"Predator Movies: How to Watch in Chronological Order"

Humans often pride themselves on being at the top of the food chain, but when it comes to the galactic gladiator competition, we're just barely holding our own. The Predator franchise, which kicked off with the iconic 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, revolves around the "Yautja" - towering, trophy-hunting aliens from space. These extraterrestrial hunters travel across the universe for deadly sport and have even been known to abduct species for hunts on their home planet.

The first two Predator films released in 1987 and 1990 established the foundation of the saga. Given the cinematic terror posed by the Xenomorphs from the Alien series, it was a natural progression in the 2000s to merge these universes with two Alien vs. Predator movies. In the following decade, directors such as Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg each brought their unique vision to the franchise.

With two new Predator movies set to premiere in 2025, now is the perfect time to revisit the original sci-fi classics. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the series, we've compiled a comprehensive guide on how to watch every Predator movie in order. Below, you'll find the complete timeline of the Predator movies and details on where to stream them online.

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• How to watch in chronological order
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How to Watch the Predator Movies in Chronological Order

8 ImagesFor a complete cinematic experience, consider our guide to the Alien movies in order to fully immerse yourself in the entire 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. Fans can look forward to two new Predator movies releasing in 2025.

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Includes Predator, Predator 2, Predators, and The Predator. Available at Amazon.

Predator Movies in (Chronological) Order

1. Prey (2022)

Prey serves as a prequel to the entire franchise, setting the stage in 1719 across the Great Plains. The story follows Naru, a young Comanche woman played by Amber Midthunder, who embarks on a hunt with her brother and unexpectedly finds herself in the sights of a more primitive Predator. Determined to prove her worth, 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 the 1987 classic, Predator, directed by John McTiernan of Die Hard fame and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger at the peak of his career, alongside Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Shane Black, who later directed his own entry in the series. This action-packed film showcases a seemingly unstoppable military rescue team facing off against an invisible alien hunter in the South American jungle. When the alien's true nature is revealed, Schwarzenegger's character, Dutch, must outsmart and defeat a technologically advanced foe.

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

3. Predator 2 (1990)

Three years later, the Predator saga continued with a new setting and cast. Set in the midst of a 1997 Los Angeles heatwave and crime surge, Predator 2 follows a group of police officers, including Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso, as they tackle a brutal Cartel war while also contending with a Predator stalking the city for prey.

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

4. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)

After a 14-year hiatus, the Predator franchise returned with a bang through a crossover with the Alien series. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, Alien vs. Predator became a significant hit, revitalizing both franchises. Set in modern-day America, the film reveals the historical connection between the Yautja and Xenomorphs, showcasing how Predators have used humans to breed Xenomorphs for centuries as part of their rites of passage. The cast includes 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)

Serving as a direct sequel to AVP, Aliens vs Predator: Requiem continues the battle between the two iconic species. While not as successful as its predecessor, the film introduced the terrifying Alien-Predator hybrid, the "Predalien," which wreaks havoc on a small Colorado town. A Predator "cleaner" is sent to eliminate the new 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 is unique as it is the only film in the series not set on Earth. Instead, it takes place on a distant planet used as a Yautja game reserve. The film follows a group of abducted human killers, including Adrien Brody, Walton Goggins, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, and Alice Braga, who are pitted against each other and the Predators. The exact Earth timeline is unclear, but it can be assumed to occur in the early 21st century.

Read IGN's review of Predators

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

7. The Predator (2018)

Directed and co-written by Shane Black, The Predator returns to the franchise's roots with a squad of unstable soldiers, portrayed by Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Jane, and Alfie Allen, battling two Predators. The film also teases further developments and includes alternate endings featuring time-traveling versions of Alien characters Ellen Ripley and Newt.

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 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 second film, also directed by Trachtenberg, was kept under wraps for some time but has now been revealed as Predator: Killer of Killers. This animated feature will explore three different historical encounters with the ultimate killer and is set to premiere directly on Hulu on June 6.