Predator: Badlands (2025)

Edwin Tan

13 Jan 2026 — 2 min read

Score: 7 / 10
Category: Movie
Platform: Streaming

One-line verdict

A spectacular and refreshing Predator story told from the hunter’s side — even if “Dek the Yautja” gets said so often it becomes unintentionally funny.

What worked

This movie is a spectacle. The visuals are strong, the CGI is convincing, and it looks like a proper Hollywood production.
The shift in perspective is the biggest win. Seeing the Predator as the protagonist immediately makes the story feel fresh.
Elle Fanning is the standout. Her character brings warmth and contrast to an otherwise serious, brutal world.
Exploring a new world works well, and the movie smartly reuses familiar Predator elements, so it still feels connected rather than pointless.
Overall, it’s entertaining from start to finish and never feels dull.

What broke

Story-wise, it’s still a cliché at heart. The outcast seeking strength, acceptance, and revenge is a familiar arc.
The final act feels rushed, especially the killing of the father.
Yes, Dek becomes stronger, but he’s still young and physically smaller. The payoff doesn’t fully feel earned.
That moment would have worked much better as a sequel setup, after he’s fully grown as a Yautja.
Also, “Dek the Yautja” gets repeated so many times it starts to sound like a running joke.

What others are saying

Widely praised for its visuals and action.
Many viewers like the Predator-centric perspective.
Common criticism points to the familiar story beats and rushed third act.

The section below discusses plot details.

Why this worked for me

Even with its flaws, I was blown away by how fun this movie is. It gives you scale, action, and a fresh angle on a franchise that could easily have gone stale.

The story isn’t new, but the execution keeps it engaging. Watching the Predator grow, struggle, and fight from within his own culture adds weight to moments that would otherwise feel generic.

The rushed ending keeps this from being an 8, but a 7 feels right. It’s exciting, visually impressive, and proves the Predator franchise can still evolve — even if it sometimes trips over its own ambition.

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