For many years now, the ‘Alien’ and ‘Predator‘ series have left me captivated by their unique blend of fear, action, and cosmic enigma. From xenomorphs prowling through spaceship passages to Yautja stalking across various planets, these movies provide an unforgettable adrenaline rush that keeps viewers hooked, despite some installments having minor flaws.
I have organized the 15 movies, both crossovers and standalone, from the least likely to be rewatched to my top pick, considering their influence, quality, and ability to embody the franchises’ original intensity. Each one contributes uniquely to this vast sci-fi epic, but some outshine the others more.
15. ‘Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem’ (2007)
In this follow-up to ‘Alien vs. Predator’, a mix of xenomorphs and a Predalien hybrid are unleashed in a quaint Colorado town, attempting to deliver gruesome action but ending up in a disorganized state instead. Despite a $40 million budget, the film generated $130 million; however, murky lighting obscures the action, and one-dimensional characters – reminiscent of a typical teen slasher movie cast – detract from its appeal. The hospital scene’s portrayal of cruelty seems cheap rather than shocking.
As a passionate fan, I can’t help but express my disappointment that directors Greg and Colin Strause didn’t seem to do justice to the iconic monsters in their latest work. They appeared more like set pieces or props rather than the terrifying creatures they once were. The film lacked the depth and respect it deserved; we fans were left with a poorly lit, uninspiring production that seemed to lack empathy and spirit.
14. ‘The Predator’ (2018)
As a seasoned movie critic, I must confess that Shane Black, once a key player in the Predator universe, directs this $88 million reboot, raking in an impressive $160 million at the box office. However, what could have been a thrilling return to form turns into a tonal catastrophe. The setting is shifted from the rugged wilderness to suburban America, creating an uneasy blend of action-comedy and a child-oriented narrative. The introduction of state-of-the-art Predator technology feels jarringly out of place.
Boyd Holbrook’s team finds themselves up against not one, but two formidable Predators. Yet, the film is marred by cheesy one-liners and reshoots that seem to have diluted the original Predator vibe.
As a diehard fan, I must admit that the film’s effort to create a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)-like universe for the Yautja fell short, sadly reducing them to a punchline. Unfortunately, this haphazard attempt turned out to be more of a misfire than a masterpiece, squandering a talented cast in the process.
13. ‘Alien vs. Predator’ (2004)
In this $60 million production by Paul W.S. Anderson, titled “Predators vs Aliens,” the action unfolds in an Antarctic pyramid where Predators clash with xenomorphs. Sanaa Lathan’s character, Lex Woods, accompanies a Weyland expedition that unleashes an Alien Queen. The movie is rated PG-13, which toned down the violence, and the somewhat flat characters may not fully engage viewers, despite the return of Lance Henriksen as Charles Weyland.
The stage setup is impressive, yet the fight scenes seem lightweight and don’t carry much impact. Some may find the deviations from established lore irksome for diehard fans. All in all, it’s an entertaining watch, but its impact might not last long, leaning more towards a B-movie production rather than an epic battle.
12. ‘Alien: Resurrection’ (1997)
Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s $70 million production, earning $161 million at the box office, resurrects Ripley as a half-alien clone, 200 years following ‘Alien 3’. Sigourney Weaver embraces the peculiar turbulence, battling xenomorphs on a spaceship alongside mercenaries including Ron Perlman. The basketball scene and aquatic aliens are thrilling, yet Joss Whedon’s script carries a whiff of a ’90s action movie imitation.
The new, unconventional tone and strange baby-like character seem out of place within the established toughness of the series. It’s strangely enjoyable, yet falls short of being a timeless classic.
11. ‘Predator 2’ (1990)
In 1997’s $35 million sequel, “Predator 2,” Danny Glover portrays cop Mike Harrigan as he confronts a Predator in the scorching heat of Los Angeles. The film earned $57 million at the box office. Stephen Hopkins served as director for a cast that includes Bill Paxton and Gary Busey, but the city setting lacked the suspense found in jungles. The subway scene was particularly captivating, while the xenomorph skull Easter egg fueled anticipation for potential crossovers.
Although Glover maintains a strong advantage, the film’s cheesy atmosphere and less impactful action scenes prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s an ambitious attempt that falls slightly short of success.
10. ‘Alien 3’ (1992)
In my perspective, David Fincher’s initial blockbuster, which raked in $159 million on a $50 million budget, plunges Ellen Ripley into a penal colony infested with a xenomorph. The somber atmosphere, the untimely demise of ‘Aliens’ protagonists, and studio interference left many viewers disgruntled. The Assembly Cut managed to enhance the narrative flow, but the solitary xenomorph and its dark undertone fall short when compared to its predecessors.
In a more conversational tone, we could say: “Sigourney Weaver’s powerful acting and David Fincher’s atmospheric cinematography rescue the movie from being a complete catastrophe. Despite its imperfections, it still leaves a chilling impact, making it a haunting segment.
