The Predator franchise has had its highs (1987 classic, anyone?) and some pretty forgettable lows. But Hulu’s newest animated instalment, Predator: Killer of Killers, might just be the redemption arc fans didn’t know they needed. It dropped on June 6, 2025, and the buzz hasn’t stopped since. Not only is it racking up glowing reviews, it’s outscoring both the original and 2022’s Prey, which was no slouch itself.
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (yep, the same guy behind Prey) and co-directed by Josh Wassung, this isn’t just another rehash. It’s an ambitious animated anthology that stretches the Predator mythology across centuries—and the results? Pretty killer.
You can catch it now on Hulu in the U.S. or over on Disney+ (Star hub) internationally. Trust us, it lands with impact, like three short films packed with gorgeous animation, visceral action, and some surprisingly deep storytelling.
What Makes Predator: Killer of Killers, Hulu’s Latest Smash Hit?
The response from critics has been borderline euphoric. The film snagged the best critic score of any Predator movie to date, yes, even higher than the OG. Why? A few reasons: it’s stylish, it’s violent (in a good way), and it’s got soul.
Brian Orndorf over at Blu-ray.com called it “perhaps the best Predator installment since the 1987 original,” especially loving how the animation enhances the brutal, alien vibe the series is known for.
And David Ehrlich from IndieWire? He didn’t hold back. He described it as “a stellar, thrilling tale” and applauded it for being more than just background noise. Ehrlich praised how it deepens the Yautja lore, balancing savage combat with moments that feel almost… poetic.
Hard to argue when the visuals hit like a punch to the gut and the storytelling cuts deeper than you’d expect from a movie with alien head trophies.
The Anthology Format: Three Eras, Three Epic Hunts
What sets Killer of Killers apart is its structure. Instead of one long narrative, it delivers three self-contained stories, each dropped into a different historical period, with its tone, heroes, and Predator encounter.
Here’s the breakdown:
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Viking Saga: Picture a snow-covered wilderness where a mother and son hunt revenge… only to find something far more terrifying than a rival clan.
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Feudal Japan: Two brothers, one ninja, one samurai, face off under the moonlight. But their sibling rivalry is quickly overshadowed by a predator who has no allegiance, no code, and no mercy.
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World War II: A pilot shot down in the Pacific thinks the worst is over. It’s not. He’s being hunted through the jungle by something ancient, and it’s not wearing dog tags.
The animation style shifts subtly between each story, giving each tale its flavour. Gritty textures, cinematic lighting, and gorgeously choreographed violence make these shorts feel more like mini-films than cartoon episodes. You might even forget you’re watching an animation.
The Future Looks Bright (and Bloody) for the Predator Franchise
If Prey was the comeback, Killer of Killers is the “we’re back” moment. The way it expands the Predator mythos, while still giving fans all the gory hand-to-hand combat they crave, is a sign that the franchise is evolving in all the right ways.
It’s also got people buzzing about the upcoming live-action project, Predator: Badlands. And let’s be honest: after Killer of Killers, the bar is officially higher.
Animation might just be the secret sauce here. It gives the creators freedom to dream bigger, no limits on locations, timelines, or how many heads a Predator can rip off in one scene. Don’t be surprised if this anthology format becomes a go-to moving forward.
Final Take: Predator: Killer of Killers Is More Than a Win, It’s a Revival
If you’ve ever loved anything about the Predator franchise, or just want to watch something that goes hard and doesn’t waste your time, this one’s worth your screen time. It’s bold, bloody, and way more emotionally resonant than it has any right to be.
Killer of Killers isn’t just a good Predator film; it might be the best. Hulu delivered a sharp, visually stunning reminder that the Yautja still have plenty of stories left to tell—and plenty of skulls to collect.
Stream it now. Just… maybe don’t watch it right before bed.
