The 9 films in the ‘Predator’ franchise, from worst to best, according to Rolling Stone

Considered the lowest point of the franchise, Alien vs. Predator 2 tried to intensify the action and terror, but ended up plunging into pure darkness — literally. The photography is so dark that you can barely see what happens in the scene, and the script transforms the legendary clash between the xenomorphs and the predators into chaos without rhythm or purpose. Without charisma, without suspense and without identity, the film completely wastes the potential of one of the most promising crossovers in science fiction.

The idea was great: uniting two of cinema’s greatest creatures in one film. However, the result was disappointing. Alien vs. Predator gets the concept right — an ancient pyramid used as a hunting arena by the Yautja — but fails in execution. The action is confusing, the terror is diluted by light censorship, and the human characters are mere disposable supporting characters. Still, there is a certain charm in the mythology that the film tries to build, and some battles between species deliver the kind of visual entertainment that fans expected, even if without depth. The sequel already mentioned in the list won, but it became a film that not even the biggest fans of the franchise worship.

Another film with a great idea, but disappointing execution: changing the jungle of The Predator hair urban chaos of Los Angeles. Predator 2 tried to renew the formula, but the result divides opinions to this day. The dystopian setting and oppressive climate work well, and Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon) delivers a charismatic protagonist — who has a great clash with a predator in the final act —, but the script exaggerates the clichés and loses focus on the tension that made the original so efficient. Still, the film is important for expanding the Yautja universe — especially in the iconic final scene that reveals the skull of a xenomorph, foreshadowing the future crossover with Alien.

“What if we put humor in Predator?“Yes, here, not even the idea seems good. Directed by Shane Black (Iron Man 3), The Predator 2018 promised to reinvigorate the franchise with acid humor and fast-paced action, but ended up stumbling into excess. The mix of comedy, gore and science fiction leaves the narrative confusing and the cast, although charismatic, has little to do in the face of a script that doesn’t decide whether it wants to scare or entertain. Still, there are merits: the creature design remains impressive and the pacing rarely drops. The problem is that, by trying to be everything at once, The Predator ends up being one of the least attractive in the franchise.

With a bold proposal, Predators transports the action to a planet used as a hunting ground by the Yautja, where a group of human assassins must fight for survival. The idea is excellent and the film succeeds in recovering the atmosphere of tension and isolation of the 1987 original. Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) surprises as an action hero, and the Brazilian Alice Braga (I Am Legend) gives strength to the cast. The problem lies in the irregular execution: the script seems to get lost in the middle of the alien jungle, and the third act doesn’t fulfill its initial potential. Still, it’s one of the most solid attempts to revitalize the franchise. It divides fans, but it has great merits within a proposal without great pretensions.

Predator: Killer of Killersan animation released directly into the Disney+ catalog, surprised by bringing a fresh and ambitious look to the Yautja universe. Divided into three stories set in 841, 1609 and 1941, the anthology shows how predators have been hunting human warriors for centuries, from Vikings to samurai. The direction of Then Trachtenbergin his second entry in the franchise, is visually stunning, and the animation allows for action scenes that would be impossible in live-action. Despite its short duration and episodic structure, Assassin of Assassins is praised for returning brutality to the franchise’s mythology, rescuing the sense of respect and fear that the Yautja inspire.