Cliff Notes – New action horror movie has critics saying ‘this is what streaming is for’
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Animated Anthology Format: Predator: Killer of Killers features three interconnected stories, showcasing a Viking Queen, Samurai warrior, and WWII pilot battling the Yautja, the iconic alien hunter.
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Critical Acclaim: The film has garnered a near-perfect 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its non-stop action and quality animation, calling it a prime example of what streaming should offer.
- Director’s Vision: Dan Trachtenberg, who previously directed Prey, continues to impress with his unique take on the franchise, blending historical settings with thrilling encounters against the Predator.
New action horror movie has critics saying ‘this is what streaming is for’
Famously one of cinema’s mightiest franchises has returned to Disney+ with an all-new film which already has critics and die-hard fans hooked.
Predator: Killer of Killers is the latest entry in a long-running sci-fi/horror/action series which was first kicked off by a cigar-chomping Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987.
Since the release of John McTiernan’s Predator, the beast has spawned four sequels and two spin-offs – plus countless tie-in video games, comic books (who can forget that time it beat up Batman!?) and novelisations.
Ahead of director Dan Trachtenberg’s upcoming live-action sequel, this animated spin-off follows three human warriors as they face off against the intergalactic hunter (a race also known as the Yautja).
In three separate yet connected stories, a Viking Queen, Samurai warrior and World War II fighter pilot each encounter the Yautja, and soon find themselves fighting for survival against the galaxy’s most lethal hunter.
With the film now streaming in the UK and worldwide, it has already cultivated a near-perfect 97% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
Predator: Killer of Killers is streaming now (Picture: Hulu/Everett/REX/Shutterstock)
The animated anthology tracks three Predator trips to Earth (Picture: Hulu/Everett/REX/Shutterstock)
In the hours following the film’s release, critics shared their early thoughts on what they had just witnessed.
‘Predator: Killer of Killers provides the non-stop action that the diehard fans crave. And no concession has been made to the animated format; the film easily earns its R rating,’ wrote The Hollywood Reporter.
“I’d go so far as to say that this is what streaming should be for: Immaculately crafted bonus treats that stand on their own two feet,’ agreedIndieWire.
Meanwhile, The Wrap described it as ‘all action, no filler.’
One strand sees a Viking Queen face off against the Predator (Picture: Hulu/Everett/REX/Shutterstock)
Reacting to the film’s release on X, viewers were just as enthusiastic, with panthersgod all-capping: ‘PREDATOR: KILLER OF KILLERS was ABSOLUTE CINEMA.’
‘Killer of Killers just straight up might be the best predator movie ever in existence,’ commented PixelMert.
‘Gotta say, Dan Trachtenberg is absolutely KILLING IT in the Predator department! His latest films—Prey and Killer of Killers—perfectly captures the essence what made the Predator series so memorable! And I’m digging his take on each different Yautja!’ said NikaiCanon.
Meanwhile, IamMichaelJLee described it as ‘an ambitious, world-building brawl that spans multiple time periods before culminating on the Predator’s homeworld. Each setting adds a layer of depth and nuance to our history while reimagining humanity’s most brutal eras through the lens of the hunt.’
Fans have praised the film for its ‘memorable’ creature design (Picture: Hulu/Everett/REX/Shutterstock)
Killer of Killers is the second Predator film from director Dan Trachtenberg, who previously helmed its critically acclaimed prequel in 2022.
Set in the world of the Comanche Nation 300 years ago, Prey followed female warrior Naru (Amber Midthunder) as she faced off against a bloodthirsty Predator.
Metro UK’s Louise Griffin described the film as a success for its young star, who ‘lives up to the protagonist of the original film.’
No mean feat, given that the protagonist was none other than Arnie himself.
Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the first Predator film (Picture: 20th Century Fox/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)
The Predator series will return with this year’s Badlands (Picture: 20th Century Studios)
Between the original Predator and 2022’s Prey, the series also includes 1990’s Danny Glover ’em up Predator 2, the 2010 action film Predators, plus soft reboot (and hard pass!) The Predator, as directed by Shane Black in 2018.
The creature also appeared in two Alien vs Predator movies in 2004 and 2007, neither of which managed to capture either Alien or Predator at their best.
Thankfully, Trachtenberg’s not done with the franchise yet. Live-action sequel Predator: Badlands is also due out later this year and will find the Predator on the back foot for once.
Set on a remote planet, the film will follow a young Yautja outcast as he teams up with unlikely ally Thia (Elle Fanning) when they embark on a hunt for the ultimate adversary.
Predator: Killer of Killers is streaming on Disney+ now.