All 15 ‘Alien’ and ‘Predator’ Movies, Ranked

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The ‘Alien’ and ‘Predator’ franchises have gripped me with their mix of terror, action, and cosmic mystery for decades. From xenomorphs stalking spaceship corridors to Yautja hunting across worlds, these films deliver thrills that keep fans coming back, even when some entries stumble.

Below, I rank all 15 movies, including crossovers, from the least rewatchable to the absolute best, based on their impact, execution, and ability to capture the franchises’ raw energy. Each one’s a piece of this sprawling sci-fi saga, but some shine brighter than others.

15. ‘Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem’ (2007)

This sequel to ‘Alien vs. Predator’ drops xenomorphs and a Predalien hybrid into a small Colorado town, aiming for gore but landing in a mess. The $40 million budget yielded $130 million, but murky lighting hides the action, and flat characters—like a teen slasher cast—drag it down. The hospital scene’s cruelty feels cheap, not shocking.

Directors Greg and Colin Strause fumble the iconic monsters, making them feel like props. Fans deserved better than this poorly lit, mean-spirited flop.

14. ‘The Predator’ (2018)

14. ‘The Predator’ (2018) Poster
20th Century Fox

Shane Black, a ‘Predator’ alum, directs this $88 million reboot, grossing $160 million, but it’s a tonal disaster. Set in suburban America, it mixes action-comedy with a kid-centric plot and advanced Predator tech that feels out of place. Boyd Holbrook’s team battles two Predators, but cheesy quips and reshoots kill the vibe.

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The film’s attempt at MCU-style worldbuilding falls flat, turning the Yautja into a joke. It’s a chaotic misfire that wastes a solid cast.

13. ‘Alien vs. Predator’ (2004)

13. ‘Alien vs. Predator’ (2004) Poster
20th Century Fox

Paul W.S. Anderson’s $60 million crossover, earning $172 million, pits Predators against xenomorphs in an Antarctic pyramid. Sanaa Lathan’s Lex Woods joins a Weyland expedition, awakening an Alien Queen. The PG-13 rating dulls the carnage, and thin characters limit stakes, despite Lance Henriksen’s return as Charles Weyland.

The set design shines, but the fights lack weight, and canon issues annoy purists. It’s fun but forgettable, more B-movie than epic clash.

12. ‘Alien: Resurrection’ (1997)

Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s $70 million film, grossing $161 million, revives Ripley as a half-alien clone 200 years after ‘Alien 3’. Sigourney Weaver leans into the quirky chaos, facing xenomorphs on a ship with mercenaries like Ron Perlman. The basketball scene and swimming aliens are wild, but Joss Whedon’s script feels like a ‘90s action flick knockoff.

The tonal mess and odd Newborn creature don’t gel with the franchise’s grit. It’s weirdly entertaining but far from classic.

11. ‘Predator 2’ (1990)

11. ‘Predator 2’ (1990) Poster
20th Century Fox

Danny Glover’s cop Mike Harrigan battles a Predator in a sweltering 1997 LA in this $35 million sequel, grossing $57 million. Stephen Hopkins directs a cast with Bill Paxton and Gary Busey, but the urban setting loses the jungle’s tension. The subway scene pops, and the xenomorph skull Easter egg sparks crossover hype.

Despite Glover’s solid lead, the cheesy vibe and weaker action hold it back. It’s a bold swing that doesn’t quite land.

10. ‘Alien 3’ (1992)

David Fincher’s $50 million debut, earning $159 million, crashes Ripley onto a prison planet with a xenomorph. The bleak tone, killing off ‘Aliens’ survivors, and studio meddling frustrated fans. The Assembly Cut improves pacing, but the single xenomorph and grim vibe pale next to its predecessors.

Sigourney Weaver’s raw performance and Fincher’s moody visuals save it from disaster. It’s a flawed but haunting chapter.

9. ‘Alien: Covenant’ (2017)

9. ‘Alien: Covenant’ (2017) Poster
20th Century Fox

Ridley Scott’s $97 million prequel, grossing $240 million, follows a colony ship meeting android David from ‘Prometheus’. Michael Fassbender’s dual role as David and Walter steals the show, but weak characters and CGI-heavy xenomorphs disappoint. The medical bay scene’s gore shocks, yet the plot retreads old ground.

