Exploring the Phenomenon of Predator: Killer of Killers
In an exhilarating twist for fans of the franchise, Predator: Killer of Killers has shattered audience score records on Rotten Tomatoes, marking a significant milestone in the rich history of the Predator series. Co-directed by Dan Trachtenberg of Prey fame, this animated movie weaves a complex narrative as it traverses three distinct timelines, showcasing Yautja predators clashing with a Viking warrior in 841, a ninja in feudal Japan, and a pilot during World War II. The voice talents of Lindsay LaVanchy, Louis Ozawa, Rick Gonzalez, Michael Biehn, Doug Cockle, Lauren Holt, and Felix Solis elevate this ambitious project.
The film’s unprecedented success is evident as Rotten Tomatoes has now gathered over 500 user reviews, culminating in an impressive 91% Popcornmeter scoreâ€â€an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. Critics and audiences alike are lauding the film for its innovative storytelling, intricate character development, and the deepening of franchise lore. This achievement surpasses the 87% score of the original Predator (1987), solidifying Killer of Killers as the best-received installment to date. Just before this monumental audience score, it also clinched a Certified Fresh 97% Tomatometer score, showcasing its appeal to critics.
The Impact of Audience Reception
Despite its triumphs, the Popcornmeter score is slightly lower than the Tomatometer due to a handful of lukewarm reviews, reflecting critiques similar to those from ScreenRant’s Grant Hermanns, who rated the film a 5 out of 10. Hermanns expressed disappointment, noting that compared to Prey, Killer of Killers feels like a misstepâ€â€a directionless endeavor that leaves fans longing for the upcoming Badlands. His sentiments mirror a broader sentiment among certain audiences, highlighting the mixed reactions.
Even so, the film marks a significant victory for the franchise, becoming the fourth consecutive installment with an audience score that is lower than its critic score, but with the second smallest difference at just 6%. The Predator (2018) holds the dubious honor of the smallest drop, falling from 34% to 32%. Here’s a comparison of Rotten Tomatoes scores across the series:
Title | RT Critic Score | RT Audience Score |
---|---|---|
Predator (1987) | 80% | 87% |
Predator 2 (1990) | 29% | 44% |
Alien vs. Predator (2004) | 21% | 39% |
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) | 12% | 30% |
Predators (2010) | 65% | 52% |
The Predator (2018) | 34% | 32% |
Prey (2022) | 94% | 74% |
Predator: Killer of Killers (2025) | 97% | 91% |
In an impressive feat, Killer of Killers has only the third positive Popcornmeter score in the franchise’s history, achieving a notable mark as any film above 60% is considered “Fresh.” With its predecessors all falling below that threshold, this animated feature stands tall among the giants.
Looking ahead, anticipation builds for Predator: Badlands, which could capitalize on this momentum. Trachtenberg has been praised for his vision, having already established a successful lineage with both Killer of Killers and Prey. With these accolades, all eyes turn toward how Badlands will unfold, as it promises to be a live-action experience starring Elle Fanning.