The Predator franchise has grown to gigantic proportions since the first film was released in 1987. Not only did it redefine sci-fi action-horror, but it also showed that sometimes, it's not the toughest person in the room that has the upper hand; it's the smartest. Each film that's been released has continued the story by moving the timetable forward to show how the species has advanced and evolved its hunting tactics. But in Prey, the timeline has moved backward and will likely show how the hunters adapted before their future visits to Earth. But for new fans of the series who want to see past films before or after Prey, where would be the best places to do that?
Predator Subverted Tropes and Introduced a Sci-Fi Icon
Released in 1987, Predator was a revolutionary film for the genre. Where other alien horror franchises, like Alien, showed the main antagonist as insectoid creatures focused on killing and spreading, the Predator cared more about the hunt. Even better, the film was framed like a typical action film akin to First Blood and starred big names in the genre like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers. But then, when the time came for the big alien reveal, it showed audiences that even the toughest guy in the room stood no chance against this menace. Its subversion of the "tough guy" trope has since made Predator a must-see.
Predator is available to stream on Hulu and to rent on YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu and Amazon Prime Video.
Predator 2 Took the Franchise in a Strange but Necessary Direction
Where Predator set a new standard for alien monster films, Predator 2 decided to expand on the lore more straightforwardly. But what made this film stand out from its predecessor was how it had the alien hunter return to Earth, killing in Los Angeles rather than the jungle. The change in scenery mixed with a detective murder mystery helped cement the film as both separate from what came before and ahead of its time. It may not have the same draw as the first, but it's still worth a watch.
Predator 2 is available to stream on Hulu and to rent on YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu and Amazon Prime Video.
Predators Pushed the Lore by Honoring the Past
Predators brought the franchise back to basics while once again reinventing the wheel. The film follows a group of killers from all walks of life forced to work together to survive in an alien game preserve. However, rather than have the Predator hunt on Earth, the alien is in familiar territory on a different planet. Using similar tropes and music, Predators paid homage to the first film but offered new story beats that expanded the lore and reinvigorated interest in the franchise.
Predators is available to stream on Hulu and to rent on Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu and Amazon Prime Video.
The Predator Offered Humanity an Unexpected Advantage
Directed by Shane Black (one of the Predator's first victims in 1987), The Predator was a far more bombastic sequel to the original film. While the film still held many of the tropes that made the other movies memorable, it also decided to push the envelope on how humanity could combat the Predator threat. For starters, it upgraded the enemy to a newer, stronger version of the hunter. Then it gave humanity the edge to defeat them. While The Predator didn't sit well with the larger fanbase, it's still a unique take on the lore that's worth exploring.
The Predator is available to stream on premium Hulu and fuboTV, can be streamed on ABC with cable TV and is available to rent on Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu and Amazon Prime Video.
AVP: Alien Vs. Predator Gave Fans a Long Teased Grudge Match
AVP: Alien Vs. Predator was the perfect mash-up of two of the most iconic alien horror franchises in cinema. The film followed the same basic plot of an Alien movie, with explorers finding a tomb still inhabited by Xenomorphs. But rather than fight them alone, the humans must also evade a group of Predators sent to hunt the Xenomorphs and humans, should they get in the way. AVP was a surprise success that showed just how well Xenomorphs and Predators could mix on the big screen and even featured some fun action scenes worth checking out.
AVP: Alien Vs. Predator is available to stream on Hulu and to rent on YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu and Amazon Prime Video.
Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem Brought Two Universes Together -- Literally
Not nearly as beloved as the original, Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem was easily the most ambitious of the duology. The film followed the rise of a Xenomorph/Predator hybrid that was created in the first film and matured in the sequel. After its ship crashed in a small town, another Predator was sent to hunt the Predalien, and the Xenomorphs let loose on the town. Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem essentially continued the war between both species and offered an action-packed ending that showed just how brutal Predators could be.
Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem is available to stream on Hulu and to rent on YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu and Amazon Prime Video.