How to Watch Predator Movies in Chronological Order

The Predator franchise, featuring one of the universe's most lethal hunters, has thrilled audiences for decades with its blend of sci-fi action and horror. From the jungles of South America to the streets of Los Angeles and even distant planets, these films have taken us on a wild ride through space and time. For those looking to embark on a cinematic journey through the Predator saga, this guide will help you navigate the series, ensuring you experience the hunt in the most engaging way possible.

The Recommended Viewing Order

Unlike some franchises with complex timelines, the Predator series has a relatively straightforward chronology. The recommended viewing order for the Predator movies is:

This order aligns with the internal chronology of the stories, providing the most coherent way to experience the evolution of the Predator's interactions with humanity.

Prey (2022)

The latest entry in the Predator franchise serves as a prequel, taking us back to the early 18th century.

Setting: The story unfolds in 1719 on the Great Plains, focusing on the Comanche Nation.

Key Characters:

• Naru (Amber Midthunder): A young Comanche warrior
• Taabe: Naru's brother
• The Predator: An alien hunter on its first Earth expedition

Why Start Here: "Prey" directed by Dan Trachtenberg, offers a fresh perspective on the Predator's first hunt on our planet. It sets the stage for the long history of these alien visitors and their interactions with humanity. The film cleverly adapts the "most dangerous game" concept to a historical setting, pitting the technologically advanced Predator against the skilled and determined Naru.

"Prey" stands out for its unique setting and strong female protagonist. It explores themes of colonialism and indigenous resilience alongside the traditional Predator hunt. The film's stripped-back approach to the Predator's technology creates a more even playing field, emphasizing the importance of skill and ingenuity in the face of a superior foe.

Predator (1987)

The original Predator film that started it all remains a classic of the action and sci-fi genres.

Setting: The lush jungles of South America serve as the backdrop for this intense showdown.

Key Characters:

• Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger): Leader of an elite team of commandos
• Dillon (Carl Weathers): A former comrade of Dutch, now working for the CIA
• Anna (Elpidia Carrillo): A guerrilla fighter captured by Dutch's team
• The Predator: An alien hunter seeking worthy prey

Why Watch Second: This film introduces the Predator to modern audiences, showcasing its advanced technology and ruthless hunting skills. Directed by John McTiernan, "Predator" perfectly balances action, suspense, and sci-fi elements, establishing the tone for the entire franchise.

"Predator" is renowned for its tension-building and the gradual reveal of the alien hunter. The film starts as a standard military action movie before evolving into a sci-fi horror thriller. It established many of the Predator's iconic abilities, including thermal vision, cloaking technology, and advanced weaponry. The final showdown between Dutch and the Predator set the standard for human ingenuity overcoming superior technology.

Predator 2 (1990)

The sequel shifts the alien hunt to an urban jungle, expanding the Predator lore.

Setting: The story takes place in 1997 Los Angeles, amid a sweltering heat wave and escalating gang violence.

Key Characters:

• Lieutenant Mike Harrigan (Danny Glover): A tough LAPD detective
• Peter Keyes (Gary Busey): A mysterious government agent
• Jerry Lambert (Bill Paxton): A cocky young detective partnered with Harrigan
• The Predator: A new alien hunter with an expanded arsenal

Why Watch Third: "Predator 2" builds on the mythology established in the first film, introducing new Predator weapons and hinting at a larger Predator society. It also connects to the wider universe with an Easter egg referencing the Alien franchise.

This sequel expands the Predator lore significantly. It introduces the concept of Predators hunting in urban environments and during heat waves. The film also gives us our first look at Predator society, showcasing multiple hunters and hinting at their code of honor. The famous scene where Harrigan is given an antique pistol by an elder Predator suggests a long history of hunts on Earth.

Alien vs. Predator (2004)

This crossover film brings together two of sci-fi's most iconic alien species.

Setting: The story unfolds in 2004 on Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica.

Key Characters:

• Alexa Woods (Sanaa Lathan): An environmental technician and guide
• Charles Bishop Weyland (Lance Henriksen): The billionaire financier of the expedition
• Scar: A young Predator on a rite of passage hunt
• Grid: An exceptionally cunning Xenomorph

Why Watch Fourth: "Alien vs. Predator" expands both franchises, creating a shared universe that explores the ancient connection between Predators, Aliens, and humans. It provides context for the Predators' long-standing relationship with Earth and introduces the concept of Predators hunting Xenomorphs as a rite of passage.

