Hold on tight, Predator fans! The newest installment, 'Predator: Badlands,' has just achieved a monumental feat, proving that the franchise still has plenty of bite. But here's a question that's got everyone talking: Is box office success enough to declare it the best Predator film?
In only its second weekend, 'Predator: Badlands,' directed by Dan Trachtenberg, secured the third spot at the domestic box office, raking in an impressive $13 million. This pushed the critically acclaimed horror adventure past a major milestone. And this is the part most people miss... it shows the enduring power of practical effects and a compelling story over pure CGI spectacle, a point many argue has been lost in modern blockbusters.
As of this morning, 'Predator: Badlands' boasts a domestic total of $66.3 million, officially making it the highest-grossing solo 'Predator' film ever in the U.S.! That's right, it's surpassed all previous individual Predator outings.
Now, before you start celebrating too wildly, it's worth noting that it hasn't quite caught up to the $80.2 million domestic gross of 2004's 'Alien vs. Predator' – that epic crossover showdown. But 'Badlands' is hot on its heels as it enters its third weekend, suggesting it has the potential to take the crown.
Let's take a trip down memory lane and look at the domestic earnings of all the solo 'Predator' movies to date. Keep in mind that these numbers don't account for inflation, so the older films might have had an even bigger impact back in the day:
- 'Predator' (1987) – $59.7 million
- 'Predator 2' (1990) – $30.6 million
- 'Predators' (2010) – $52 million
- 'The Predator' (2018) – $51 million
- 'Prey' (2022) – Not released in theaters
- 'Predator: Killer of Killers' (2025) – Not released in theaters
- 'Predator: Badlands' (2025) – $66.3 million
Globally, 'The Predator' still reigns supreme among solo 'Predator' films with $160.5 million. 'Badlands' isn't far behind, though, with a worldwide total of $136.3 million. Of course, 'Alien vs. Predator' still dominates the entire franchise with a whopping $177.4 million worldwide, making it the overall champion.
Here's another interesting tidbit: 'Predator: Badlands' had the biggest opening weekend in the history of the 'Predator' franchise, exceeding even the opening weekend of 'AvP' (without adjusting for inflation). That's a pretty significant achievement, showcasing the film's immediate appeal.
But here's where it gets controversial... 'Badlands' also carries the heftiest production budget in the franchise's history, reportedly costing a cool $105 million. This raises the question: does a larger budget automatically translate to a better film, or is it the storytelling and execution that truly matter? It's a debate that often divides fans. Is the money on the screen, or is it wasted? What do you think?
'Predator: Badlands' is currently playing exclusively in movie theaters nationwide, and you can experience it in all its glory in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, RealD 3D, Cinemark XD, 4DX, and ScreenX, and premium screens everywhere. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for some action!
Now, let's open up the floor for discussion. Do you think 'Predator: Badlands' deserves the title of highest-grossing solo 'Predator' film? Does box office success equate to quality? And most importantly, what are your hopes for the future of the 'Predator' franchise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
