It’s been a long time since I’ve done a franchise ranking, and after recently watching and rewatching all the Predator movies, I figured it’s finally time to rank them. I’ll only be looking at the main Predator films and not the Alien vs. Predator crossover movies. So, let’s get into it!
7. The Predator (2018)
This movie had so much potential but ultimately let fans down. While it delivers a few funny moments and some decent action, it doesn’t live up to what a Predator film should be. It tried to modernize the franchise but lost the suspense and grit that made the earlier movies so memorable. I’m usually a Shane Black fan, but this time I wasn’t.
6. Predator 2 (1990)
This one is actually pretty good, but it doesn’t hit as hard as I’d like. Danny Glover gives an amazing performance, and I love the urban jungle setting, but the movie as a whole just doesn’t win me over. It’s a bold sequel that tried something different, but it doesn’t quite capture the same energy as the original.
5. Predators (2010)
The third film in the main franchise, Predators takes humans to another planet and introduces the Berserker Predator, which is a great addition to the lore. It’s an enjoyable and creative entry that expands the world in an interesting way, even if it doesn’t fully reach its potential. It’s one of those movie that I don’t mind watching over and over again.
4. Predator: Badlands (2025)
The newest addition to the franchise, Predator: Badlands is a fantastic movie and a major step up from the last three entries on this list. While it has its critics, I really loved it. It delivers thrilling action, strong performances, and a fresh direction that makes the series feel alive again. It not only expands the lore of the Yautja, but it also turns them into protagonists.
3. Predator: Killer of Killers (Animated, 2024)
This animated entry is a surprisingly great addition to the franchise. Killer of Killers is like three different movies in one, and it works. It’s fun, violent, and full of creativity and interesting characters. It is a perfect addition to the Predator universe. If you haven’t seen it yet, then you definitely should, it’s available on Disney+.
2. Prey (2022)
Prey gave new life to the Predator franchise. Director Dan Trachtenberg clearly has a deep love for this universe, and it shows in every frame. The film is beautifully shot, simple yet powerful, and manages to balance tension and action perfectly. It’s easily one of the best modern reboots of a classic series.
1. Predator (1987)
You can’t beat the original. Predator is an absolute classic, a movie that starts as a standard military action film and slowly morphs into a sci-fi horror masterpiece. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch is iconic, and the film’s atmosphere, pacing, and suspense remain unmatched. It’s everything an action-horror should be.
That’s my ranking of the Predator movies! Obviously, your list might look different, but that’s what makes these discussions fun. The Predator franchise has had its ups and downs, but overall, it remains one of the most fascinating and enduring series in sci-fi action. Let me know how you would rank these movies.
