The hunt has moved from the big screen to living rooms, and it is paying off big time for the Predator franchise. While Predator: Badlands had a decent but not earth-shattering run in theaters late last year, the movie has found its true target on streaming. Since its release on Hulu and Disney+, the latest chapter in the long-running sci-fi series has quickly become a must-watch, proving that audiences are more than ready for a fresh take on the classic Yautja hunters.

Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who previously won over fans and critics with the acclaimed film Prey, this new movie takes a bold risk. Instead of following human soldiers, it puts a young Predator front and center. The strategy has clearly worked. After a theatrical run that saw it become the highest-grossing film in the series’ 38-year history, the movie is now smashing records on streaming platforms around the world .

A New Predator Story Finds Its Audience at Home

Predator: Badlands arrived on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ internationally on February 12, 2026 . The response was immediate. Within just a few days, the film climbed to the number one spot on Hulu and became the top film on Disney+ in a staggering 70 countries .

This wave of viewership shows that the film’s different approach has connected with a global audience. The story moves away from the dense jungles of Earth to a dangerous, remote planet in the future. It follows Dek (played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Predator who is cast out from his clan . Alone and looking for purpose, he forms an unlikely friendship with a humanoid android named Thia, played by Elle Fanning . Together, they go on a dangerous journey to find the ultimate adversary, creating a buddy-adventure dynamic that the franchise has never tried before.

This shift in perspective has been a hit with viewers. Instead of just being the scary monster in the background, the Predator becomes a character the audience can actually root for. As one critic put it, rooting for a Predator might feel strange at first, but the character quickly wins you over . The film mixes the series’ signature brutal action with surprising moments of humor and self-discovery, making it feel fresh while still honoring the legacy of the original films .

Box Office Success Story: A Franchise Record

Before dominating streaming charts, Predator: Badlands had already made history where it counts: the box office. Produced on a budget of $105 million, the film grossed $184.5 million worldwide . While some might look at that number and compare it to other superhero blockbusters, context is key. This figure officially makes it the highest-grossing film in the entire Predator franchise, surpassing the $177.4 million earned by Alien vs. Predator back in 2004 .

When it opened in theaters on November 7, 2025, it had a strong start. The film topped the North American box office during its opening weekend, bringing in $40 million domestically . This was actually the best opening weekend ever for a Predator movie, beating the previous record held by, again, Alien vs. Predator . This performance proved that director Dan Trachtenberg had successfully reignited interest in the property after his hit movie Prey.

Critics and audiences also agreed on the film’s quality. It currently holds a strong 86% Certified Fresh rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. More importantly, the audience score is even higher, sitting at a 95% Verified Hot Popcornmeter score, which means people who watched it genuinely liked it .

Why the Film Works: A Fresh Take on a Classic Monster

So, what makes Predator: Badlands different? According to director Dan Trachtenberg, it was about finding a new story to tell within a familiar world. After the success of Prey, he didn’t just want to make a simple sequel. He wanted to explore something the franchise had never shown before .

“I really search my soul as to what I would want to see. Also, what we haven’t seen both in the Predator franchise and science fiction. And that’s when the idea came, ‘Oh yeah, the creature, the sidekicks, the monsters, the villains.’”

That idea turned into a story where the “monster” is the hero. The film explores themes of identity, survival, and trust. The relationship between Dek, the outcast Predator, and Thia, the android, provides an emotional anchor for all the high-stakes action. It’s a survival story with a charming buddy-dynamic that works really well .

Fans have taken to social media to praise the film’s heart and action. The visual effects, handled by top-tier studios like Wētā FX (known for their work on Avatar and The Lord of the Rings), have also been a major talking point, with many praising the detailed design of the new Yautja characters and the alien world they inhabit .

What’s Available to Stream Now

For those ready to start the hunt, Predator: Badlands is available to stream right now. In the United States, it is streaming exclusively on Hulu. Viewers who have the Disney+ bundle can also watch it through Hulu on Disney+ . For fans in the UK, Canada, Australia, India, and other international markets, the film is available on Disney+ .

As a bonus for franchise fans, streaming platforms are now the ultimate home for all things Predator. The complete library of Predator movies is available on Hulu and Disney+, including Trachtenberg’s other films, Prey and the animated Predator: Killer of Killers . There is also a new Predator Creators Collection available, which offers behind-the-scenes looks and extra content to dive deeper into the world of the Yautja .

With Predator: Badlands currently sitting as the number one movie in dozens of countries, it is clear that this new direction for the franchise is exactly what fans were waiting for. Whether you missed it in theaters or want to experience the hunt again, the film is ready to stream.

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