Humans often consider themselves the apex predators on Earth, but in the vast expanse of the galaxy, we're mere contenders in the cosmic arena known as the Predator franchise. This iconic series, which kicked off with the classic 1987 film featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, introduces us to the Yautja—an alien species of towering trophy hunters who scour the universe for their next big game. These extraterrestrial hunters not only seek out the most challenging prey across different planets but are also known to abduct species for hunts on their home world, making for thrilling cinematic experiences.

The franchise solidified its foundation with the first two Predator films released in 1987 and 1990. The cinematic universe expanded further in the 2000s by merging with the Alien series, resulting in two Alien vs. Predator films that captivated audiences with their unique blend of sci-fi and horror. The following decade saw innovative contributions from directors such as Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg, each adding their unique flair to the saga.

With two new Predator movies set to hit screens in 2025, now is the perfect time to dive back into this enduring sci-fi series. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer eager to experience the thrill of the hunt, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you watch every Predator movie in both chronological and release order.

Jump to:

• How to watch in chronological order
• How to watch by release order

How to Watch the Predator Movies in Chronological Order

8 Images

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. Fans have more to look forward to with two new Predator movies slated for 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 and is best viewed after the other films, especially Predator 2, but for those committed to chronological viewing, start here. Set in 1719 on the Great Plains, Prey follows Naru, a young Comanche woman (Amber Midthunder), who embarks on a hunt with her brother and encounters a more primitive Predator. Naru's determination to prove herself leads to a thrilling confrontation with the alien predator in this fresh addition to the three-decade saga.

Read IGN's review of Prey

Where to Stream: Hulu

2. Predator (1987)

The franchise began with the 1987 classic, directed by John McTiernan of Die Hard fame, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Shane Black. In this action-packed film, a formidable military rescue team faces an invisible alien hunter in the South American jungle. As the true nature of their enemy—a technologically advanced Yautja on a sinister safari—is revealed, Schwarzenegger's character, Dutch, must devise a plan to defeat the extraterrestrial predator.

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

3. Predator 2 (1990)

A few years later, the saga continued with Predator 2, shifting the setting to a heatwave-ravaged Los Angeles in 1997. The film introduces a new cast, led by Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso, as they navigate a city gripped by a cartel war and stalked by a Predator seeking new victims amidst the urban chaos.

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 that merged the Predator saga with the Alien series. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, AVP: Alien vs. Predator was a commercial success, breathing new life into both franchises. Set in present-day America, the film reveals the centuries-long history of Yautja hunting Xenomorphs on Earth, using humans as breeding hosts. Stars include 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 of the previous film. Though less successful, it introduced the terrifying "Predalien," a hybrid of Alien and Predator, as it terrorizes a small Colorado town. A Predator "cleaner" is dispatched to eliminate this new 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 distant Yautja game reserve where human "killers" are abducted and pitted against each other for sport. Although the exact timeline isn't specified, it's generally placed in the early 21st century. The film features an impressive cast including 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)

Shane Black, a veteran of the original Predator, directed and co-wrote The Predator in 2018, returning to the franchise's roots with a story about a squad of unstable soldiers facing off against two Predators. The film stars Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Jane, and Alfie Allen, and hints at further adventures, including alternate endings featuring time-traveling characters from 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 the order they were released in theaters, here is the sequence:

• 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

Excitement builds as two new Predator movies are slated for 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, also directed by Trachtenberg, titled "Predator: Killer of Killers," is an animated feature exploring three different historical encounters with the ultimate hunter. This movie will be available directly on Hulu starting June 6.