Few franchises in sci-fi horror have had the cultural impact of Alien and Predator. Beginning with Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979) and John McTiernan’s Predator (1987), these two movie series introduced moviegoers to two of the most terrifying extraterrestrial creatures in cinema history.
Over the decades, both franchises have spawned sequels, prequels, reboots, and crossover battles, with wildly mixed results. From the atmospheric tension of Alien to the adrenaline-fueled action of the Predator franchise, we have witnessed the best and the worst of the franchise.
While these movies stand tall as genre-defining masterpieces, not all of them are on par with each other. So here is an ultimate ranking of every Alien and Predator movie, from the very worst to the very best!
16. Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
At the bottom of the list, AVPR doubled down on gore but lost everything else. Needlessly dark and poorly lit, it was nearly impossible to follow the action.
Even the much-hyped “Predalien” concept fizzled, and the human cast was unmemorable. Unless you are a completionist, it is better to skip it.
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Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
15. Alien: Resurrection (1997)
Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s quirky style clashed with Alien’s tone. The cloning subplot that brought Ripley back felt bizarre, and the Newborn alien design remains one of the franchise’s most mocked.
Still, there are flashes of creativity in its set pieces, but it really doesn’t live up to its predecessors.
Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
14. The Predator (2018)
Shane Black tried to reinvent Predator with humor and a larger mythology. Unfortunately, the jokes undermined the tension, and the “Super Predator” twist left fans divided.
If it is anything, it is messy, has a lousy pacing, and tonal confusion that ruined what otherwise could have been a solid reboot.
Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
13. Alien 3 (1992)
David Fincher’s debut flick of the franchise suffered from studio interference, resulting in a bleak but uneven film. Killing off fan-favorites from Aliens in the first act was what alienated viewers.
However, over the years, its prison planet setting and grim tone have gained a cult following. Yet, one cannot deny that it is a troubled entry that was just too ambitious to make sense.
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Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
12. Alien vs. Predator (2004)
The crossover fans waited decades for was watered down by a PG-13 rating. The pyramid setting and Predator-Xenomorph battles were fun, but weak human characters and toned-down violence hurt its legacy.
Now, the film is remembered for having the potential to be a memorable entry, but its ultimate execution ended up ruining it.
Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
11. Predator 2 (1990)
Taking the Predator to Los Angeles was bold, and Danny Glover gave a committed performance. While not on the same level as the original, the expanded lore helped build the crossover hype.
Despite the brilliant setting and potential to make it big, the film remains comparatively unmemorable. Hence, it ranks pretty low in this list.
Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
10. Alien: Covenant (2017)
Ridley Scott’s follow-up to Prometheus blended cosmic questions with traditional Alien horror. Michael Fassbender shines as android David, but clunky writing and predictability weigh it down.
Still, the Xenomorph’s return was a welcome sight. It was creepy, uneven, but certainly memorable.
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Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
9. Prometheus (2012)
Scott’s return to the franchise dazzled visually and philosophically, exploring creation and humanity’s origins. But muddled character choices and unanswered questions left audiences frustrated.
Despite flaws, it’s one of the most ambitious entries. Filled with several intense and gory scenes, its epic finale was undeniably praiseworthy.
Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
8. Predators (2010)
Adrien Brody surprised critics as a capable action lead in this jungle-set revival. Dropping a group of killers onto a Predator hunting planet was a clever twist.
Even though it was not exactly groundbreaking, it restored dignity to the franchise. While there are certainly better movies in the franchise, this was certainly a solid entry.
Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
7. Alien: Earth (2025)
Set two years after the events of 1979’s Alien, this series is the first television series in the franchise. Expanding on the human-Xenomorph conflict on a larger scale, it deals with Cyborgs, AI beings called Synthetics, and Synthetics mixed with human consciousness called Hybrids.
Early reviews praise its balance of horror and spectacle, with a strong focus on survival and moral dilemmas. Proving that the franchise still has teeth, it brings back the mythos with a bang.
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Streaming: FX on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ internationally.
6. Predator: Killer of Killers (2025)
Following the success of Prey, Killers of Killers is an animated anthology that reinvents Predator with stunning visuals and stories across different eras, from Vikings to WWII.
One of the best entries in the franchise, it is creative, brutal, and fresh. A perfect example that bold experimentation eventually paying off.
Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
5. Prey (2022)
Stripped-down and powerful, Prey is set in 1719. The film follows Comanche warrior Naru (portrayed by Amber Midthunder) against a Predator.
It is intimate, tense, and culturally respectful, breathing new life into the franchise. Original and top-tier, it is now a definite fan-favorite.
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Streaming: FX on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ internationally.
4. Alien: Romulus (2024)
This return-to-basics Alien film traps colonists inside a derelict station with Xenomorphs. Its claustrophobic scares and practical effects have been praised as the best Alien entry since Aliens.
A terrifying modern revival by Fede Álvarez, it is hailed as one of the most faithful entries of the saga.
Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
3. Predator (1987)
Arnold Schwarzenegger and his squad face off against the ultimate hunter in the jungle. Equal parts suspense, action, and sci-fi, it’s one of the greatest ’80s movies ever made.
While the Predator’s reveal remains chilling, it is an action-horror masterpiece that few can replicate. It is a film that will have you glued to the screen from start to end.
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Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
2. Aliens (1986)
James Cameron swapped horror for war thriller, giving Ripley one of cinema’s greatest arcs. With pulse rifles, Colonial Marines, and the Queen Alien, it is an all-time great sequel.
Seeing how they went in a completely different direction than the OG movie, it is one film that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Memorable, iconic, and brilliant, it is as good as it can get.
Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
1. Alien (1979)
The film that started it all remains the scariest. Ridley Scott’s methodical pacing, Giger’s horrific design, and Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley created a near-perfect horror film.
From the concept to the tone to its setting, everything is just picture-perfect. Its influence spans generations, and this 1979 flick remains the undisputed king of sci-fi horror.
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Streaming: Available to stream on Hulu.
| Rank | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Alien vs. Predator: Requiem | 2007 |
| 15 | Alien: Resurrection | 1997 |
| 14 | The Predator | 2018 |
| 13 | Alien 3 | 1992 |
| 12 | Alien vs. Predator | 2004 |
| 11 | Predator 2 | 1990 |
| 10 | Alien: Covenant | 2017 |
| 9 | Prometheus | 2012 |
| 8 | Predators | 2010 |
| 7 | Alien: Earth | 2025 |
| 6 | Predator: Killer of Killers | 2025 |
| 5 | Prey | 2022 |
| 4 | Alien: Romulus | 2024 |
| 3 | Predator | 1987 |
| 2 | Aliens | 1986 |
| 1 | Alien | 1979 |
Now that we have reached the end of this list, are you Team Xenomorph or Team Predator? Share your own ranking in the comments below!
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