Humans often pride themselves on being at the top of the food chain, but in the galactic gladiator competition, we're barely holding our own. The Predator franchise, which kicked off with the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger film in 1987, introduces us to the "Yautja"—towering, trophy-seeking hunters from space who scour different worlds for lethal sport and have been known to abduct species for hunts on their home planet.
The initial two Predator films in 1987 and 1990 established the saga's foundation. Given the cinematic menace of the Xenomorphs from the Alien series, it was a natural progression in the 2000s to create a shared universe with two Alien vs. Predator films. In the following decade, directors like Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg each brought their unique vision to the franchise.
With two new Predator movies slated for release in 2025, now is the perfect time to dive into the original sci-fi classics. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, we've compiled a comprehensive timeline of the Predator movies and where you can watch them online.
Jump to:
- How to watch in chronological order
- How to watch by release order
How to Watch the Predator Movies in Chronological Order
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You can also explore our guide to the Alien movies to get the full timeline experience.
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. Two more Predator films are scheduled for release in 2025.
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Predator Movies in (Chronological) Order
1. Prey (2022)
Prey serves as a prequel and, although designed to be watched after the other films, it's the starting point if you're aiming for a chronological journey. Set in 1719 across the Great Plains, Prey follows a young Comanche woman, Naru (Amber Midthunder), who finds herself in the sights of a more primitive Predator while on a hunt with her brother. Determined to prove herself, Naru sets out to take down 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 1987's Predator, directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime, alongside Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Shane Black (who later directed his own Predator film). This action classic follows a formidable military rescue team as they face an invisible, alien hunter in the South American jungles. Schwarzenegger's character, Dutch, must outsmart and defeat a technologically superior foe on its sinister safari.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
3. Predator 2 (1990)
A few years later, the sequel brought the Predator to a new setting and cast. Set in a heatwave-stricken, crime-ridden Los Angeles of 1997, Predator 2 features Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Ruben Blades, and María Conchita Alonso as cops battling both a brutal Cartel war and a deadly Predator stalking the city.
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
4. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
After a 14-year hiatus, the franchise returned with a crossover that merged with the Alien saga. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, AVP: Alien vs. Predator was a box office success, revitalizing both franchises. Set in present-day America, it reveals that Predators have been using humans to breed Xenomorphs for centuries, hunting them for sport. Stars include 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)
Continuing the crossover saga, Aliens vs Predator: Requiem picks up right after AVP, introducing the "Predalien" and its attack on a small Colorado town. A Predator "cleaner" is sent to eliminate the new threat, but the film didn't match its predecessor's success, marking the end of the crossover films.
Read IGN's review of Alien vs. Predator: Requiem
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
6. Predators (2010)
Robert Rodriguez's Predators is unique for being the only film in the series not set on Earth. It transports audiences to a distant planet used as a Yautja game reserve, where humans—specifically "established killers"—are abducted for sport between rival Yautja tribes. The film's timeline is ambiguous but can be placed in the early 21st century.
Read IGN's review of Predators
Where to Stream: Hulu | Rent/Buy: Prime Video
7. The Predator (2018)
Shane Black's The Predator, released in 2018, returns to the franchise's roots with a squad of unpredictable soldiers facing off against two rampaging Predators. The film hints at more to come, with alternate endings teasing a crossover involving Alien's Ellen Ripley and Rebecca "Newt" Jorden.
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 in the order they were released in theaters, follow this list:
- Predator (1987)
- Predator 2 (1990)
- AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)
- Predators (2010)
- The Predator (2018)
- Prey (2022)
