aliens vs Predator: Requiem” continues the intense conflict, making it a direct timeline continuation. Though not as critically successful as the first crossover (and thus the final one), “Requiem” introduced a terrifying Alien-Predator hybrid known as the “Predalien.” As this new monstrosity wreaks havoc on a small Colorado town, a specialized Predator “cleaner” is dispatched to eliminate the threat.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
7. Predators (2010)
Breaking away from Earth-bound hunts, Robert Rodriguez’s “Predators” takes the action to a distant alien planet – a Yautja game reserve. Featuring an impressive ensemble cast including Adrien Brody, Walton Goggins, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, and Alice Braga, the film reveals how “established killers” from Earth are abducted and forced into a lethal sport between warring Yautja tribes.
The exact Earth year for this film is never explicitly stated, but it’s generally assumed to be around its release year of 2010, or at least in the early 21st century. Therefore, “Predators” can fit here in your chronological viewing, or you could save it for last.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
8. The Predator (2018)
Eight years after “Predators,” a new film, “The Predator,” hit the big screen. Directed and co-written by Shane Black (who also starred in the original Predator), this entry returned the franchise to its roots. It features a squad of unconventional soldiers, played by Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Jane, and Alfie Allen, who must confront a pair of rampaging Predators and disrupt their advanced Yautja plans, which involve DNA splicing. The film concludes with a hint of future installments, while original alternate endings even considered incorporating time-traveling versions of Alien‘s Ellen Ripley and Rebecca “Newt” Jorden for another major crossover.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
How to Watch the Predator Movies by Release Date
For those who prefer to watch the films as they were originally released in theaters, here is the chronological order by release date:
- Predator (1987)
- Predator 2 (1990)
- AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)
- Predators (2010)
- The Predator (2018)
- Prey (2022)
- Predator: Killer of Killers (2025)
- Predator: Badlands (2025)
The Future of the Predator Franchise
“Predator: Badlands,” set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025, will star Elle Fanning. Director Dan Trachtenberg has revealed that in this film, the Predator itself will be the protagonist. Early teasers for the movie appear to show Fanning’s character undergoing a “reboot” similar to a Weyland-Yutani synthetic, hinting at a potential connection with the Alien cinematic universe.
The most recent official trailer further suggests more Alien references, alongside showcasing a surprisingly communicative Predator. Trachtenberg also shared that “James Bond” and “World of Warcraft” were inspirations for the new movie, suggesting “Badlands” is shaping up to be a truly unique and exciting entry in the franchise.