By George & Josh Bate
With the Predator franchise returning to the big screen for the first time in eight years, it’s the perfect time to look back at the sci-fi action series and compare its installments to one another.
Here’s our rankings of the Predator movies from worst to best….
9. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
Sitting firmly at the bottom of this list is AVP: Requiem. With an R-rating, the 2007 sequel to Alien vs. Predator promised more violence and a return to form for both franchises, and yet woefully missed the mark. Poor lighting and erratic editing make bland kill scenes near impossible to see, while the surrounding script lacks any of the subtext that make Alien and Predator such great franchises.
8. The Predator
Shane Black making a Predator movie should have been a sure-fire success, but The Predator is far from that. Black, who was key to the success of the original Predator in 1987, had helmed the likes of The Nice Guys and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in the years since, although his take on the sci-fi action franchise is distinctly lacking in any of the wit and craft his buddy comedies possessed in abundance. A constant barrage of mean-spirited jokes and downright offensive characterization of neurodivergence are coupled with a paper-thin plot and characters that stalled the franchise for years until Dan Trachtenberg came to save the day.
7. Predator 2
The placement of Predator 2 on this list is probably our hot take of the bunch. Despite multiple rewatches, Predator 2 has always felt like nothing more than a fun movie you’d watch on cable on the weekend. The film feels far too much like standard ’80s action flicks than its more refined and well-crafted predecessor. Taking the Predator to urban L.A. during a heat wave is a smart switch from the jungle and Danny Glover makes for a likable protagonist, but Stephen Hopkins’ dizzying directing and cold nature leaves much to be desired.
6. Alien vs. Predator
We were just the right age to be wrapped up in all the hype surrounding AVP. We were also the perfect age to watch AVP and be blissfully unaware, at least at the time, of the film’s many faults. Sure, the PG-13 rating hinders the action and the characters are some of the franchise’s least interesting. And yet there’s something so wonderfully silly and enjoyable about Paul W.S. Anderson’s film. It delivers on the crossover so many waited years to see and interestingly built out the lore of both franchises. Watch the film now, 21 years after its release, and you’ll be surprised how well it’s aged.
5. Predators
By far the franchise’s most underrated installment, Robert Rodriguez’s Predators restored many of the elements that made the original Predator so exceptional. A contained jungle setting, diverse mix of characters, and a clever, streamlined plot make the film such an entertaining watch. Like the 1987 original, the Predators lurk in the background for much of the film, making them all the scarier when they eventually show up. The cast is stacked with talent, including Adrian Brody, Lawrence Fishbourne, Topher Grace, Walton Goggins, and Danny Trejo. And there’s a couple neat plot twists that wrap the film up.
4. Prey
At the time of its release, Prey was the best Predator since the original. Although unfolding somewhat too simplistically, the streamlined narrative makes for an experience closer to the 1987 classic than any Predator sequel to date. Centered on the Comanche Nation in the 1700s, Prey takes full advantage of this change in era and setting, while embracing what makes Comanche culture so unique and beautiful. Amber Midthunder leads this largely one woman show as much of Prey’s success can be attributed to her compelling and commanding performance.
3. Predator: Badlands
Predator: Badlands isn’t just another entry in the long-running sci-fi franchise – it’s something of a reinvention. In placing the Predator at the heart of the story as the protagonist, rather than antagonist, the film gives new life to the Yautja, proving that they can be more than just a cool monster to admire. A heartfelt and heart-pounding, character-driven sci-fi adventure, Badlands excels with fascinating world-building and (mostly) dazzling action and visuals, even if the core narrative is a tad straightforward. All in all, Badlands proves that this decades-old franchise still has plenty of life (and death) in it, perhaps more so than ever before thanks to the ingenuity of director Dan Trachtenberg, who adds another worthy trophy to his glowing resume of Predator films. This is a film that dares audiences to take a seat and watch in IMAX, on the biggest screen possible.
2. Predator: Killer of Killers
Following the universally praised Prey, Predator: Killer of Killers saw the long-running sci-fi franchise switch from live-action to animation for an installment that is the best film in the franchise since the 1987 original. Directors Dan Trachtenberg and Micho Robert Rutare craft a refined Predator film filled to the brim with dynamic, gorgeously animated, and brutally violent action. The wish fulfillment of seeing Predators come face-to-face with human history’s fiercest warriors lives up to, and even exceeds, its incredible potential across three distinct vignettes. Surrounding the action, however, are strong stories of three protagonists, whose journeys prove compelling and emotional independent of any extraterrestrial killers. Meanwhile, calculated world-building makes for an intriguing exploration of Predator lore and culture that goes far beyond any Predator film to date, even if the titular creatures are disappointingly under-powered and lacking in threat. A surprising narrative turn in a jaw-dropping final act takes the film to newfound heights and blows the door open for what directions the franchise can head into next. All achieved by stunning visuals that beautifully complement the emotionally rich storytelling, Predator: Killer of Killers will prove to be the kind of animated film that will convince even the most stubborn of viewers that animated films are genuine films and not just cartoons for children. The film is to the Predator franchise what Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was to the Spider-Man franchise, a monumental achievement that breaks the boundaries of what animation can achieve.
1. Predator
As is often the case, the original fails to be topped. Predator is an ’80s classic, introducing the world to one of the most iconic creatures in cinema history. The one-liners are unrivaled, the tension is palpable, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers are incredible. There’s something so primal and appealing about Predator that, despite filmmakers’ best efforts, has yet to be fully replicated. “Get to the choppa” as soon as you can and rewatch this film if you haven’t in a while.