"Predator Movies: Chronological Viewing Guide"

Humans often view themselves as the pinnacle of the food chain, but in the vast expanse of the galaxy, we're hardly more than contenders in the cosmic arena. The Predator franchise, which kicked off with the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger film in 1987, introduces us to the "Yautja"—towering, trophy-seeking extraterrestrial hunters who scour the universe for worthy prey. These formidable beings have been known to abduct species from various planets, including Earth, to use as sport in their deadly games back on their home world.

The saga began with the first two Predator films in 1987 and 1990, establishing a thrilling narrative that captivated audiences. The introduction of Xenomorphs from the Alien series in the 2000s led to the creation of a shared universe through two Alien vs. Predator movies, blending the horror and sci-fi elements of both franchises. In the subsequent decade, directors like Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg brought their unique visions to the series, further expanding its universe.

With two new Predator films set to hit screens in 2025, there's no better time to dive into this iconic sci-fi saga. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, here's how you can watch every Predator movie in order, both chronologically and by release date, along with where to find them online.

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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 more Predator films are slated for release in 2025.

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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 played by Amber Midthunder, who embarks on a hunt with her brother and encounters a primitive Predator. Determined to prove herself, Naru sets out to take down the alien hunter in this fresh and thrilling addition to the three-decade saga.

Read IGN's review of Prey

Where to Stream: Hulu

2. Predator (1987)

The saga began with 1987's Predator, directed by John McTiernan of Die Hard fame and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger alongside 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. Schwarzenegger's character, Dutch, must outsmart and defeat the technologically advanced Predator.

Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video

3. Predator 2 (1990)

Predator 2 shifts the setting to a heatwave-stricken, crime-ridden Los Angeles in 1997. Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso star as cops battling both a violent Cartel war and a Predator stalking the city for prey.

Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video

4. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)

After a 14-year hiatus, the franchise returned with a crossover event, merging with the Alien saga. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, AVP: Alien vs. Predator was a box office success, revitalizing both franchises. Set in present-day America, it reveals that Predators have been using Earth for centuries to hunt Xenomorphs, using humans as hosts. 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)

The sequel to AVP, Aliens vs Predator: Requiem, continues the immediate aftermath, introducing the "Predalien," a hybrid creature that wreaks havoc in a small Colorado town. A Predator "cleaner" is sent to eliminate the threat.

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 Yautja game reserve where humans, specifically "established killers," are abducted for sport. The film stars Adrien Brody, Walton Goggins, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, and Alice Braga. While the exact Earth year is unspecified, it can be assumed to be around 2010.

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 Predator, directed and co-wrote The Predator in 2018. The film returns to the franchise's roots, featuring a squad of unstable soldiers, including Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Jane, and Alfie Allen, who confront two Predators and their DNA splicing plans. The movie teases further 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 watch the films in the order they were released, follow this 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 to release in 2025. Predator: Badlands, hitting theaters on November 7, 2025, will star Elle Fanning and feature the Predator as the protagonist, directed by Dan Trachtenberg. The second film, Predator: Killer of Killers, also directed by Trachtenberg, is an animated movie exploring three different historical encounters with the ultimate hunter. It will be available directly on Hulu starting June 6.