"Predator Movies: Chronological Viewing Guide"

Humans may consider themselves at the top of the food chain on Earth, but in the cosmic arena of the "Predator" franchise, we're barely holding our own. Since the iconic 1987 film featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, the series has introduced us to the Yautja, towering extraterrestrial hunters who traverse galaxies in search of worthy prey. These fearsome beings not only hunt on various planets but have been known to abduct species for their deadly games back on their home world.

The first two Predator films, released in 1987 and 1990, laid the foundation for this thrilling saga. The introduction of the Xenomorphs from the Alien series in the 2000s led to the creation of a shared universe through two Alien vs. Predator movies, blending these cinematic nightmares into one universe. Throughout the 2010s, directors like Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg added their unique touches to the franchise.

With two new Predator films scheduled for release in 2025, now is the perfect time to revisit these sci-fi classics. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, we've got you covered with a complete guide on how to watch every Predator movie in order, both chronologically and by release date. Below, you'll find the timeline of the Predator movies and where to watch them online.

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How to Watch the Predator Movies in Chronological Order

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You can also check out our guide to the Alien movies 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, two Alien crossovers, and one prequel. Additionally, two new Predator movies are set to release in 2025.

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Predator 4-Movie Collection

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Predator Movies in (Chronological) Order

1. Prey (2022)

Prey serves as a prequel set in 1719 across the Great Plains. It follows a young Comanche woman, Naru (Amber Midthunder), who sets out to prove herself on a hunt with her brother. Their expedition takes a deadly turn when they encounter a primitive Predator. Determined and resourceful, Naru aims to take down this alien hunter in this fresh addition to the saga.

Read IGN's review of Prey

Where to Stream: Hulu

2. Predator (1987)

The franchise kicked off with the 1987 classic directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, alongside Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Shane Black. In this action-packed film, a seemingly invincible military rescue team faces an invisible threat in the jungles of South America. The reveal of an alien hunter on a deadly safari challenges Dutch (Schwarzenegger) to outsmart and defeat a technologically superior foe.

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

3. Predator 2 (1990)

Three years later, the Predator returned in a sequel set amidst a heatwave and crimewave in 1997 Los Angeles. This time, a new cast led by Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso battles both a violent Cartel and a Predator stalking the city's streets.

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

4. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)

After a 14-year hiatus, the franchise roared back with a crossover film that merged the Predator universe with the Alien saga. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, Alien vs. Predator introduced a historical connection between the Yautja and Xenomorphs, revealing that Predators had been using humans to breed Xenomorphs for centuries as part of their rite of passage hunts. 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 immediate aftermath of the first crossover. Although less successful, it introduced the terrifying "Predalien" and a Predator "cleaner" tasked with eliminating this new threat in a small Colorado town.

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 takes the action off Earth to a Yautja game reserve planet. With a cast including Adrien Brody, Walton Goggins, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, and Alice Braga, this film explores how humans, specifically "established killers," are abducted for sport by warring Yautja tribes. Though the exact Earth year is unclear, it can be assumed to take place around 2010.

Read IGN's review of Predators

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

7. The Predator (2018)

Shane Black, a star of the original film, returned to direct The Predator in 2018. This installment brings back the classic formula with a squad of unstable soldiers, including Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Jane, and Alfie Allen, facing off against two Predators. The film teases future developments and hints at potential crossovers with the Alien franchise.

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 films in the order they were released, the list is as follows:

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