Prey Dominates Tubi as Predator Franchise Finds New Life in 2026
Prey, the innovative chapter in the Predator saga, has soared to the top of Tubi’s free streaming charts, years after its original release window. Acclaimed by critics, the film’s resurgence is reshaping the franchise’s future.
When Dan Trachtenberg revealed he had secretly crafted a new entry in the Predator universe, few could have predicted the impact it would have. Prey, which bypassed theaters for a streaming debut, not only revitalized the series but also earned the highest Rotten Tomatoes score in franchise history at its launch. Now, four years after its intended big-screen premiere, Prey is leading the pack on Tubi’s free streaming platform.
Set centuries before the events of the original Predator, Prey introduces Amber Midthunder as Naru, a determined young woman from the Comanche Nation. Her world is upended when an alien hunter crash-lands nearby, forcing her into a deadly game of survival. Trachtenberg’s direction brought a fresh perspective, breaking away from the formulaic approach of previous sequels. The film ’s debut drew record-breaking viewership for a Disney original and achieved a remarkable 94% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. While the audience rating settled at 74%, the consensus was clear: Prey wasn’t just a standout in its franchise, but a highlight of the decade.
Streaming Success Paves the Way for Theatrical Triumph
In a world untouched by the pandemic, Prey might have been a box office sensation. Instead, its straight-to-streaming release on Hulu and Disney+ shattered expectations and set new records. Many fans lamented its absence from theaters, but the film finally made its cinematic debut three years later, paired with Predator: Badlands in a special double feature in November 2025.
Learning from Prey’s streaming-only rollout, the studio ensured Predator: Badlands received a full theatrical release. The gamble paid off—Badlands grossed $184 million worldwide, making it the most successful installment in the franchise, even surpassing the crossover films with Alien. The future of the Predator saga remains under wraps, but reports suggest Trachtenberg is already developing the next chapter. With two major hits and the acclaimed animated Netflix anthology Predator: Killer of Killers, anticipation is high for what’s next, including a possible Prey sequel and new stories following Badlands.
Franchise Momentum and Where to Watch
For those eager to revisit the saga, Prey is currently available to stream for free on Tubi. Meanwhile, Predator: Badlands can be rented or purchased on major VOD platforms, holding strong positions on both the Apple Store and Amazon Store charts.
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