It’s visually stunning but lacks the original’s dread. Fans of Scott’s mythology will dig it, others might shrug.

8. ‘Predators’ (2010)

8. ‘Predators’ (2010) Poster
20th Century Fox

Nimród Antal’s $40 million reboot, earning $127 million, drops Adrien Brody, Alice Braga, and a killer cast onto a Predator hunting planet. Robert Rodriguez’s script flips the original’s premise, with humans as prey. The action thrills, but stock characters and a rushed third act hold it back.

Laurence Fishburne’s wild cameo adds spice. It’s a solid return to form, just shy of greatness.

7. ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’ (2025)

7. ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’ (2025) Poster
20th Century Studios

Dan Trachtenberg’s $10 million animated Hulu anthology takes Predators to Viking, samurai, and WWII eras. The lean, vibrant visuals and creative matchups—like a ninja vs. Yautja—deliver Certified Fresh thrills. It doesn’t tie tightly to the franchise, but that freedom fuels its pulse-pounding action.

The anthology format limits depth, but the bold art and historical spins make it a visual knockout.

6. ‘Prey’ (2022)

6. ‘Prey’ (2022) Poster
20th Century Studios

Amber Midthunder’s Naru, a Comanche warrior, faces a Predator in 1719 in this $65 million Hulu hit. Dan Trachtenberg’s lean $20 million budget crafts tense hunts in the Great Plains, earning critical acclaim. The practical effects and Naru’s clever survival skills refresh the formula.

It lacks the original’s macho energy but nails a back-to-basics vibe. It’s a thrilling prequel that respects the Yautja’s menace.

5. ‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024)

5. ‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024) Poster
20th Century Studios

Fede Alvarez’s $80 million interquel, grossing $350 million, follows Cailee Spaeny’s Rain and David Jonsson’s Andy sneaking onto a xenomorph-infested ship. The practical effects and eerie sets echo the originals, with tense set pieces like the zero-gravity acid blood scene. Some fan-service moments feel forced.

It’s a Certified Fresh love letter to the franchise, blending horror and heart. Young leads shine, making it a modern standout.

4. ‘Prometheus’ (2012)

4. ‘Prometheus’ (2012) Poster
20th Century Fox

Ridley Scott’s $130 million prequel, earning $403 million, explores humanity’s origins with Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender’s android David. The alien Engineer and stunning production design captivate, but plot holes and dumb character choices frustrate. The C-section scene is iconic horror.

Its grand mystery and visual splendor outweigh flaws. It’s a bold, flawed gem that expands the universe.

3. ‘Predator’ (1987)

3. ‘Predator’ (1987) Poster
20th Century Fox

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch leads a commando team hunted by a Yautja in this $18 million classic, grossing $98 million. John McTiernan’s jungle suspense, Stan Winston’s iconic Predator design, and Arnie’s one-liners like ‘Get to the choppa!’ make it a genre-defining hit. The final duel is pure adrenaline.

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It’s lean, mean, and endlessly quotable. The Yautja’s debut remains a sci-fi action pinnacle.

2. ‘Alien’ (1979)

2. ‘Alien’ (1979) Poster
20th Century Fox

Ridley Scott’s $11 million masterpiece, grossing $106 million, unleashes a xenomorph on Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley and the Nostromo crew. H.R. Giger’s biomechanical designs and slow-burn horror create unmatched dread. The chestburster scene shocked audiences, and Ripley’s grit set a new hero standard.

Its flawless pacing and atmosphere make it a sci-fi horror legend. It’s the spark that started it all.

1. ‘Aliens’ (1986)

1. ‘Aliens’ (1986) Poster
20th Century Fox

James Cameron’s $18 million sequel, earning $131 million, turns Ripley’s fight into an action epic. Sigourney Weaver, joined by Michael Biehn and Bill Paxton’s iconic Hudson, faces a xenomorph hive with marines. Practical effects, like the Queen battle, and quotes like ‘Game over, man!’ cement its legacy.

It blends heart-pounding action with horror, elevating Ripley to icon status. It’s the franchise’s thrilling, untouchable peak.

Which ‘Alien’ or ‘Predator’ movie is your favorite, or did I miss what makes one stand out? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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