The Predator Films Ranked: Worst to Best
Dan Trachtenberg’s “Prey” dropped on Hulu on August 5th, and since then has become the platform’s biggest premiere to date! The film currently touts a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, and being it is the fifth film in the Predator franchise, we here at C4S think it is the perfect time to share with you which film is the worst, which is the best, and everything in between. So grab your hunting gear, and strap in!
5. The Predator (2018)
ROTTEN TOMATOES: 33% CRITIC RATING | 33% AUDIENCE RATING
Coming in last in our ranking is 2018’s “The Predator”. Shane Black has directed four films over the course of his career, and “The Predator” is by far his worst. The script is juvenile, and it’s relentless quipping is exhausting. Like so many “legacyquels”, it mistakes fan-service for quality storytelling. Its endless references to the original leave the viewer feeling empty once the experience is all said and done. “The Predator”’s depiction of mental illness and developmental disorders is absolutely offensive, and it does the bare minimum in its attempt to be respectful to those whom live with said conditions. On top of all that, the nuance of the Predator’s “code” illustrated in Predator films of the past is completely abandoned. Similar to the following film on our list, it has taken some of the worst elements of the original Predator and doubled down on them. It’s a miracle any film gets made, and the creator’s intent is never to make a bad one, but if you want to skip a film during your Predator rewatch, this would be the film to skip.
4. Predator 2 (1990)
ROTTEN TOMATOES: 32% CRITIC RATING | 44% AUDIENCE RATING
At number 4 we have Stephen Hopkins’ 1990 film, “Predator 2”. One would think transporting the Predator from the jungle to the urban environments of LA would make for an interesting premise, however, “Predator 2” falls into the classic sequel trap of wanting the success of the original without fully understanding what made its predecessor great. Baffling considering both Jim and John Thomas return to write the sequel’s screenplay. While the original is subtle in its satire of the genre, this film goes full force into the violent absurdity. Danny Glover does his best with what he is given, however, it is hard to make good use of a script that turns every character into a caricature or stereotype. However, the film isn’t entirely without merit. Unlike “The Predator”, the film knows what it is and remains tonally consistent throughout. Kevin Peter Hall is still doing a phenomenal job portraying the Predator itself, and the changes made to the Predator design still make it some of the best creature work the industry has to offer. However, at the end of the day, there are better Predator films to consider if you are in the mood to watch an alien hunt humans.
3. Predators (2010)
ROTTEN TOMATOES: 65% CRITIC RATING | 52% AUDIENCE RATING
Nimród Antal’s “Predators” from 2009 sits squarely in the middle of our ranking. It isn’t the best Predator flick, but it also isn’t the worst. “Predators” takes the big game hunting conceit of the Predator franchise and flips it on its head. Instead of the Predators hunting in the natural habit of their prey, they bring the prey to them. The film sports an absolutely A-List cast (Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Alice Braga, Walton Goggins, Laurence Fishburne, Danny Trejo, Mahershala Ali), however it never quite utilizes any of them to their fullest. The three Predators in the film are aesthetically interesting, however they don’t quite live up to the original’s design. Micheal Finch’s script—adapted from a screenplay written by Robert Rodriguez in the 90s—is simple, but overall makes for an entertaining B movie romp.
2. Predator (1987)
ROTTEN TOMATOES: 80% CRITIC RATING | 87% AUDIENCE RATING
Coming in at number 2, we have the progenitor of the franchise, the flick that started it all! John McTiernan’s “Predator” is a perfect mix of “Commando” action and science fiction intrigue. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a flawless muscle bound specimen, however unlike his cohorts in the film, understands that power isn’t everything and some opponents cannot be defeated with brawn alone. The way the film utilizes the “Jaws” tactic of less is more when it comes to the reveal of the titular monster, coupled with Alan Silvestri’s score, makes the iconic moment when the Predator removes his mask that much more impactful. Speaking of the Predator design, this is Stan Winston firing on all cylinders. The Predator’s humanoid physique and eyes make the creature relatable and intimidating, solidifying its position in pop culture history. The only thing holding this film back in my opinion are the more lewd and outdated elements of the script. Fortunately both perpetrators are dispatched pretty quickly once the Predator’s hunt begins.
1. Prey (2022)
ROTTEN TOMATOES: 92% CRITIC RATING | 79% AUDIENCE RATING
If it wasn’t obvious from the intro, “Prey” is excellent! Dan Trachtenberg takes the best elements of the original film and adds a fresh coat of paint. “Prey” takes place in 1719, and follows a young Comanche woman, Naru (Amber Midthunder), on a journey to prove to her tribe she is more than a healer. The film has all the exhilarating action trappings one would expect from the franchise, however, Jeff Cutter’s eye behind the camera makes them feel fresh and apart from anything we’ve seen before. The Predator design is as intimidating as the original and captures the monster’s traditional silhouette, however, it simultaneously feels of the era, and completely unique to the franchise. Finally, Patrick Aison knows how to craft a Predator screenplay. The way in which our hero’s journey is juxtaposed against that of the Predators is masterful, and by the time the final conflict arrives, it feels like a worthy matchup. “Prey” is peak B-movie storytelling!