A Complete Guide on Watching The Predator Movies in Chronological Order

The Predator franchise has produced a mix of notable films, ranging from iconic classics to less memorable entries. For newcomers, understanding the chronological sequence and release order of these movies can be quite the challenge. The franchise kicked off with the acclaimed sci-fi action horror film, Predator, which debuted on June 12, 1987. Directed by John McTiernan, this film skillfully blended genres thanks to a compelling performance from Arnold Schwarzenegger, accompanied by a strong supporting cast, all within a gripping narrative that follows soldiers being stalked in the Central American jungle.

As the series progressed, however, the initial magic began to fade. The 1990 sequel, Predator 2, transported audiences to a dystopian Los Angeles in 1997, where a turbulent gang war raged. Following a significant hiatus, Predators emerged in 2010, taking the action to an alien planet. This was followed by The Predator in 2018, which returned to Earth for another reboot. It wasn’t until the release of Prey in 2022 that the franchise recaptured the acclaim reminiscent of its original entry.

Viewing the Predator Movies in Release Order

Origin of the Predator Series: 1987

While navigating the release order of the Predator franchise can be straightforward, the introduction of the Alien vs. Predator films adds some complexity. The inaugural film, Predator, released in 1987, was followed by Predator 2 on November 21, 1990. Subsequently, on August 13, 2004, AVP: Alien Vs. Predator hit theaters, followed by its sequel, Aliens Vs. Predator: Requiem, in 2007, and finally, Predators in 2010.

Following the release of Predators on July 9, 2010, the franchise took a hiatus until The Predator came out in 2018. Despite its return, this installment struggled both financially and critically, leading to a prolonged gap until the arrival of Prey. Set on the Great Plains in the year 1719, this prequel deviated significantly from previous films, merging historical drama with intense survival thriller elements that provided a fresh narrative twist.

Viewing the Predator Movies in Chronological Order

Chronological Narrative Begins with Prey

For those keen on watching the films in chronological order, the sequence is less straightforward than following the release dates. The timeline in the Predator franchise officially opens in 1719 with the events of Prey. Ironically, this latest installment is the earliest story in the franchise’s chronology, as it lays the groundwork for the series’ narrative. Following Prey, the next film is the original Predator.

Chronologically, one might expect Predator 2 to follow Predator since it occurs a decade later in 1997. Yet, Predator 2 presents a more exaggerated depiction of the future, whereas AVP: Alien Vs. Predator is set in a recognizable version of 2004. This inconsistency can lead to confusion about the timeline. Despite assumptions that The Predator might precede Predators, the lack of specific time references in Predators leaves this uncertain.

The Predator’s Connection to the Alien Franchise

Positioning of Alien Vs Predator Movies

The narrative of the Alien vs Predator films fits logically within the Predator timeline, where Predators’ interactions with humanity have been detailed across various eras. However, these films struggle to align with the broader Alien franchise due to alterations in the timeline introduced in Ridley Scott’s prequel, Prometheus. This movie significantly altered key events and effectively reset the narrative canon of the Alien franchise.

Consequently, it becomes challenging to precisely determine how the timelines of Alien and Predator intertwine. Within the Predator narrative, AVP illustrates that Predators have used Earth as a hunting ground throughout history, even bestowing advanced technology upon humans in earlier epochs. However, Prometheus complicates this revelation, suggesting that the Xenomorph species may have been engineered by the android David, casting doubt on their existence long before his timeline.

Predator: Badlands – Its Place in the Timeline

The Future Setting of Predator: Badlands

Despite the convolutions introduced by the Alien vs Predator films, little clarity is expected from the upcoming installment, Predator: Badlands. Director Dan Trachtenberg is set to return for this standalone narrative, which will be set in the future. The specific timeline of Badlands remains under wraps, so it is unclear where this film will be positioned in relation to the existing franchise. Given that previous Alien films are generally set post-2100, there is potential for this movie to explore connections between the Alien and Predator timelines.

In summary, Predator: Badlands will mark the first future-set film in the franchise since Predator 2 in 1990. While the sequel took place in a roughly envisioned future, Trachtenberg’s return to the franchise promises a more credible interpretation of the series’ future. Fans will undoubtedly be eager for further developments as the Predator saga continues to evolve.

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