YEESSSS!!! As a big fan of the original 1987 Schwarzenegger movie, I have seen all the Predator (and Alien) movies they have put out...including the ones that were awful and wasted my time (i.e. Requiem).
This "Badlands" movie, "Killer of Killers", and "Prey" have all fully resurrected the fandom's interest in wanting more again, in lieu of being okay if the franchise died. Trachtenberg single-handedly brought the series back to life...it is in good hands.
Still connected to the Weyland-Yutani Industries (see Alien series), this flick totally kicks ass with action, believable CGI, great sounds, cool scenery, a little comic relief, villains, unlikely friendships, adaptation-evolving theme, etc. Production, cinematography, plot...totally spot on. See it in the IMAX if you can!!! You are totally cheering for the Yautja. I thought I would hate the Thia character...but she/synth keeps it grounded and tied back perfectly to earth and the human's need for consumption. I think both the Alien and Predator universes still have more to give.
BEST to worst of the Predator series...(in my opinion):
1. Predator (1987), of course, gotta let the original stand alone.
2. Tie: Killer of Killers (2025) & Predator- Badlands (2025)
3. Prey (2022)
4. Predators (2010)
5. Alien vs. Predator (2004)
6. The Predator (2018)
7. Predator 2 (1990)
8. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)...worst ever.
