They continue to come, and viewers continue to watch — the Predator franchise has intrigued audiences for decades, blending sci-fi action, horror, and exciting confrontations of men vs. alien hunters.
If you’re a long-time fan or a neophyte, the right order in which to watch these movies can be confusing. Here’s a rundown of the Predator movies, in release order and chronological order, and their relationships with the Alien franchise.
How to Watch the Predator Movies in Release Order
For the right viewing order if you want to watch the Predator flicks as released:
Predator (1987) – The original classic that kicked it all off, with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Predator 2 (1990) — A sequel, set in 1997, that relocates the action to a crime-ridden Los Angeles.
AVP: Alien vs. Predator ( 2004) – A crossover that links the Predator and Alien franchises.
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) – A sequel to AVP, with bloody carnage.
Predators (2010) — A sort of reboot, which saw a bunch of Warriors left on a Predator hunting planet.
The Predator (2018) – A reboot, setting the alien hunters back on Earth.
Prey (2022) — A prequel taking place in the 1700s, about the Predator’s first hunt on Earth
Watching in this order allows you to experience how the franchise evolved over time, from its origins to the latest installments.
Watching the Predator Movies in Chronological Order
For those who want to follow the story in the order events take place, here’s the chronological timeline:
Prey (2022) – A young Comanche warrior encounters a Predator for the first time in 1719.
Predator (1987) – The first official encounter with human soldiers.
Predator 2 (1990) – The second documented Predator hunt, in 1997.
AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004) – Sets up an ancient bond between humans, Predators, and Xenomorphs.
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) – Direct sequel to AVP, taking place in the immediate aftermath.
The Predator (2018) — Set in 2018, features new hybrid Predator experiments.
Predators (2010) – At what point in time is kind of vague, but probably near future.
These titles will help you track the in-universe chronology of the Predator species and their respective interactions with humans.
The Predator Timeline: How It Ties Into the Alien Franchise
According to the Alien vs Predators movies, Predators have been hunting Xenomorphs for centuries. That hasn’t really mattered too much, because Ridley Scott’s Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017) altered the Alien chronology, meaning that AVP has a very hard time of being positioned in the official Alien continuity. But while AVP slots into the Predator timeline, it doesn’t mesh with the newer timeline of the Alien franchise.
Future Predator Film: Predator: Badlands
The next entry in the franchise, Predator: Badlands, jumps ahead in time. Details are thin on the ground, but it will be the first Predator film since the second to be set in a future setting. Critics shifted nerves with anticipation to see how it broadens the Predator mythology.
Conclusion
The Predator franchise remains one of the most exciting sci-fi action series ever created. Whether you watch in release order or chronological order, each film offers thrilling battles, iconic alien hunters, and intense action. With Predator: Badlands on the way, the future of the franchise looks promising!
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