Prey’s Streaming Triumph: How a Predator Reboot Conquered Tubi

When Dan Trachtenberg quietly unveiled his secretive Predator project, few could have predicted the impact it would have on the franchise’s fortunes. Prey, which sidestepped a traditional cinema release, has now clawed its way to the summit of Tubi’s free streaming rankings—an unexpected twist for a series once thought to be running on fumes.

Set centuries before the events that made Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch a household name, Prey introduces Amber Midthunder as Naru, a young Comanche woman thrust into a deadly game of survival after a mysterious spacecraft crash-lands nearby. The alien threat she faces is as brutal as ever, but the film’s approach is anything but familiar. Trachtenberg’s direction steers clear of the formulaic beats that plagued earlier sequels, instead offering a stripped-back, tense narrative that feels both urgent and fresh.

Upon its release, Prey shattered records for Disney’s original streaming content, drawing the largest opening audience to date. Critics were quick to heap praise, with the film earning a remarkable 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. While viewers’ ratings settled at a more modest 74%, the consensus was clear: Prey wasn’t just a return to form, but arguably one of the standout films of its era.

Streaming First, Cinemas Later: A Franchise Rethinks Its Strategy

In a world untouched by pandemic closures, Prey might have enjoyed a blockbuster run in cinemas. Instead, it landed directly on Hulu and Disney+, where it promptly broke several streaming records. The decision to bypass theatres was widely lamented, with many insisting the film deserved a proper big-screen outing. That opportunity finally arrived three years later, when a limited number of cinemas paired Prey with Predator: Badlands for a special double feature in November 2025.

The lesson was not lost on the studio. Determined not to repeat the same mistake, Predator: Badlands was granted a full theatrical release. The gamble paid off handsomely, with the film raking in $184 million worldwide and outpacing every previous entry in the franchise—including the much-discussed Alien crossovers from the early 2000s.

What’s Next for the Predator Universe?

While there’s been no official word on the franchise’s future, it’s widely believed that Trachtenberg is already at work on his next chapter in the saga. After two consecutive hits—plus the well-received animated anthology Predator: Killer of Killers on Netflix—expectations are running high. Fans are already speculating about a direct follow-up to Prey and whatever surprises might be in store after Badlands.

For those keen to keep up with the latest developments, there’s a newsletter offering in-depth analysis of the franchise’s twists and turns, sequel rumours, and the shifting landscape between streaming and theatrical releases. It’s a proper resource for anyone wanting to stay ahead of the curve.

Where to Watch Now

At present, Prey is available to stream for free on Tubi, while Predator: Badlands can be rented or bought through the usual video-on-demand platforms. Both films continue to perform strongly, with Badlands holding impressive chart positions on the Apple and Amazon stores.