"Predator Movies: How to Watch in Chronological Order"

Humans often pride themselves on being at the top of the food chain, but in the vast expanse of the galaxy, we barely hold our own in the cosmic arena. The Predator franchise, which kicked off with the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger film in 1987, introduces us to the "Yautja"—towering, trophy-hunting extraterrestrials who scour different worlds for lethal sport and are known to abduct species for hunts on their home planet.

The saga began with two foundational films in 1987 and 1990, setting the stage for what would become a thrilling series. With the Xenomorphs from the Alien franchise also posing a cinematic threat to humanity, it was a natural progression in the 2000s to merge these worlds with the Alien vs. Predator films. In the subsequent decade, directors like Robert Rodriguez, Shane Black, and Dan Trachtenberg each brought their unique vision to the franchise.

As we look forward to two new Predator movies in 2025, now is the perfect time to revisit the original sci-fi classics. Whether you're new to the series or a longtime fan, we've got you covered with a comprehensive timeline of the Predator movies and where to watch them online.

How to Watch the Predator Movies in Chronological Order

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You can also check out our guide to the Alien movies in order to incorporate the whole timeline.

How Many Predator Movies Are There?

There are a total of seven movies in the Predator franchise—four in the mainline series of films, two Alien crossovers, and one prequel. Two new Predator movies are slated for release in 2025.

Blu-Ray + Digital

Predator 4-Movie Collection

Includes Predator, Predator 2, Predators, and The Predator. See it at Amazon.

Predator Movies in (Chronological) Order

1. Prey (2022)

Prey serves as a prequel, designed to be viewed after the other films (especially Predator 2). However, for a true chronological experience, start here. Set in 1719 on the Great Plains, Prey follows a young Comanche woman, Naru (Amber Midthunder), who embarks on a hunt with her brother and unexpectedly finds herself in the sights of a primitive Predator. Determined to prove herself, Naru sets out to take down the alien predator in this thrilling addition to the three-decade saga.

Read IGN's review of Prey

Where to Stream: Hulu

2. Predator (1987)

The Predator saga began with the 1987 film, directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger alongside Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Shane Black, who later directed his own Predator film. This action classic follows a seemingly unstoppable military rescue team ambushed by an invisible alien hunter in the South American jungles. When the predator is revealed, Schwarzenegger's Dutch must devise a strategy to defeat a technologically and tactically superior foe.