9. ‘Alien: Covenant’ (2017)
Ridley Scott’s $97 million prequel, earning $240 million, centers around a spaceship encountering an android named David, from the movie ‘Prometheus’. Michael Fassbender impressively plays both David and Walter, but the film is let down by underdeveloped characters and excessive use of CGI in the xenomorphs. A particularly gruesome scene in the medical bay stands out, however, the story unfortunately rehashes familiar themes.
The visuals are breathtaking, yet it doesn’t evoke the same sense of foreboding as the original. Fans of Scott’s lore should find it appealing, while others may show indifference.
8. ‘Predators’ (2010)
In Nimród Antal’s $40 million remake, which grossed $127 million, Adrien Brody, Alice Braga, and an impressive ensemble are transported to a planet inhabited by Predators. Robert Rodriguez’s screenplay inverts the original concept, portraying humans as the hunted instead of the hunters. The film delivers exciting action sequences, but it falls short due to stereotypical characters and a hurried climax.
Laurence Fishburne’s wild cameo adds spice. It’s a solid return to form, just shy of greatness.
7. ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’ (2025)
As a movie critic, I found myself utterly captivated by Dan Trachtenberg’s $10 million animated Hulu production, which ingeniously transports the Predator saga into the realms of Vikings, samurai, and World War II. The visuals are lean yet vibrant, and the unique clashes – such as a ninja squaring off against a Yautja – offer exhilarating, Certified Fresh thrills.
While it may not tightly adhere to the franchise’s continuity, this deviation from tradition injects a dynamic energy into its pulse-pounding action sequences. It’s a fresh take that breathes new life into the Predator mythos.
The anthology format limits depth, but the bold art and historical spins make it a visual knockout.
6. ‘Prey’ (2022)
In the blockbuster hit on Hulu titled “Prey,” Amber Midthunder portrays Naru, a brave Comanche warrior from 1719, who encounters a Predator. On a budget of just $20 million, director Dan Trachtenberg skillfully builds suspenseful hunts across the Great Plains, receiving praise from critics. The movie’s practical effects and Naru’s resourceful survival tactics provide a fresh take on the classic formula.
It may not have the raw, masculine power of the original, but it certainly captures a straightforward and authentic feel. This is an exhilarating prequel that maintains the fearsome aura of the Yautja species.
5. ‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024)
In simple terms, Fede Alvarez’s $80 million interquel, earning $350 million, tells the story of Cailee Spaeny’s character Rain and David Jonsson’s character Andy sneaking onto a ship overrun with xenomorphs. The practical effects and haunting sets are reminiscent of the originals, featuring intense moments such as the zero-gravity acid blood scene. However, some moments aimed at pleasing fans seem a bit contrived.
This film is a heartfelt tribute to the franchise that seamlessly combines terror and emotion. The youthful actors deliver outstanding performances, making it a notable contemporary addition.
4. ‘Prometheus’ (2012)
In a nutshell, Ridley Scott’s $130 million prequel, which grossed an impressive $403 million, delves into the origins of humanity featuring Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender as android David. The film is adorned with intriguing alien Engineers and breathtaking production design. However, it’s marred by inconsistencies in the plot and questionable character decisions that can be quite annoying. A particularly chilling scene involving a C-section leaves a lasting impression of horror.
The allure of its grand mystery and breathtaking beauty overshadows any imperfections. It’s an impressive, flawed gem that broadens our understanding of the cosmos.
3. ‘Predator’ (1987)
In this $18 million movie masterpiece directed by John McTiernan, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character, a Dutch commander, and his team are persistently pursued by an alien known as a Yautja. This film, filled with suspense in the jungle, boasts Stan Winston’s legendary Predator design, Arnold’s memorable catchphrases such as “Get to the choppa!”, and ultimately defined the genre. The climactic fight is an intense burst of adrenaline.
It’s lean, mean, and endlessly quotable. The Yautja’s debut remains a sci-fi action pinnacle.
2. ‘Alien’ (1979)
In Ridley Scott’s $11 million masterpiece, titled “Alien,” which raked in $106 million at the box office, a terrifying creature known as xenomorph is released upon the crew of the spaceship Nostromo, including Sigourney Weaver as Ripley. The haunting biomechanical designs by H.R. Giger and the gradual build-up of horror create an unprecedented sense of fear. The chestburster scene left audiences stunned, while Ripley’s determination set a new benchmark for cinematic heroes.
The perfect tempo and ambiance have solidified it as an iconic sci-fi horror tale. It was the catalyst for everything that followed.
1. ‘Aliens’ (1986)
James Cameron’s $18 million follow-up movie, which made $131 million, transforms Ripley’s struggle into an action-packed epic. Sigourney Weaver, along with Michael Biehn and Bill Paxton’s famous character Hudson, confront a xenomorph nest alongside marines. The use of practical effects, such as the Queen fight scene, and iconic lines like ‘Game over, man!’ help solidify its lasting impact.
The series skillfully combines pulse-racing action and chilling terror, solidifying Ripley as an enduring icon. It represents the pinnacle of the franchise’s unparalleled excitement.
This collection masterfully mixes adrenaline-pumping action with spine-tingling horror, transforming Ripley into a legendary figure. It stands as the unreachable zenith of the series’ breathtaking thrills.
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2025-06-14 23:17