"Delving into the Predator film series history, ahead of its upcoming release this week"
Dive into the thrilling world of the Predator movie franchise, where relentless killing machines rule the silver screen. The Predators, or Yautja, are as iconic as the Xenomorphs from the Alien series. Ruthless, brutal, and yet undeniably cool, these alien beings have fascinated audiences since the debut of the original Predator in 1987.
In the spirit of their downright awesome appearance, it's important to note that the Predators' "dreadlocks" are, in fact, sensory organs, and their facial armor is downright badass.
Now, let's journey through the Predator universe, starting with the announcement of the newest additions to the series – the animated movie Predator: Killer of Killers set to release in 2025 and the upcoming theatrical release Predator: Badlands, which will take us to a distant planet in the distant future.
Here is the Predator franchise in chronological order:
Chronological order
- Prey (2022) - Set in the early 18th century, this prequel follows Naru, a Comanche warrior attempting to prove herself. When a Yautja arrives in her homeland, testing its hunting skills against Earth's most dangerous species, Naru must rely on her wits, tracking skills, and deep knowledge of her home environment to confront the alien menace.
- Predator (1987) - In the jungles of Central America, Dutch, an elite commando, fights to survive after his team is hunted by an unseen, deadly alien killer. This film brought us the terrifying Predator and its now iconic heat-seeking vision, giving us our first taste of this formidable hunting species.
- Predator 2 (1990) - This sequel moves the action to 1997 Los Angeles, where a Yautja is hunting for sport amidst a crime wave. With a strong focus on grit and darkness, Predator 2 introduced us to the idea that the Predator can be indifferent to humanity's conflicts.
- Aliens vs. Predator (2004) - In this action-packed crossover, a team uncovers a buried pyramid, unleashing Xenomorph and Predator critters. Mixing the two legendary franchises, Aliens vs. Predator revealed exciting new terrain in the Predator universe.
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) - In this follow-up to the first crossover, a Yautja is dispatched to eliminate an Xenomorph outbreak in small-town America, but human characters Dallas and Kelly team up to defuse the escalating carnage. Requiem saw the Predators and Xenomorphs clash once more on Earth.
- Predators (2010) - This movie follows a group of mercenaries dropped onto an alien planet, hunted by Predators in a classic cat-and-mouse game. Predators served as a spiritual successor to the original Predator, offering a fascinating glimpse into the complex Predator society.
- The Predator (2018) - Combining innovation with tradition, The Predator features a Fugitive Predator and the Upgrade Predator, while emphasizing the Xenomorph threat. This reboot strives to reinvigorate the franchise for modern audiences.
Release date
Predator (1987), Predator 2 (1990), Aliens vs. Predator (2004), Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), Predators (2010), The Predator (2018), and Prey (2022).
Prey
- Release year: 2022
- Director: Dan Trachtenberg
A smart, suspenseful prequel that honours the spirit of the original while carving its own path, Prey is the best Predator film of recent times. Set in the early 18th century, Prey's subtlety, suspense, and focus on survival over spectacle earned it widespread praise.
Predator (1987)
- Release year: 1987
- Director: John McTiernan
This classic film introduced audiences to the Predator's brutal hunting prowess. Its 80s action aesthetic, memorable lines, and distinct Predator look helped shape the cinematic landscape, making it a must-watch for any Predator fan.
Predator 2 (1990)
- Release year: 1990
- Director: Stephen Hopkins
This sequel moves the action to a grim 1997 Los Angeles, where a Yautja hunts criminals and armed police officers alike. While not quite achieving the heights of the original, Predator 2 set the tone for darker, more gritty entries in the Predator franchise.
Aliens vs. Predator (2004)
- Release year: 2004
- Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
In this crossover, a team discovers a buried pyramid and inadvertently releases Xenomorph and Predator creatures. AVP showcases an impressive blend of Xenomorph and Yautja elements, combining the two franchises for the first time.
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
- Release year: 2007
- Director: The Brothers Strause
Requiem picks up where AVP left off, with a Yautja dispatched to eliminate an Xenomorph outbreak in a small Colorado town. When the Xenomorphs infest the town, the lone Predator must hunt them down. This sequel highlights the Predator's role in eliminating the threat of the Xenomorphs.
Predators (2010)
- Release year: 2010
- Director: Nimród Antal
Set on an alien planet, Predators follows a group of mercenaries abandoned by their leaders, left to fend for themselves against Predators on a hidden game reserve. This spiritual successor to the original offers a fresh take on the Predator universe, introducing new Predator hierarchy, including "Super Predators."
The Predator (2018)
- Release year: 2018
- Director: Shane Black
Combining humor with terror, The Predator follows a Fugitive Predator and the introduction of the Upgrade Predator. This reboot tied technological advancements with innovative ideas, suggesting the possibility of an altruistic Fugitive Predator and working to preserve the planet for humanity.
Where Killer of Killers and Badlands fit in
Predator: Killer of Killers is an upcoming animated film set to release in 2025. This anthology story explores Yautja battles across various time periods, featuring a Viking raider, a ninja in feudal Japan, and a WWII pilot.
Predator: Badlands is set to be released globally into theaters on November 7, 2025, following a young Predator outcast and human Thia as they search for the ultimate adversary on a distant planet.
With so many incredible films in the Predator franchise, it's evident that the Yautja continue to captivate audiences with their ruthless yet mesmerizing presence. Whether you're a fan of suspense, action, or sci-fi, there's something in this franchise for you.
So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to join the Yautja on their bloodthirsty hunt through time and space. Happy hunting!
In the realms of entertainment and sci-fi-and-fantasy, the Predator universe continues to expand, with two promising additions to the cinematic franchise. The animated movie Predator: Killer of Killers, set to release in 2025, explores various Yautja battles across different time periods, promising a thrilling voyage through history and legend.
Meanwhile, the upcoming live-action theatrical release Predator: Badlands, planned for a global premiere on November 7, 2025, transports us to a distant planet where a young Predator outcast and a human named Thia collaborate to encounter the ultimate adversary. These latest offerings in the Predator universe are sure to captivate fans of not only Predator movies but also universe-spanning adventures in the realm of movies-and-tv and sci-fi-and-fantasy. So, gear up for a awe-inspiring experience as we follow the Predators through time and space.
