Humans often view themselves at the top of the food chain, but in the cosmic arena of the Predator franchise, we're merely contenders in a galactic gladiator competition. The saga began with the iconic 1987 film featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, introducing 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 back on their home planet.
The initial two Predator films in 1987 and 1990 laid the groundwork for this thrilling saga. As the Xenomorphs from the Alien series also pose a significant threat to humanity, merging these two universes in the 2000s with two Alien vs. Predator films was a natural progression. In the following years, directors like Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg added their unique perspectives to the franchise.
With two new Predator movies slated for release in 2025, now is the perfect time to dive into the original sci-fi classics. Whether you're a newcomer or a long-time fan, we've compiled a complete guide on how to watch every Predator movie in order. Below, you'll find the full timeline of the Predator movies and where to watch them 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 additional Predator movies are set to release 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, designed to be watched after the rest of the series, especially after Predator 2. However, for a true chronological experience, start here. Set in 1719 across the Great Plains, Prey follows a young Comanche woman, Naru (Amber Midthunder), who, during a hunt with her brother, finds herself in the sights of a primitive Predator. Determined to prove herself, Naru embarks on a thrilling quest to take down the alien hunter in this fresh addition to the saga.
Read IGN's review of Prey
Where to Stream: Hulu
2. Predator (1987)
The journey began with the 1987 classic, Predator, directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Shane Black. This action-packed film pits a nearly invincible military rescue team against an invisible, terrifying force in the South American jungle. When the true nature of their adversary—an alien hunter on a deadly safari—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)
A few years later, Predator returned with a new setting and cast. Set in a futuristic, crime-ridden Los Angeles of 1997, Predator 2 follows a group of cops, including Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso, as they navigate a bloody cartel war while also battling a Predator 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 returned with a bang through a crossover with the Alien saga. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, AVP: Alien vs. Predator was a major success, revitalizing both series. Set in present-day America, the film reveals that Predators have been hunting on Earth for centuries, using humans to breed Xenomorphs for their rites of passage. Sanaa Lathan, Lance Henriksen, Raoul Bova, and Ewen Bremner star in this thrilling encounter.
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 terrifying "Predalien" as it wreaks havoc on a small Colorado town. A Predator "cleaner" is sent to eliminate this new threat, but the film was less successful than its predecessor, marking the end of the crossover series.
Read IGN's review of Alien vs. Predator: Requiem here.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
6. Predators (2010)
Directed by Robert Rodriguez, Predators is the only film in the series not set on Earth. It transports viewers to a distant Yautja game reserve where humans, specifically "established killers," are abducted for sport between rival Yautja tribes. The film stars Adrien Brody, Walton Goggins, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, and Alice Braga. While the exact Earth year is unclear, it's typically 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, who starred in the original, directed and co-wrote The Predator, returning the series to its roots. The film follows a squad of unstable soldiers, including Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Jane, and Alfie Allen, as they confront two rampaging Predators and foil their DNA-splicing plans. The movie teases further adventures, 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 who prefer to watch the films in their theatrical release order, here is 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 slated for release in 2025. Predator: Badlands, hitting theaters on November 7, 2025, will feature Elle Fanning and showcase the Predator as the protagonist, directed by Dan Trachtenberg. The second film, also directed by Trachtenberg, titled Predator: Killer of Killers, is an animated movie exploring three different encounters with the ultimate hunter across various historical periods. It is set to release directly on Hulu on June 6.
