Humans often view themselves as the apex of the food chain, yet in the cosmic arena of the Predator franchise, we're barely holding our own. This iconic series, which kicked off with the 1987 classic featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, revolves around the Yautja—a species of towering, trophy-hunting aliens who scour the galaxy for worthy prey. These extraterrestrial hunters have even been known to abduct different species for thrilling hunts on their home planet.
The initial two Predator films released in 1987 and 1990 established the foundation of this saga. Given the cinematic terror posed by the Xenomorphs from the Alien series, merging these two universes in the 2000s with two Alien vs. Predator movies was a natural progression. In the subsequent decade, filmmakers like 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, there's no better time to immerse yourself in the original sci-fi classics. Whether you're new to the series or a long-time fan, 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 orderHow 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?
The Predator franchise boasts a total of **seven movies**—four in the mainline series, two Alien crossovers, and one prequel. Fans can look forward to two additional Predator films hitting screens in 2025.
Blu-Ray + Digital### Predator 4-Movie Collection
2Includes Predator, Predator 2, Predators, and The PredatorSee it at AmazonPredator Movies in (Chronological) Order
1. Prey (2022)
Prey serves as a prequel, designed to be viewed after the rest of the series, particularly after 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 finds herself in the sights of a more primitive Predator. Naru's journey to prove herself against this alien adversary offers a 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 the 1987 classic, 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-packed film follows a military rescue team as they face off against an invisible, alien hunter in the jungles of South America. Schwarzenegger's character, Dutch, must outwit and defeat this technologically advanced adversary in a thrilling battle of survival.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
3. Predator 2 (1990)
Three years later, Predator 2 brought the action to a heatwave-stricken, crime-ridden Los Angeles in 1997. A new cast, including Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso, portray police officers battling a gang war and an alien Predator stalking the city for victims. This film expands the universe while delivering more intense action and suspense.
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, AVP: Alien vs. Predator. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, this film merged the Predator saga with the Alien series, revitalizing both franchises. Set in modern-day America, it reveals that Predators have been hunting on Earth for centuries, using humans to breed Xenomorphs for their rite-of-passage hunts. 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, Aliens vs Predator: Requiem, continues the crossover saga directly from AVP. While not as successful, it introduced the terrifying Predalien to a small Colorado town, with a Predator "cleaner" dispatched to eliminate this new threat. Despite its mixed reception, it remains a crucial part of the franchise's timeline.
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, takes the action off Earth to a distant Yautja game reserve. This film introduces a cast including Adrien Brody, Walton Goggins, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, and Alice Braga, depicting humans, specifically "established killers," being abducted for sport by warring Yautja tribes. While its exact timeline is ambiguous, it fits well at this point in the chronological viewing order.
Read IGN's review of Predators
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
7. The Predator (2018)
After a significant hiatus, Shane Black returned to the franchise he once starred in with The Predator in 2018. This film brings back the classic formula with a squad of soldiers, portrayed by Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Jane, and Alfie Allen, facing off against not one, but two Predators. The movie teases further adventures, hinting at potential crossovers with the Alien universe.
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 movies in the order they were released, here is the correct 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
The Predator universe continues to expand with two new films set for release in 2025. Predator: Badlands, hitting theaters on November 7, 2025, will feature Elle Fanning and showcase the Predator as the protagonist, directed by Dan Trachtenberg. Additionally, Predator: Killer of Killers, an animated film directed by Trachtenberg, will explore three historical encounters with the ultimate hunter and premiere directly on Hulu on June 6, 2025.
