‘Predator: Badlands’ Review Roundup – Critics Share Their Thoughts on the New Installment

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The latest Predator movie, titled Badlands, comes out this week, and early reviews are now available.

The new sci-fi action movie, directed by Dan Trachtenberg and starring Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is the latest installment in the Predator franchise. As the sixth live-action film and ninth overall, it premiered on November 3rd at the TCL Chinese Theatre and will be in U.S. theaters November 7th, distributed by 20th Century Studios.

In the far future, on a remote planet, a young Predator exiled from his people teams up with a human woman named Thia. They embark on a perilous quest to confront a powerful and dangerous foe.

Get ready for the newest Predator adventure! The international trailer for Predator: Badlands is here, and the movie hits theaters and IMAX on November 7th.

— 20th Century Studios (@20thcentury) October 22, 2025

Initial reactions to the film have been mostly good. Reviewers are impressed with its bold creativity and the emotional resonance it brings to the Predator series. Many highlight the dynamic between the young Predator and the character Thia as a source of new energy, and praise the film’s stunning visuals, makeup, and camerawork.

Most viewers agree this is a daring and unique sci-fi action movie best experienced on the big screen. Many also feel director Trachtenberg has revitalized the series, making it more engaging and complex than before.

Trachtenberg’s magnum opus far surpasses anything we might normally get from a sci-fi action film.

Edward Douglas

Wow, this movie really grabbed me. It’s bold, definitely a bit weird, but surprisingly emotional. Honestly, it’s the kind of original sci-fi film we just haven’t been getting enough of lately – a real risk-taker that actually pays off.

Linda Marric

This visually stunning film features beautiful camerawork, incredible makeup and special effects, and a delightfully quirky lead performance. It’s a bold and original movie best experienced on the largest screen available.

Courtney Howard

Dek and Thia make a surprisingly enjoyable duo, bringing fresh energy to the series and a unique approach to their adventures. While it’s not the most intense or terrifying experience, it’s still incredibly thrilling.

Clint Cage

Instead of falsely presenting its biggest flaw as a positive, Trachtenberg honestly addressed the show’s core weakness, ultimately making the franchise even more compelling.

David Ehrlich

This is the best ‘Predator’ movie since the original from 1987, even better than Trachtenberg’s previous film, ‘Prey’.

Peter Debruge

The movie didn’t win over everyone. Some critics found the Predator less intimidating than before, and the action sequences weren’t very thrilling. Others felt the film tried too hard to appeal to a broader audience, which diluted the gritty, mature tone that longtime fans appreciate, making it feel somewhat bland. A few reviewers also pointed out that the plot sometimes lacked purpose, and even Dakota Fanning’s acting wasn’t quite enough to save it.

Trachtenberg’s magnum opus far surpasses anything we might normally get from a sci-fi action film.

Edward Douglas

This film is daring, strange, and surprisingly emotional—exactly the type of ambitious science fiction we need more of.

Linda Marric

This visually stunning film boasts beautiful cinematography, incredible makeup and visual effects, and a fantastic lead performance reminiscent of classic screwball comedies. It’s a truly unique movie best experienced on the largest screen available.

Courtney Howard

I have to say, Dek and Thia are a surprisingly great duo! They really breathe fresh life into the series and their investigations are unlike anything we’ve seen before. It doesn’t give me the same heart-stopping terror as some of the older stories, but it definitely comes close to that same thrilling feeling.

Clint Cage

Instead of pretending its biggest flaw was actually a benefit, Trachtenberg faced the show’s core weakness head-on, ultimately making the franchise even more compelling.

David Ehrlich

This is the best “Predator” movie since the original 1987 film, even better than Trachtenberg’s previous installment, “Prey.”

Peter Debruge

Most reviews show that Predator: Badlands offers a new and visually appealing direction for the series, with interesting characters. However, fans who prefer the older, grittier Predator movies might not find it quite as satisfying.

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2025-11-04 20:49