It is the most successful entry into the Predator franchise in the series' history

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It is the most successful entry into the Predator franchise in the series’ history(Image: 20th Century Studios)

A top-rated sci-fi film described as “visually spectacular” by fans has just arrived on Disney+ for fans to enjoy.

The 2025 release, Predator: Badlands, is the latest addition to the legendary Predator horror franchise, and it became the highest-grossing entry in its 38-year history. The previous record holder was 2004’s Alien vs. Predator.

The story centres around a Predator known as Dek, who must prove himself to his clan by hunting down an incredibly dangerous creature known as a Kalisk that is apparently unkillable. It comes after his own father demands his execution for being too weak, prompting his brother to sacrifice his own life to save Dek’s.

During his hunt for the Kalisk on a foreign planet full of hostile life, he encounters a stranded synthetic human called Thia who offers to help him on his quest. Unbeknownst to Dek, Thia has her own reasons for hunting down the Kalisk which involves the shady corporation known as Weyland-Yutani, a company horror fans will already be familiar with from the Alien films.

Thia and Dek form an unlikely alliance on their quest for an apex predator

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Thia and Dek form an unlikely alliance on their quest for an apex predator(Image: 20th Century Studios)

Horror and sci-fi fans can now watch the record-breaking release on Disney+ as of today (February 12). A synopsis for the film states: “Predator: Badlands deepens Yautja lore by introducing new characters Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) and Thia (Elle Fanning), following them on an underdog hero’s journey shaped by an unlikely alliance.

“Blending themes of survival and self-discovery with intense combat, striking visual effects, and moments of humour, the film delivers a high-stakes action adventure on both a visceral and emotional level.”

At time of writing, the film enjoys an impressive 95 per cent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics meanwhile awarded it a slightly more modest 86 per cent.

One fan of the film gushed: “Well done and compelling story, stunningly visual, action packed without becoming boring or needless, excellent visual and digital effects.” Another penned: “Awesome movie to watch! It’s def not like the other sequels as it brings sci-fi to another level.”

It boasts a top Rotten Tomatoes score - and approval from Predator fans

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It boasts a top Rotten Tomatoes score – and approval from Predator fans(Image: 20th Century Studios)

Meanwhile a third added: “WOW! Just Wow! Best Sci-Fi action movie I think since Aliens. This was beyond my every expectation and more.

“It has everything, drama, humour, action. What I like best is the fact that it showed (dare I say) the humanity of a predator and a synth. Plus, it’s very rewatchable.”