Created by brothers Jim and John Thomas, thePredatorfranchise was born in 1987 with the introductory movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers. The original movie would blossom into a30-plus-year legacyof ups and downs. Four sequels and two crossovers later, and the sample size of films is often times for the worse than the better. What started off with a promising movie turned into a somewhat over-saturated mess of movies.
With only three out of the seven films receiving positive reviews. We deemed it necessary to examine what makes a bad Predator film and more importantly what makes a good one, according to critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
7Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) - 12%
The Predator and Xenomorph are perhaps two of the most recognizable extraterrestrial creatures in cinema history. A battle between the two on paper seemed like a surefire hit, unfortunately, movies do not end on paper alone.Aliens vs. Predator: Requiemwas mainly criticized for its unnecessary ramping up of violence and gore from its predecessor, its murky color palate (just look at our sample image), and really bringing nothing new to the franchise. Thankfully for both iconic creatures, another crossover between the two properties has not been attempted since.
6Alien vs. Predator (2004) - 22%
Much of what was said about its sequel can also be said aboutAlien vs. Predator. The one positive thing going for it after its release was the appeal of seeing these two iconic creatures clashing with one another. Where the movie ultimately fails is the lack of depth to the characters that inhabit this world. Making it a big monster fight with no real stakes, which at the end of the day appeals to many moviegoers, but does not offer the kind of longevity that some other films in the franchise have.
Related:10 Best Heroines From the Alien Franchise
5Predator 2 (1990) - 31%
Predator 2takes the Predator from the jungles of South America and drops it into the concrete jungle of Los Angeles. Introducing a new cast of actors, notably Danny Glover and Gary Busy. The film lacked from introducing anything new to the franchise other than its location. Sometimes you hit a home run on your first at bat, and a strikeout on your next go around just won’t do. Most people simply preferred Schwarzenegger traversing the jungles over Glover and the sequel’s urban setting. No matter how cool the movie poster was.
4The Predator (2018) - 34%
When it was announced that acclaimed action director Shane Black would be taking on a Predator project, the hype and expectations became astronomical. The director had built a reputation for quality action movies like theLethal Weaponfranchise,The Last Boy Scout,and The Last Action Hero.What we got withThe Predator, however, was a rather hollow entry to the franchise, with not enough substance to back up its impressive action. The movie would go on to be critically panned and end its theatrical run as one of thebiggest box officebombs of 2018.
3Predators (2010) - 65%
Predatorsbrought a new and fresh take to the franchise by introducing an alien planet being used as a game preserve for two warring tribes of Predators with a group of humans dropped smack dab in the middle. Following an unsuccessful sequel and two crossovers,Predatorsblood-soaked and action-packed story was a welcome addition for fans of the franchise. Rather than geta potentially interesting sequelto this 2010 film, we instead were given the underwhelming entry previously discussed.
Related:Predators: Worthy Follow Up, or Mean-Spirited Best of a Bad Bunch?
2Predator (1987) - 81%
Despite not being ranked as the highest-rated film in the franchise, the original film in a series always stands out as a foundation-building entry. The original recipePredatorstands out as quintessential ’80s action and one ofArnold’s best moviesof his long and storied career. Declared by most critics as an “effective action movie”, sometimes that is all you need to help foster an all-time classic. The legacy of this action movie lives on, being featured in numerous “top” lists throughout the years and offering up some of the most iconic imagery of ’80s action.
1Prey (2022) - 94%
Occasionally, action thrillers can sacrifice character depth in place of big set pieces and action-packed scenes.Preysucceeds in combining great visuals and action with character development. Most notably Amber Midthunder’s character of Naru, a hunter that would giveSchwarzenegger’s Dutch a run for his money. By introducing new story elements, the film breathed new life into the two-decade-old film. The filmmakers and cast behindPreyunderstood what madethe originalPredatorso interestingand were able to capitalize on this to make one of the best action films of 2022.
