Humans often pride themselves on being at the top of the food chain, but in the vast expanse of the galaxy, we're just another species in the cosmic arena. The Predator franchise, which kicked off with the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger film in 1987, introduces us to the Yautja—a race of towering, trophy-hunting aliens who scour the universe for worthy prey. These interstellar hunters not only visit different planets for sport but have been known to abduct species for their hunts back on their home world.
The first two Predator films, released in 1987 and 1990, set the stage for a thrilling saga. Given the cinematic menace of the Xenomorphs from the Alien series, it was a natural progression in the 2000s to merge these universes with the Alien vs. Predator films. The franchise continued to evolve in the following decade, with directors like Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg each adding their unique flair to the series.
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 die-hard fan or a newcomer, 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 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 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 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 finds herself in the sights of a primitive Predator during a hunt with her brother. Determined to prove herself, Naru aims to take down the alien hunter in this fresh 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 (who later directed his own Predator film). This action classic showcases a military rescue team outmatched by an invisible alien hunter in the South American jungle. Schwarzenegger's Dutch must outsmart and defeat a technologically advanced adversary on a deadly safari.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
3. Predator 2 (1990)
A few years later, Predator 2 shifted the setting to a futuristic, crime-ridden Los Angeles in 1997. With a new cast led by Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso, the film follows these cops as they navigate a cartel war and confront a Predator hunting in the urban jungle.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
4. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
After a 14-year hiatus, the franchise returned with AVP: Alien vs. Predator, directed by Paul W. S. Anderson. This crossover injected new life into both series, revealing that Predators have been using Earth for centuries to breed Xenomorphs for their rites of passage. Set in present-day America, the film stars Sanaa Lathan, Lance Henriksen, Raoul Bova, and Ewen Bremner.
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 a terrifying Alien-Predator hybrid, the "Predalien," which wreaks havoc in a small Colorado town. A Predator "cleaner" is dispatched to eliminate the threat.
Read IGN's review of Alien vs. Predator: Requiem
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
6. Predators (2010)
Directed by Robert Rodriguez, Predators takes the action off Earth to a Yautja game reserve on an alien planet. Featuring a stellar cast including Adrien Brody, Walton Goggins, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, and Alice Braga, the film explores how humans, specifically "established killers," are abducted for sport between rival Yautja tribes. While the exact Earth year is unclear, it's safe to place it 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, returned to direct The Predator in 2018. The film follows a squad of unstable soldiers, portrayed by Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Jane, and Alfie Allen, as they combat two Predators and uncover their DNA splicing plans. The movie teases future installments and even hints 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
If you prefer to watch the movies 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 slated for release in 2025. Predator: Badlands, set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025, will star Elle Fanning and feature the Predator as the protagonist, as directed by Dan Trachtenberg. The second film, also directed by Trachtenberg, is Predator: Killer of Killers, an animated movie that will explore three different historical encounters with the ultimate hunter. This film is scheduled for a direct-to-Hulu release on June 6.
