On June 6, 2025, Hulu released Predator: Killer of Killers, an animated anthology film that has already made waves among fans and critics alike. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed 2022 live-action prequel Prey, this new entry pushes the Predator franchise into bold, fresh territory. Combining gory action, sharp storytelling, and a unique animation style, it’s being hailed as one of the best installments since the original 1987 film.
The film unfolds across three distinct time periods, each showcasing the deadly encounters between humans and the alien hunters known as the Yautja, or Predators. From a Viking raider queen to feudal Japan's ninja and samurai, and finally to a World War II fighter pilot, the anthology explores the relentless hunt these creatures are famous for. Each segment offers its own flavor of intense, brutal combat, with characters voiced by actors including Lindsay LaVanchy, Louis Ozawa, and Rick Gonzalez, who bring depth and grit to their roles.
Critics have praised the film’s ability to weave these disparate stories into a cohesive narrative. Screenwriter Micho Robert Rutare, collaborating closely with Trachtenberg, crafted a story that ties the segments together cleverly without spoiling the surprises. According to Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter, Rutare's script "ties things together in an extremely clever, satisfying manner that won’t be disclosed here but that makes the film more than the sum of its parts." This connective tissue culminates in a final act that not only links the anthology to the broader Predator universe but also reveals new facets of the Yautja culture, teasing future installments.
The animation, produced by Josh Wassung’s studio The Third Floor, employs an illustrated-but-in-3D style reminiscent of popular works like Arcane and the Spider-Verse movies. While some reviewers noted the visuals take a bit of getting used to—mentioning a somewhat low frame rate and a watercolor-like effect that blurs lines—most agree the style serves the material well. Amy West of Total Film highlighted the fresh imagery, saying the film is "full of fresh ideas you’ve never seen in a Predator movie before," and that the animation’s painterly approach complements the sci-fi action perfectly.
One of the standout segments is the feudal Japan story, featuring a near dialogue-free narrative that builds tension through atmosphere and evocative visuals. John Nugent of Empire Magazine called it “the best of the three,” praising its thrilling aerial battles and immersive nighttime attack sequence. The film’s use of the animated format allows for action sequences that would be difficult or prohibitively expensive to pull off in live-action, such as extended, unedited combat scenes that retain the steadiness of a long take, as noted by Fred Topel of United Press International.
Violence is a defining feature of the film, earning it a solid R rating. The movie does not shy away from gruesome gore, including decapitations, maiming, and visceral combat, all amplified by the freedom animation provides. Frank Scheck remarked that the film "easily earns its R rating with copious amounts of gruesome violence and bloody gore that should well sate viewers’ bloodthirsty tendencies." This unrelenting action is balanced by sharp dialogue and well-executed character arcs, giving weight to the internal conflicts and motivations of the human protagonists.
Despite the film’s many strengths, some critics pointed out minor flaws. The anthology format means each story is relatively brief, and some setups could have been expanded into standalone feature-length films. Additionally, the segment titled "The Sword," set in ancient Asia, was described as thin due to its minimal dialogue, a common trope in such period pieces. The film’s concluding moments, which attempt to connect the stories emotionally, were seen by some as slightly clunky and overly cutesy.
Beyond the thrilling battles and compelling storytelling, Predator: Killer of Killers enriches the franchise’s mythology. It introduces new concepts, such as the Yautja’s ability to freeze humans or creatures in time, preserving them either for hunting on a game planet or for combat in arenas filled with Predator spectators. This glimpse into the alien culture adds layers to the franchise’s lore and sets the stage for future narratives. The film even teases the return of Naru, the Comanche warrior from Prey, frozen in time, hinting at more animated stories to come.
Fans and reviewers alike have embraced the film as a dream come true for Predator enthusiasts. Paul McGuire Grimes called it a testament to Trachtenberg’s deep understanding of the franchise, while Courtney Howard of Fresh Fiction praised the characters’ meaningful arcs and the film’s relentless pace. The movie debuted with a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring its critical acclaim.
Moreover, Predator: Killer of Killers serves as a compelling bridge between Prey and the eagerly awaited live-action sequel Predator: Badlands, set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025. This upcoming film will follow a young Predator teaming up with an android, played by Elle Fanning, to confront a shared enemy. The animated anthology whets appetites and builds excitement for this next chapter.
In the broader context of the franchise, USA TODAY recently ranked Predator: Killer of Killers as the third-best Predator film to date, placing it just after the original 1987 classic and Trachtenberg’s own Prey. This ranking reflects the film’s success in revitalizing a series that had stumbled with less well-received entries in 2010 and 2018. Its inventive storytelling, stylish animation, and respect for the source material demonstrate that the Predator saga is far from over.
As the franchise continues to evolve, Predator: Killer of Killers stands out as a bold experiment that pays off. It expands the universe’s scope, explores new eras and cultures, and delivers the brutal, heart-pounding action fans crave. Whether you’re a longtime devotee or new to the series, this animated anthology offers a thrilling, fresh take on the legendary alien hunters.
