As Predator: Badlands gears up for release on November 7, 2025, fans are revisiting the legendary sci-fi franchise to understand how each chapter ties together. The Predator universe spans centuries, traverses planets, and even features epic crossovers with the Alien franchise. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, watching the Predator films in the correct order makes a massive difference in following the story.
Here’s your ultimate guide to watching all the Predator movies – first by the chronological events within the story, and then by the actual release dates.
Predator Movies in Story Timeline Order
1. Prey (2022)
Set in 1719, this film introduces us to Naru, a young Comanche warrior who must survive an encounter with a Predator in the North American wilderness. It’s the earliest story in the timeline and showcases the origins of mankind’s encounters with these alien hunters.
2. Alien vs. Predator (2004)
Taking place in modern times, scientists unearth an ancient pyramid beneath Antarctica. What starts as a discovery mission turns into a life-or-death survival test as Predators and Xenomorphs battle in a deadly tradition.
3. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
This sequel begins right after AVP, where a Predator-Xenomorph hybrid crashes in a small Colorado town. Chaos erupts as local residents fight for survival against the bloody carnage unleashed by the alien threat.
4. Predator (1987)
The original film that started it all. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a commando dropped into the Central American jungle on a rescue mission—only to discover that they are being hunted by an extraterrestrial warrior.
5. Predator 2 (1990)
The sequel moves to a heat-stricken Los Angeles in 1997, where a new Predator stalks the city during a violent gang war. A determined detective, played by Danny Glover, tries to uncover and stop the unseen killer.
6. Predators (2010)
Strangers from Earth find themselves on a distant alien planet where they’re being hunted for sport by a more evolved type of Predator. This installment offers a look at the predators’ hunting rituals beyond Earth.
7. The Predator (2018)
A rogue Predator escapes to Earth, pursued by an upgraded hybrid version. This chapter expands the lore with discussions of genetic enhancements and hints at a greater extraterrestrial threat.
8. Predator: Badlands (2025)
Arriving in theaters on November 7, this newest entry promises a fresh direction. Although the plot remains tightly under wraps, early rumors suggest a possible off-Earth setting and deeper exploration of the Yautja (Predator) culture.
Predator Movies in Theatrical Release Order
- Predator (1987)
- Predator 2 (1990)
- Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
- Predators (2010)
- The Predator (2018)
- Prey (2022)
- Predator: Badlands (2025)
What We Know So Far About Predator: Badlands
While official plot details are being kept secret, speculations suggest Badlands could either tie back to Prey or serve as a continuation of The Predator. What’s certain is that this new installment aims to dive deeper into Predator lore, possibly showcasing more of their home world and ancient traditions. It marks a new era for the franchise, with fans eagerly awaiting how this chapter will shape the saga’s future.