The film delves into the idea that Predators have been visiting Earth for millennia, influencing ancient civilizations and using the planet as a proving ground for young hunters. It also explores the lifecycle of the Xenomorphs and how they're used in Predator hunting rituals. The alliance between Alexa and Scar marks the first time in the franchise a human and Predator work together, adding new depth to the Predator's characterization.

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)

The second crossover film brings the alien conflict to small-town America.

Setting: The events take place in the small town of Gunnison, Colorado, immediately following the first AvP film.

Key Characters:

• Dallas Howard (Steven Pasquale): An ex-convict returning to his hometown
• Kelly O'Brien (Reiko Aylesworth): A soldier returning from service
• The Predalien: A hybrid creature born from a Predator impregnated by a Facehugger
• Wolf: An elite Predator cleaner sent to contain the outbreak

Why Watch Fifth: This film continues the story from the first AvP, showing the consequences of the alien grudge match on Earth. It introduces the Predalien hybrid and showcases how both species adapt to a modern small-town setting.

"Requiem" takes a darker tone than its predecessor, focusing on the horror elements of both franchises. The introduction of the Predalien adds a new dynamic to the conflict, as it possesses strengths from both species. The film also explores the idea of a Predator "cleaner," sent to erase evidence of their existence, adding another layer to Predator society and their interactions with Earth.

Predators (2010)

This installment takes the action off-world, pitting a group of elite warriors against multiple Predators.

Setting: The story unfolds on an alien planet serving as a game preserve for Predators.

Key Characters:

• Royce (Adrien Brody): A mercenary who becomes the de facto leader of the group
• Isabelle (Alice Braga): An Israeli sniper
• Noland (Laurence Fishburne): A survivor of previous hunts

Why Watch Sixth: Produced by Robert Rodriguez, "Predators" returns to the franchise's roots while expanding its scope to a galactic scale. It introduces new Predator types and explores the idea of humans being transported to an alien world for sport.

The Predator (2018)

The most recent mainline entry in the Predator series brings the hunt back to Earth with higher stakes.

Setting: Present-day suburban America becomes the battleground for an enhanced Predator.

Key Characters:

• Quinn McKenna (Boyd Holbrook): A former Army Ranger who first encounters the Predator
• Casey Bracket (Olivia Munn): An evolutionary biologist brought in to study the Predator
• Rory McKenna (Jacob Tremblay): Quinn's son, who becomes central to the Predator's mission

Why Watch Last: Directed by Shane Black (who appeared in the original film), "The Predator" attempts to elevate the threat level by introducing the concept of Predators upgrading themselves with DNA from other species. It sets up potential future conflicts on a larger scale.

The Future of the Predator Franchise

With the success of "Prey" in 2022, the Predator franchise has shown it still has plenty of life left. Fans eagerly anticipate where the series might go next. Will we see more period pieces exploring Predator encounters throughout history? Or will future films push further into sci-fi territory, perhaps showing us the Predators' home world?

The potential for crossovers also remains tantalizing. While the AvP films have their critics, many fans would love to see a big-screen rematch between the Aliens and Predators. There's also been speculation about other possible crossovers – imagine a Predator facing off against the replicants from "Blade Runner" or hunting Freddy Krueger in his dream world.

Expanding Your Predator Experience

For those who want to dive deeper into the world of Predator after watching the films, there are several options:

1. Comics and Novels: Both the Predator and Alien vs. Predator franchises have extensive comic book series and novels that expand the lore and explore new stories.
2. Video Games: Several games have been released based on the Predator franchise, allowing fans to step into the shoes of both the hunters and the hunted.
3. Behind-the-Scenes Content: Documentaries and making-of features provide fascinating insights into the creation of the Predator design and the filming of the movies.
4. Fan Theories and Discussions: The Predator community is active online, with fans discussing theories, analyzing the films, and speculating about future installments.

Conclusion

The Predator franchise offers a thrilling journey through a universe where humanity is not the apex predator. By watching the movies in chronological order - from "Prey" to "The Predator" - viewers can experience the evolution of the Predator's interactions with humanity and the expanding scope of the franchise.

Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of Predator, these films provide a pulse-pounding and visually stunning entry point into one of sci-fi's most enduring creations. They introduce viewers to a galaxy where the hunt is eternal, advanced alien technology clashes with human ingenuity, and survival often comes down to raw determination and skill.

So gather your fellow hunters, prepare for an interstellar adventure, and embark on your own mission to survive and conquer in the world of Predator. As you watch, keep an eye out for the evolving Predator designs, the increasingly complex mythology, and the ways each film builds on what came before. Happy hunting, and remember – if it bleeds, we can kill it.