'Predator: Badlands' and 'Prey' Ignite a Sci-Fi Comeback

When Disney acquired Fox, many fans worried that beloved science fiction series like Alien and Predator would lose their edge. Fast forward a few years, and those concerns have been put to rest. The Alien universe has delivered standout entries with 'Alien: Romulus' and the hit series 'Alien: Earth.' Meanwhile, the Predator saga has roared back with two acclaimed films and the animated show 'Killer of Killers.' Both 2022’s 'Prey' and last year’s 'Predator: Badlands ' have surged to the top of streaming charts, signaling a true revival.

Streaming Success and Box Office Triumph

'Predator: Badlands' recently landed on VOD platforms after a blockbuster run in theaters in 2025. At the moment, it holds the number one spot on the Apple TV Store, sits at number two on Amazon, and leads the Vudu rankings. At the same time, 'Prey' is enjoying a second wind on Tubi, drawing in new viewers and keeping the franchise in the public eye. Fans are buzzing with anticipation about what’s next for the series.

Dan Trachtenberg’s Bold Direction

Dan Trachtenberg took the reins with 'Prey,' crafting a secret project that no one saw coming. Known for his work on '10 Cloverfield Lane,' Trachtenberg surprised audiences by delivering a prequel that bypassed theaters and debuted directly on Disney+/Hulu. The film, starring Amber Midthunder in a breakout role, didn’t just recycle old formulas. Instead, it introduced a fresh perspective and revitalized the franchise, which had struggled with lackluster sequels for years. The result? A 94% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a solid 74% from audiences.

"Set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago, Prey is the story of a young woman, Naru, a fierce and highly skilled warrior. She has been raised in the shadow of some of the most legendary hunters who roam the Great Plains, so when danger threatens her camp, she sets out to protect her people. The prey she stalks, and ultimately confronts, turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal, resulting in a vicious and terrifying showdown between the two adversaries."

New Heroes and Unlikely Alliances

Trachtenberg isn’t one to stick to the script. With 'Predator: Badlands,' he flipped expectations again, casting the iconic creature as the story’s unlikely hero and weaving in a clever connection to the Alien universe through Elle Fanning’s portrayal of Weyland-Yutani androids. The film shifts the action to the future, following Dek, a young Yautja exiled to a dangerous planet. There, Dek must prove himself by hunting the world’s top predator, only to cross paths with the android Thia, leading to an unexpected partnership.

Like its predecessor, 'Predator: Badlands' struck a chord with both fans and critics. This time, the film hit theaters, raking in $184 million worldwide. It earned an 86% critics score and a remarkable 95% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The overwhelming response all but guarantees more adventures are on the horizon, even before the film’s VOD release.

What’s Next for the Franchise?

The big question now is how many more stories Trachtenberg has planned, and how long fans will have to wait. For now, 'Predator: Badlands' is available to rent or buy on all major VOD services, while 'Prey' streams for free on Tubi and is also on Hulu and Disney+ for subscribers. The rest of the series can be found on Hulu and Disney+ as well.