As a relatively recent Predator fan who saw the original only a few years ago, I’ve been blessed with nothing but bangers from new head creative force Dan Trachtenberg. His first contribution to the Predator franchise was the 2022 film “Prey,” which was met with praise from fans and critics alike. Since then, he has directed the animated “Predator: Killer of Killers” and, most recently, “Predator: Badlands.” I’ll be giving a quick review of these three movies and ranking each from worst to best. Since the Predator franchise is so unique, I’ll be grading the monster design, human element, action, and story for each. Just a heads up, there are some slight spoilers ahead for all three. Regardless, these films are very enjoyable and I recommend all of them!
#3: “Predator: Badlands”
Trachtenberg’s most recent Predator flick is a unique one; it’s the first in the franchise to feature one of the Yautja (the Predator species) as the protagonist. We follow Dek, a weaker Yautja on his journey to prove himself on a hostile alien planet. The film boasts excellent choreography and intriguing monster design for the inhabitants of the alien planet, as well as a modern crossover with the Alien franchise, as one of the main characters is a Weyland-Yutani android, one of the staples of the Ridley Scott series.
The reason I put this picture at the #3 spot is because it feels the least like a Predator movie. In both story and dialogue, it feels too much like a Marvel movie, with themes of found family and independence that feel out of place in this franchise. Elle Fanning’s android character could also use some more development, as some of her lines feel overly-quippy. I also saw the “twist” coming 20 minutes away. It definitely felt more juvenile than previous movies, but again, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Predator is a wide umbrella of a franchise that can allow for multiple different types of movies.
All that said, this movie is still great. Dek’s armor and weapon design is top-notch, and his resourcefulness throughout the film is reminiscent of Schwarzenegger’s performance in the original, and I applaud the portrayal of a Yautja character using mostly practical effects. The many alien creatures Dek faces feel unique and attention grabbing. Overall it was quite enjoyable and sets itself up nicely for a sequel, and possibly a crossover with some of the other movies on this list.
Monster Design: 9/10
“Human” Element: 6/10
Action: 9/10
Story: 6.5/10
#2: “Prey”
Trachtenberg’s first foray into the Predator franchise, “Prey” follows Naru, a Native American woman in the early 1700s whose Comanche tribe is attacked by, you guessed it, a Predator. Making them—you guessed it—“Prey.” This simple premise did wonders in rebooting the slowly-dying franchise and cementing Dan Trachtenberg as an accomplished new talent in the action/horror genre.
The return to the horror aspect of the original was an accomplishment in its own right, and the design of the new Predator is both imposing and iconic. Its large mouth and bone-like mask made it one of the most menacing Yautja to date, and the most menacing villain on this list by far. It’s also the first movie in the series to star a woman as the lead who eventually kills the Predator. It’s kinda sad it took us that long to get there. Alien did that in their first installment!
The movie’s use of Native American culture to frame the story is also something worth applauding. Naru’s journey to defeat both the Yautja and her tribe’s diminutive view of her is well rounded, making the final battle that much more exciting. Though some may say that it included too much service, with some not-so subtle references to “Alien vs. Predator” and the original “Predator,” I’d argue some fan-service needs to be done when launching a fresh start to an older series. Overall, great watch.
Monster Design: 8/10
Human Element: 9/10
Action: 8/10
Story: 8/10
#1: “Predator: Killer of Killers”
Possibly my favorite Predator movie in the entire franchise, “Predator: Killer of Killers” scratches that itch of “What if a Yautja fought a Ninja?” Or “What if a Predator showed up in the middle of World War 2?” Citing Akira as one of the main inspirations for the first animated movie in the Predator franchise, Trachtenberg delivers a masterpiece in animated choreography and action. The movie captures several gory moments that seem implausible if done traditionally, vindicating the switch to the animated medium.
The characters and their backstories are also some of the most engaging in the series. Ursa’s grief-fueled rage, Kenji’s quests for revenge, and Torres’s ingenuity in battle all come through spectacularly. Each character’s personal losses and character were so well depicted in so little time. I’d also be remiss to say I didn’t applaud the moment where they all came together in battle.
The introduction of each unique Yautja is done spectacularly, and each feels specially-crafted and uniquely terrifying with their own personalities. The action scenes that each one brings to the table are deliciously gory and fantastically well-directed. Of all of these, I’m most excited to see some sort of sequel in the future. I love this movie.
Monster Design: 10/10
Human Element: 10/10
Action: 10/10
Story: 9/10