In 1987, Predator arrived in cinemas. The film, about a deadly alien hunter stalking prey in the Central American jungle, was a box office smash and led to a series of sequels and spin-offs, including a crossover with the Alien franchise.
The initial entry starred Hollywood super-star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and offered up a fantastic mix of sci-fi, horror, action, adventure, and suspense. Predator is regarded as one of the best-loved movies from the late 1980s, it introduced an iconic antagonist, and it showcased some killer lines of dialogue too.
A follow-up, the appropriately titled Predator 2, quickly followed, and while it didn’t quite hit the same high bar as the original, it attracted a loyal fanbase. The film also paved the way for further movies, which fleshed out the Predator mythology and turned this series into one of the most successful sci-fi film franchises of all-time.
But if you’re completely new to the Predator movies, or you simply haven’t kept up with all the entries over the years, you may find the series a little daunting. Well, if that’s the case, don’t worry, because in this post I am going to explain the series, and highlight the order of all the films.
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How many Predator movies are there?
As discussed above, the Predator film series began with 1987’s Predator. The movie – released by 20th Century Fox – focused on an elite paramilitary group on a rescue mission, who cross paths with a highly-skilled, technologically advanced (and equipped) alien hunter, who views them as prey.
This was the first entry in what is (to date) a seven-movie film franchise. The films have been popping up on a semi-regular basis since ’87, and have continued to remain a part of film pop culture ever since.
Predator (1987)
Beginning with Predator, the film series introduces Vietnam War veteran, Major Alan ‘Dutch’ Schaefer, as played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Dutch is the head of a military rescue team, who are called in by the CIA to conduct a special mission in an unspecified part of South America.
However, shortly into their mission in the jungle, the team is ambushed by an unseen adversary who kills by stealth. This mysterious assailant appears to be using a cloaking device and thermal technology to deliver its kills, leaving Dutch and Co. scrambling for survival.
As the team gets reduced in numbers, the identity of the mystery killer is revealed. The hunter is a creature of extra-terrestrial origin, and it’s goal is to defeat anyone who can offer up a challenge.
Predator 2 (1990)
Following the box-office success of Predator, as well as a positive response from audiences, 20th Century Fox gave the go-ahead for a sequel. Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t return for this follow-up, and instead the lead role was taken by Danny Glover, playing the part of Los Angeles police officer, Lieutenant Mike Harrigan.
Set in 1997, ten years after its predecessor, the action relocates from the South American jungle to the mean streets of LA, where a turf war between Colombian and Jamaican drug cartels is in full swing. However, this volatile feud is soon interrupted by the arrival of a new Predator, who begins bagging trophies much to Harrigan’s dismay.
Alien vs. Predator (2004)
Although Predator 2 performed moderately well at the box-office, it was not as well-received as its predecessor. As such, the Predator film franchise went on hiatus for 14 years, until it was revived in 2004.
However, rather than push forward with a sequel to Predator 2, 20th Century Fox opted to combine the Predator movie series with the Alien movies. Both films revolved around extra-terrestrial characters, both shared time together in crossover comics, and the studio felt now was the right time to unite them onscreen via a spin-off picture.
Moving the action to the present day, the film sees wealthy industrialist Charles Weyland assemble a team to go to Antarctica, to explore a hidden pyramid buried beneath the ice. When the team arrive at their destination they soon find themselves in the midst of an ancient battle between three Predators and an alien Xenomorph.
Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
With Alien vs. Predator fairing well at the box-office, a sequel was quickly put into production, arriving in 2007 under the title Alien vs. Predator: Requiem. This film would act as a direct sequel, with events picking up immediately after the conclusion of its predecessor.
In the film, a Predator ship, carrying a Predator/Xenomorph hybrid known as a Predalien, crash lands in Gunnison, Colorado. The Predalien escapes the crash and begins to wreak havoc on the local community.
Predators (2010)
Although Alien vs. Predator: Requiem proved successful at the box-office, the film was heavily criticised by critics and fans alike, who found many faults with the picture. As such, plans to continue the Alien vs. Predator spin-off series were abandoned, and 20th Century Fox decided to return to the main series instead, for the film Predators.
For this entry, a former US veteran-turned-mercenary called Royce, is taken to an alien planet along with various other people and hunted for sport by a collection of Predators. Royce and his fellow captives must fight for survival in an alien environment, while trying to learn as much as they can about the creatures who are hunting them.
The Predator (2018)
Following the release of Predators, the Predator franchise went a little bit quiet until 2018 and the arrival of The Predator. This film was to see the series taken back to Earth, with a team of former marines hunting down a Predator.
Prey (2022)
Although it was hoped that 2018’s Predator would reinvigorate the film series and bring new interest, the movie was not met with a particularly strong reception from critics or fans. However, it did OK at the box-office, and this paved the way for another entry.
But rather than continue the series with a sequel, the Predator franchise went down the prequel route instead with a movie called Prey. The film debuted on Hulu in the US, Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ everywhere else, and would be the first Predator movie not to be released in cinemas.
Set in 1719 (268 years before the events of Predator), the film followed the story of a Comanche woman named Naur who encounters a Predator in the Great Plains. With Naru having no access to modern technology, she has to fight for survival using limited resources and her own skills.
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Are all of the Predator movies part of the same series?
The Predator movies are technically part of the same series, although the Alien vs. Predator films are generally seen as off-shoots. However, it’s also worth noting that the series as a whole often feels very episodic, largely because there is no lead character linking up the different entries.
While Arnold Schwarzenegger leads the first movie, he does not appear in the sequels. Each film introduces a new hero, as well as new Predators, and this gives the series a bit of a ‘stand-alone’ feel to it.
The order of the Predator movies
The Predator movies were released in the following order:
- Predator (1987)
- Predator 2 (1990)
- Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
- Predators (2010)
- The Predator (2018)
- Prey (2022)
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Who are the cast of the Predator movies and are all of the movies the work of the same director?
A collection of high-profile actors have been involved with the Predator series since its inception. Notable names include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Shane Black, Bill Duke, Elpidia Carrillo, Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Bill Paxton, Robert Davi, Adam Baldwin, Lance Henriksen, Sanaa Lathan, Steven Pasquale, Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Alice Braga, Walton Goggins, Laurence Fishburne, Boyd Holbrook, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Thomas Jane, and Amber Midthunder.
With regards to the directors, the Predator film series has had as many directors as there are films.
- John McTiernan directed Predator
- Stephen Hopkins directed Predator 2
- Paul W. S. Anderson directed Alien vs. Predator
- The Brothers Strause directed Alien vs. Predator: Requiem
- Nimród Antal directed Predators
- Shane Black directed The Predator
- Dan Trachtenberg directed Prey
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What is the best Predator movie?
The original Predator movie from 1987 is generally regarded as the best entry in the series, however, 2022’s Prey is also a fan-favourite.
The IMDb ratings are as follows:
- Predator (1987) – 7.8/10
- Predator 2 (1990) – 6.3/10
- Alien vs. Predator (2004) 5.7/10
- Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) – 4.6/10
- Predators (2010) – 6.4/10
- The Predator (2018) – 5.3/10
- Prey (2022) 7.1/10
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If you’re a fan of the Predator movie series, you may wish to know that all of the films are available on physical media/home video, as part of various collection releases.
One of these releases is the Predator 4-Movie Blu-ray Collection which includes the films: Predator, Predator 2, Predators, and The Predator. The set is available to buy from all good entertainment stockists, including Amazon US and Amazon UK.
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Disclaimer: I earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about the Predator movie series. For more movie posts, be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
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