Humans often pride themselves on being at the top of the food chain, but when it comes to the galactic gladiator competition, we're hardly the champions. The Predator franchise, which kicked off with the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger film in 1987, introduces us to the "Yautja"—towering, trophy-seeking hunters from space who journey across worlds for deadly sport. These extraterrestrial beings are known to abduct various species, including humans, for thrilling hunts back on their home planet.
The first two Predator films, released in 1987 and 1990, laid the foundation for this gripping saga. The Xenomorphs from the Alien series, another cinematic terror for humanity, naturally led to a crossover in the 2000s with two Alien vs. Predator movies. In the following decade, directors like Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg added their unique flair to the franchise.
With two new Predator movies slated for release in 2025, there's no better time to revisit the original sci-fi classics. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, we've got you covered with a complete 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 films are scheduled to premiere in 2025.
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Predator Movies in (Chronological) Order
1. Prey (2022)
Prey is a prequel, designed to be watched after the other films (especially Predator 2), but for a true chronological experience, start here. Set in 1719 on the Great Plains, Prey follows Naru, a young Comanche woman (Amber Midthunder), who, while on a hunt with her brother, finds herself targeted by a more primitive Predator. Determined to prove herself, Naru takes on 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)
It all began with 1987's Predator, directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Shane Black (who later directed his own Predator film). This action classic features a formidable military rescue team being outmatched by an invisible alien hunter in the South American jungle. When the attacker is revealed to be a Yautja on a sinister safari, Dutch (Schwarzenegger) must devise a strategy to ambush and defeat this technologically superior foe.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
3. Predator 2 (1990)
A few years later, Predator 2 hit theaters with a new cast and setting. Set in 1997 Los Angeles amid a heatwave and crimewave, the film follows a team of cops, led by Danny Glover, as they tackle a bloody Cartel war and a Predator stalking the city for victims.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
4. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
After a 14-year hiatus, the Predator returned with a bang in a crossover with the Alien franchise. 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 conducting hunts on Earth for centuries, using humans to breed Xenomorphs for their rites of passage. Sanaa Lathan, Lance Henriksen, Raoul Bova, and Ewen Bremner star.
Read IGN's review of AVP: Alien vs. Predator
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
5. Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)
Following directly from AVP, Aliens vs Predator: Requiem introduces the "Predalien," an Alien-Predator hybrid. Though less successful than its predecessor, the film focuses on the chaos unleashed by the Predalien in a small Colorado town, with a Predator "cleaner" dispatched 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)
Predators, directed by Robert Rodriguez, is the only film in the franchise not set on Earth. It takes place on a Yautja game reserve, where humans—specifically, established killers—are abducted for sport between two rival Predator tribes. While the exact Earth year is unspecified, it's safe to assume it's around 2010, placing it sixth in the chronological order. The film stars Adrien Brody, Walton Goggins, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, and Alice Braga.
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 with The Predator, bringing it back 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 Predators and thwart their plans involving DNA splicing. The movie ends with a tease for future installments, with alternate endings hinting at potential Alien crossovers.
Read IGN's review of The Predator
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
How to Watch the Predator Movies by Release Date
If you prefer to watch the movies in the order they were released in theaters, 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 be released in 2025. Predator: Badlands, hitting theaters on November 7, 2025, will star Elle Fanning and focus on the Predator as the protagonist, as directed by Dan Trachtenberg.The second film, also directed by Trachtenberg, was initially kept under wraps but has been revealed as Predator: Killer of Killers, an animated movie exploring three different historical encounters with the ultimate hunter. It will be available directly on Hulu starting June 6.
