"Predator Movies: Watch in Chronological Order"

Humans often think of themselves as the top of the food chain, but in the vast expanse of the galaxy, we're mere contenders in the cosmic gladiator arena. The Predator franchise, kicking off with the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger film in 1987, introduces us to the "Yautja," formidable trophy-seeking hunters from space. These extraterrestrial warriors journey across worlds in search of lethal sport and have even been known to abduct species for their hunts back on their home planet.

The saga began with the first two Predator films in 1987 and 1990, establishing the franchise's thrilling narrative. As Xenomorphs from the Alien series posed another existential threat to humanity, it was only fitting in the 2000s to merge these universes with the Alien vs. Predator crossover films. In the subsequent decade, directors such as Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg each brought their unique vision 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 seasoned fan or a newcomer, we've got you covered with the complete timeline of the Predator movies and where to watch them online.

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• 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 of films, two Alien crossovers, and one prequel. Two new Predator movies are set to 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, 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 a young Comanche woman, Naru (Amber Midthunder), who embarks on a hunt with her brother and finds herself in the sights of 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, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Shane Black (who later directed his own Predator film). This action classic follows a near-unstoppable military rescue team as they face an invisible force in the South American jungles. When the attacker is revealed as an alien hunter on a sinister safari, 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 2 brought more action and horror, shifting the setting to a near-future Los Angeles gripped by a heatwave and crime wave in 1997. Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso star as cops battling not only a bloody cartel war but also 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 franchise returned with a bang in the form of a crossover with the Alien series. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, Alien vs. Predator was a hit that revitalized both franchises. Set in present-day America, it reveals that Predators have been using Earth for centuries as a hunting ground, breeding Xenomorphs for their rites of passage. 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 battle immediately after the first crossover. Though not as successful, it introduced the terrifying "Predalien" and followed its rampage 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)

Directed by Robert Rodriguez, Predators is the only film in the series not set on Earth. It transports viewers to a Yautja game reserve on a distant planet, where humans, specifically "established killers," are abducted for sport between rival Yautja tribes. The film's timeline is ambiguous, but it can be placed in the early 21st century.

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 he once starred in with The Predator. 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 thwart 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

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 slated for release in 2025. Predator: Badlands, hitting theaters on November 7, 2025, will star Elle Fanning and feature the Predator as the protagonist, according to director Dan Trachtenberg.

The second movie, also directed by Trachtenberg, was kept under wraps for a while. However, we can now confirm that Predator: Killer of Killers is an animated film that will explore three different encounters with the ultimate killer at various points in history. It is set to release directly onto Hulu on June 6.