The clash between Xenomorphs and Predators – two of sci-fi horror’s most iconic creatures – has thrilled audiences for decades. But with multiple films spread across two franchises, diving into this brutal universe can be daunting. Fear not, intrepid viewer! This guide will take you through the “Alien vs Predator” movies in order, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you curate your viewing experience.
1. Prey (2022)
- Summary: Set 300 years before the events of the original “Predator,” “Prey” follows Naru (Amber Midthunder), a skilled Comanche warrior who encounters a young Predator on the Great Plains.
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Reason to Watch: “Prey” is a refreshing take on the Predator mythos. It throws us back in time for a grounded, character-driven story with stunning visuals and a focus on survival. Midthunder is a captivating lead, and the film beautifully depicts Comanche culture.
- Pros: Grounded and suspenseful, Strong central performance by Amber Midthunder, Unique historical setting
- Cons: May feel like a slower burn compared to other entries
You actually don’t necessarily have to watch “Prey” first. There are pros and cons to both starting points:
Starting with “Prey”
Pros:
- Fresh and Unique: “Prey” offers a completely new perspective within the Predator universe. Set in the 1700s, it stands out from the other films with its historical setting and focus on a skilled Comanche warrior as the protagonist.
- No Spoilers: Since it’s a prequel, you won’t encounter any spoilers for the other films.
Cons:
- Less Context: “Prey” doesn’t delve into the Predator’s technology or lore as deeply as some of the later films. If you’re curious about the Predator itself, you might want to start with one of the other entries.
Starting with “Predator” (1987)
Pros:
- Classic Experience: “Predator” is the original film that established the Predator as a pop culture icon. It’s a thrilling action movie with a satisfying showdown.
- Sets the Stage: Watching “Predator” first gives you a good understanding of the Predator’s capabilities and weaponry before delving into the other films.
Cons:
- Dated Elements: Special effects and some dialogue styles might feel dated compared to a newer film like “Prey.”
Ultimately, the choice is yours!
2. Predator (1987)
- Summary: A ragtag group of elite soldiers, led by the iconic Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger), are stalked and hunted by a deadly alien creature in the Central American jungle.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
- Reason to Watch: This is the granddaddy of them all! “Predator” is a masterclass in action filmmaking, with a perfectly paced narrative and iconic lines like “Get to the chopper!” Schwarzenegger is in top form, and the creature design by Stan Winston is legendary.
- Pros: Classic action with memorable characters, Excellent creature design and special effects, Holds up remarkably well after all these years.
- Cons: Some may find the dialogue cheesy
3. Alien (1979)
- Summary: The crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo investigates a distress beacon, only to encounter a horrifying alien lifeform with a deadly secret.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
- Reason to Watch: “Alien” is a genre-defining masterpiece. Director Ridley Scott crafts a chilling atmosphere of claustrophobia and paranoia. Sigourney Weaver delivers a phenomenal performance as Ripley, the ultimate survivor.
- Pros: Masterful atmosphere and suspense, Groundbreaking creature design by H.R. Giger, A true classic of science fiction horror.
- Cons: The pacing can be slow at times.
4. Predator 2 (1990)
- Summary: Years after the events of the first film, a Predator arrives in Los Angeles and finds itself caught in a gang war.
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Reason to Watch: “Predator 2” offers a fun change of scenery, taking the action to a gritty urban jungle. Danny Glover delivers a solid performance as a cop on the trail of the Predator. The film also delves deeper into the Predator’s technology and weaponry.
- Pros: Unique urban setting, More focus on the Predator’s arsenal, Solid performance by Danny Glover.
- Cons: The pacing is uneven compared to the first film, The special effects haven’t aged as well.
5. Alien vs Predator (2004)
- Summary: An archaeological expedition in Antarctica unearths a pyramid containing a Predator trophy room. Little do they know, they’ve awakened a dormant army of Xenomorphs.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
- Reason to Watch: This is the first true crossover film, pitting the Xenomorphs against the Predators in a brutal battle. While the human characters are somewhat forgettable, the action sequences between the two iconic creatures are undeniably fun.
- Pros: The highlight is the action between Xenomorphs and Predators, Satisfies the desire to see these two creatures fight.
- Cons: Weak human characters, The plot is fairly predictable.
6. Aliens (1986)
- Summary: Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), the sole survivor of the Nostromo incident in Alien (1979), drifts through space in hypersleep for 57 years. Awakened by a salvage team, she learns the colony established on LV-426, the planetoid where she encountered the Xenomorphs, has lost contact. Ripley reluctantly joins a team of Colonial Marines to investigate, fearing the worst. Upon arrival, they discover the colonists haven’t just vanished; they’ve been overrun by a breeding population of Xenomorphs.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
- Reason to Watch: This sequel to “Alien” is considered one of the best of all time. James Cameron takes the franchise in a more action-oriented direction, while still retaining the suspense and horror of the original. Sigourney Weaver reprises her iconic role as Ripley, now a hardened soldier leading a team of marines to a colony overrun by Xenomorphs.
- Pros: Non-stop action and thrilling set pieces, Weaver delivers another phenomenal performance, Expands the Alien mythology.
- Cons: Less focus on atmosphere compared to the original.
7. Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
- Reason to Watch: This sequel to “Alien vs Predator” attempts to up the ante with a more graphic and brutal showdown. However, the execution falls short.
- Pros: More graphic violence (if that’s your thing).
- Cons: Unlikable characters, Incoherent plot, Poor CGI effects.
8. Predators (2010)
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Reason to Watch: “Predators” takes a more grounded approach, dropping a group of skilled warriors (including Adrien Brody and Mahershala Ali) onto a Predator game preserve planet.
- Pros: Interesting premise with a diverse cast, Solid action sequences, More focus on the Predator culture.
- Cons: The ending feels rushed.
Bonus Picks:
Prometheus (2012) (Dir. Ridley Scott): While not directly connected to the “Alien vs Predator” films, this prequel to “Alien” explores the origins of the Space Jockeys and the Engineers who created the Xenomorphs.
- Reason to Watch: For fans of the “Alien” universe who want to delve deeper into the mythology.
The “Alien vs Predator” series offers a diverse range of experiences for sci-fi horror fans. Whether you crave classic action, suspenseful atmosphere, or brutal creature battles, there’s a film in this order to satisfy your needs. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to be entertained (or terrified) by the ultimate clash of titans!