Humans often view themselves as the pinnacle of the food chain, but in the vast expanse of the galaxy, we're mere contenders in the cosmic gladiator arena. The Predator franchise, which kicked off with the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger film in 1987, introduces us to the "Yautja"—towering, trophy-hunting extraterrestrials who scour the universe for worthy adversaries. These fearsome hunters not only invade other planets for sport but have been known to abduct species for their deadly games back on their home world.
The first two Predator films, released in 1987 and 1990, set the stage for a thrilling saga. The introduction of the Xenomorphs from the Alien series—a cinematic nightmare for humanity—led to the creation of a shared universe in the 2000s, culminating in two Alien vs. Predator films. Subsequent decades saw directors like Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg each adding their unique flair to the franchise.
With two new Predator movies slated for release in 2025, now is the perfect time to revisit the original sci-fi classics. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to watching every Predator movie in both chronological and release order. Dive into the full timeline below and discover where to watch 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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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, two Alien crossovers, and one prequel. Two new Predator movies are set to hit screens in 2025.
Blu-Ray + Digital
Predator 4-Movie Collection
Includes Predator, Predator 2, Predators, and The Predator. See it at Amazon.
Predator Movies in (Chronological) Order
1. Prey (2022)
Prey serves as a prequel, ideally 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 Naru, a young Comanche woman portrayed by Amber Midthunder, who embarks on a hunt with her brother and finds herself targeted by a primitive Predator. Determined to prove her worth, Naru sets out to take down the alien hunter in this fresh and exhilarating addition to the three-decade saga.
Read IGN's review of Prey
Where to Stream: Hulu
2. Predator (1987)
The saga began with the 1987 classic Predator, directed by John McTiernan of Die Hard fame and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger alongside Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Shane Black (who would later direct his own Predator film). This action-packed thriller follows a seemingly invincible military rescue team as they're ambushed by an invisible alien hunter in the South American jungle. When the true nature of their foe is revealed, Schwarzenegger's Dutch must outsmart and defeat an adversary far superior in technology and tactics.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
3. Predator 2 (1990)
A few years later, the Predator returned with a new cast and setting. Set during a heatwave and crime wave in 1997 Los Angeles, Predator 2 features Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso as cops battling both a brutal cartel and an alien hunter stalking the city's streets.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
4. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
After a 14-year hiatus, the franchise roared back with a crossover event, merging with the Alien saga. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson of Resident Evil and Event Horizon fame, AVP: Alien vs. Predator was a box office success, reinvigorating both franchises. Set in the present day, the film reveals a centuries-old connection between the Yautja and Xenomorphs, with Predators using humans to breed Xenomorphs for their rites of passage. 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)
Picking up immediately after AVP, Aliens vs Predator: Requiem introduces the terrifying "Predalien" as it wreaks havoc on a small Colorado town. A Predator "cleaner" is sent to eliminate this new threat, marking the end of the crossover films.
Read IGN's review of Alien vs. Predator: Requiem
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
6. Predators (2010)
The only Predator film not set on Earth, Predators, directed by Robert Rodriguez, transports audiences to a Yautja game reserve on a distant planet. With a stellar cast including Adrien Brody, Walton Goggins, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, and Alice Braga, the film explores how humans, specifically seasoned killers, are abducted for sport between rival Yautja tribes. While the exact Earth year is unclear, it's reasonable to place it around 2010, the year of its release.
Read IGN's review of Predators
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
7. The Predator (2018)
Eight years after Predators, Shane Black returned to the franchise he once starred in with The Predator. Featuring a squad of unstable soldiers portrayed by Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Jane, and Alfie Allen, the film sees them facing off against two rampaging Predators and thwarting their DNA-splicing schemes. The movie ends with a tease for future installments, 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 watch the films in the order they were released, here's the 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 for release in 2025. Predator: Badlands, premiering in theaters on November 7, 2025, will star Elle Fanning and focus on the Predator as the protagonist, directed by Dan Trachtenberg. Additionally, Predator: Killer of Killers, also directed by Trachtenberg, is an animated film that will explore three different encounters with the ultimate killer across various historical periods. This movie is scheduled for a direct-to-Hulu release on June 6, 2025.
