Looking for an honest Predator Badlands review now that Dan Trachtenberg’s epic has moved from its massive 2025 theatrical run to home streaming? After the success of Prey, expectations were sky-high for this futuristic departure. Set on the hostile “Death Planet” of Genna, Badlands does the unthinkable: it makes a Yautja the hero.
In this Predator Badlands review, we’ll dive into why the story of Dek (the “runt” Predator) and his synthetic ally Thia is a groundbreaking win for the franchise.
The Plot: An Alien vs Predator Review of the Story
The film opens on the Predator homeworld, Yautja Prime, where we meet Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi). Unlike the hulking hunters we’re used to, Dek is an outcast—a “runt” considered weak by his clan. After a tragic betrayal, Dek is exiled to the lethal planet of Genna. His only path to redemption? Slay the Kalisk, an apex monster so dangerous that even the legendary Yautja fear it.
What makes this Predator Badlands review easy to write is the incredible chemistry between Dek and Thia (Elle Fanning), a damaged Weyland-Yutani android he finds in the wastes. Fanning actually plays a dual role here, also appearing as Thia’s militant sister, Tessa. As Dek and Thia navigate a world of razor-glass forests and acid-spitting fauna, they are hunted by the ruthlessly efficient Tessa. The “buddy-cop” bond between a Yautja and a Synth shouldn’t work, but it’s the emotional heart of the movie.
The Ultimate Alien Watch Order: Movies & TV (2026)
Why Fans Love the Predator Badlands Review Scores
The reason this film dominated the box office in late 2025 is its boldness. This is the first entry in the franchise with zero human characters. By focusing entirely on the alien perspective—complete with a fully developed Yautja language—Trachtenberg expands the lore without losing the “muscular” action the series is known for.
Whether it’s Dek using organic “vine-traps” to hunt or the brutal final showdown against a Weyland-Yutani Power Loader, the action is inventive and visceral. Despite its PG-13 rating, the “alien-on-alien” violence is enough to satisfy any fan of the franchise.
Gear Up: Must-Have Merch After This Predator Badlands Review
If our Predator Badlands review has you ready to join the hunt, check out these top-rated items on Amazon to build your own clan:
- [Predator: Badlands 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray] – The best way to experience the stunning visuals of the planet Genna at home.
- [Predator: Badlands Limited Edition 4K Steelbook] – A collector’s favorite featuring exclusive “Death Planet Genna” artwork (while stocks last!).
- [Weyland-Yutani “Building Better Worlds” Hoodie] – Represent the corporate villains of the franchise in style.
- [NECA Predator 7″ Scale Ultimate Jungle Hunter] – While the Badlands specific “Dek” figure is currently on pre-order for late 2026, this classic NECA figure remains the #1 best-seller for Predator fans.
Final Verdict: Wrapping Up Our Predator Badlands Review
To conclude this Predator Badlands review, Dan Trachtenberg has done it again. By flipping the script and making the monster the underdog, he has revitalized the series. It’s emotional, visually stunning, and packed with enough Yautja lore to keep fans talking well into 2026.
Final Score: 9/10
