Check out the official trailer for Prey below: Prey is the seventh movie in the Predator series, following Predator (1987), Predator 2 (1990), Predators (2010), The Predator (2018), and spin-off movies Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Reqiuem (2007). So let’s rank all seven movies, from worst to best…
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
The bottom of the pile is an absolute no-brainer. The 2007 follow-up to Paul W S Anderson’s Alien vs. Predator is nothing short of abysmal, and by contrast makes its predecessor look like a timeless masterpiece. The Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem directors definitely listened to fans who complained about the first film’s PG-13 violence, as the sequel crosses the line on a couple of occasions, which leaves a very bad taste in your mouth. Outside the two somewhat offensive scenes we won’t get into, the film is a painfully weak, less-than-mediocre affair that is so inexplicably dark, it is simply unwatchable. Probably for the best, though.
Predator 2 (1992)
Predator 2 is one of the greatest oddities where sequels are concerned. In many ways, it’s a fitting successor, as it swaps out the unbearably claustrophobic rainforest for the urban hell that is downtown LA. It’s a bold move, and watching the Predator dispatch violent thugs left, right, and center makes for some solid entertainment. Danny Glover’s Detective Mike Harrigan is also a great character, and a sensible follow-up to Arnie’s Dutch. Unfortunately, the cons quickly make themselves known. The third act in the meat factory and on the Predator spaceship is great stuff, but the rest is loud and obnoxious and will leave you with a headache that just isn’t worth having.
The Predator (2018)
Shane Black’s The Predator gets a bad rap. Let us start by saying that it is an awful Predator sequel, and is by no means an excellent movie on its own merits. But with that said, there’s still a lot of fun to be had with it. The writing’s on the wall with the fourth entry in the Predator franchise - in other words, it’s bad. And what is even more frustrating is that this film is deliberately a comedy-actioner, and in no way a suspense-fuelled action horror. But, if you’re looking to leave your brain at the door and enjoy mindless entertainment for a two hours, you won’t be disappointed. It’s fun, gory, and action-packed - unfortunately, though, that’s about it.
Alien vs. Predator (2004)
Upon its release, Alien vs. Predator was panned by critics and fans. However, in the decades since, it has become slightly more appreciated, which probably owes thanks to its awful sequel Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem. On its own merits, though, Alien vs. Predator isn’t a terrible film by any means. For a movie that combines two R-rated franchises, frustratingly it does lack a level of violence that would up the ante, but there are plenty of pros. The biggest takeaway is the concept in which Predators hunt Xenomorphs in a temple on Earth as a rite of passage. It’s a brilliant idea, and while the characters are pretty forgettable, the showdowns are entertaining enough.
Prey (2022)
Many might be wondering why Prey hasn’t made it to the top of our list, but we happen to think that the film is being slightly overrated by fans and critics, and doesn’t even come close to the original Predator. With that said, Prey gets so many things right, whether it’s taking things back to basics, or choosing the Great Plains of 1719 as its setting. There are also some neat little callbacks to previous movies. However, though many are describing the film as the goriest in the franchise, we’re wondering if they’ve watched a different cut. Prey also feels far too short, as the third act seems to just creep up on you out of nowhere.
Predators (2010)
It seems as though Prey has forced fans and critics to look back on the Predator franchise, and an entry that’s popping up in most conversations is the vastly underrated Predators, which is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Predators is perhaps the most honest sequel to the original 1987 film, in that it has the same tone, atmosphere, and levels of suspense. Many criticize the sequel as being a “carbon copy”, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. After all, Predators takes place on a distant jungle planet - a game preserve where Predators hunt sport from all over the galaxy. There’s some excellent mythology-building at work here, and the characters offer plenty of depth.
Predator (1987)
We could spend all day talking about all the things that make Predator a bonafide classic. Whether it’s one of the many iconic lines, or Arnie’s one-on-one showdown with the Predator, there’s so much to choose from. The film is also, in equal parts, a great sci-fi, actioner, and horror, and its cast - which includes Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers - is solid in more ways than one (those biceps are thicker than the trees that surround them). Watching these musclebound commandos be reduced into men who are terrified out of their wits was such a brilliant move - if they’re afraid, we should be afraid too. Strangely, the film is also not without plenty of heart. Prey is currently streaming on Hulu in the US, Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ internationally. As per 20th Century Studios and Hulu, here’s the official synopsis for Prey: Set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago during 1719, the film follows Naru, a fierce and highly skilled warrior, who has been raised in the shadow of some of the most legendary hunters who roam the Great Plains. So when danger threatens her camp, she sets out to protect her people. The prey she stalks, and ultimately confronts, turns out to be a highly evolved alien with a technologically advanced arsenal, resulting in a vicious and terrifying showdown between the two adversaries.— 20th Century Studios and Hulu
