Predator: Badlands

If you're a fan of sci-fi action with a twist, Predator: Badlands might just be your next favorite watch. This 2025 entry in the long-running Predator franchise flips the script by making the Predator the hero of the story — and not just any Predator, but Dek, a young outcast trying to prove himself in a brutal universe.

Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (who also helmed Prey), Badlands is a bold, visually rich adventure that dives deep into Predator culture. Instead of Earth, the story kicks off on Yautja Prime — the Predator homeworld — and quickly moves to the deadly planet Genna. Dek, cast out by his own father, teams up with Thia, a damaged android voiced and played by Elle Fanning, to hunt a terrifying apex predator known as the Kalisk. Along the way, they’re joined by a quirky native creature named Bud, and things get wild from there.

The movie blends intense action with emotional beats, thanks to a surprisingly heartfelt bond between Dek and Thia. It’s got all the sci-fi spectacle you’d expect — alien worlds, high-tech weaponry, and brutal showdowns — but also takes time to explore themes like honor, identity, and redemption. The visuals are top-notch, with creature effects by Studio Gillis and Wētā Workshop, and every frame is packed with detail thanks to the work of cinematographer Jeff Cutter and a powerhouse VFX team.

Elle Fanning shines in a dual role, and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi brings surprising depth to Dek, a character who could’ve easily been just another masked hunter. The film also introduces a fully developed Predator language and culture, adding a fresh layer to the franchise.

Critics have responded positively, with an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore — the highest in the series so far. If you loved Prey or enjoy character-driven sci-fi like The Book of Eli or even Shadow of the Colossus, this one’s for you.

That said, if you're expecting a traditional Predator movie with humans being hunted in the jungle, this might not be your cup of tea. Badlands is more of a space-western survival story than a horror-action flick.

Still, for those open to a new take on a classic franchise, Predator: Badlands is a bold and exciting ride.