Predator | Ranked

Let's rank the Predator franchise...

Predator is one of the most fun franchises in the action genre. Although some count them as part horror, I look at them more as creature feature action films. The design of the Predator is what drew me into the series. I just think it's one of the coolest designs ever. They look and feel like absolute wrecking machines that can take out the entire universe of humankind. The crazy thing is... they could, if they were real.

The first film with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers is one I revisit at least once a year. It's fantastic. The sequels and crossover films are fun as well. With this article, I will rank the Predator franchise from lesser to greater.

*Note -- there are plans to release another film called Predator: Badlands sometime in the near future.

Enjoy!

7. ALIEN vs. PREDATOR: REQUIEM (2007)

About: Warring Alien and Predator races descend on a rural Colorado town, where unsuspecting residents must band together for any chance of survival.

Analysis: Much like with the Alien franchise rankings I did, Requiem is by far the worst of both franchises and one of the absolute worst films ever made.

SCORE: 1/5

6. THE PREDATOR (2018)

About: When a young boy accidentally triggers the universe's most lethal hunters' return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled scientist can prevent the end of the human race.

Analysis: THE PREDATOR has an appealing cast and decent action sequences. The biggest misfire with this one is the story, I didn't like the pacing or characters. Not one of the best of the franchise. We didn't need this movie.

SCORE: 2/5

5. ALIEN vs. PREDATOR (2004)

About: During an archaeological expedition on Bouvetøya Island in Antarctica, a team of archaeologists and other scientists find themselves caught up in a battle between the two legends. Soon, the team realize that only one species can win.

Analysis: AVP, much like what I said in the Alien rankings, is one of the most entertaining movies in either franchise. The story adds up, action is great and the cast is great. I revisit this one a lot.

SCORE: 3/5

4. PREDATOR 2 (1990)

About: The Predator returns to Earth, this time to stake a claim on the war-torn streets of a dystopian Los Angeles.

Analysis: A great cast, fun action sequences and some great one-liners make PREDATOR 2 one of the most unserious, yet entertaining action movies of all time and in the Predator franchise.

SCORE: 3/5

3. PREY (2022)

About: Naru, a skilled warrior of the Comanche Nation, fights to protect her tribe against one of the first highly-evolved Predators to land on Earth.

Analysis: I love that they got to use the original design idea for the Predator character here. Love the design and PREY has a great story, well written, great characters and action sequences. The atmospherics are to die for as well. Great performances, especially from Amber Midthunder. One of the most fun and energetic entries in the franchise.

SCORE: 4/5

2. PREDATORS (2010)

About: A group of elite warriors parachute into an unfamiliar jungle and are hunted by members of a merciless alien race.

Analysis: This is another one that has endless entertainment value, action sequences and has an amazing cast as well. I love that they used the classic Predator design, while also introducing different breeds of Predator -- all battling it out in a rain forest warzone on a third world planet. I love the performances, particularly Topher Grace, Lawrence Fishbourne and Adrian Brody. If you haven't seen it, go see it.

SCORE: 4/5

1. PREDATOR (1987)

About: A team of commandos on a mission in a Central American jungle find themselves hunted by an extraterrestrial warrior.

Analysis: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Alien Predators, incredible action sequences and set pieces. That's all you need for a popcorn fest. PREDATOR is a classic action film that never goes out of style. It remains one of the best to this day, it fits in any generation of action films. Has a great, energetic cast and a ton of entertainment value. Highly recommend.

SCORE: 4/5

OVERALL ANALYSIS

The PREDATOR franchise definitely has more hits than misses in my eyes. Pretty much every entry has some kind of entertainment value for someone out there, me including. They're fun movies, action packed, some more story driven than others -- but overall have a ton of entertainment cheese for whom it concerns. If you haven't dived into this classic franchise, please do so. Highly recommend.