Badlands’ RT Score Proves the Franchise’s Definitive King (And It’s Not Arnold Schwarzenegger)

Predator: Badlands received a good score on Rotten Tomatoes, proving that its director could be the new king of the franchise. Predator began as a sci-fi action show in which humans fought against a deadly alien killer. It started in the jungle in 1987 with Arnold Schwarzenegger, but eventually moved to urban environments and culminated in a clash with StrangerThe Xenomorphs.

In recent years, the franchise has seen many failed reboot attempts, such as those in 2010. Predators and 2018 The Predator. However, it’s only 2022 Prey that the series began to regain traction. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, Prey surprised Predator captivated fans and newcomers with a small-scale story that reaches back to the roots of the universe.

Trachtenberg returned to directing Badlandsthe first theatrical entry since 2018. His latest film is currently receiving rave reviews from critics, earning an 89% critical rating on RT. This is his third Predator film in a row to widespread praise, suggesting that Trachtenberg may be the most important factor in the series’ success.

Dan Trachtenberg directed 3 very different Predator films with high RT critical scores

After the release of Shane Black’s film in 2018 Predator to ridiculous heights, the series needed to be brought back to simplicity. Prey delivered exactly that, following a Comanche woman who tries to protect her tribe from a dangerous alien threat. Set in 1719, the film features a unique setup as the main protagonist uses primitive weapons to defeat a technologically advanced hunter.

Prey currently holds 94% on RT, as critics praised the film for its creative action sequences and Amber Midthunder’s captivating performance.. After the film’s success on Hulu, Trachtenberg returned to direct another. Predator film which also took the franchise in another direction.

Released in June 2025, Predator: killer of killers is an animated anthology film that shares the stories of a Viking, a ninja, and a World War II pilot, all of whom survive encounters with Predator. Although each story takes place in a different time period, they come together for a finale that introduces several intriguing possibilities for the canon of the universe.

Not all stories are as captivating as others, but critics generally liked this project, because it holds a critical score of 95% on RT. It’s the highest-rated film in the series and is another win for Trachtenberg and Hulu. With BadlandsTHE 10 Cloverfield Lane the director created an unofficial site Predator a trilogy full of critical darlings.

What’s even more impressive about Trachtenberg’s direction is that these three films feel distinct. Prey brings the franchise back to colonial America, Killer of killers is the first animated/anthological entry, and Badlands is the first chapter to feature a Predator as the main protagonist.

They all have unique angles, but still include the blood, suspense, and action that audiences are accustomed to. Predator: Badlands proves that Trachtenberg understands this franchise better than anyone, as he delivers entertaining sci-fi blockbusters that present something new.

Release date

November 5, 2025

Runtime

107 minutes

Director

Then Trachtenberg

Writers

Dan Trachtenberg, Patrick Aison, John Thomas, Jim Thomas

Producers

Brent O’Connor, John Davis, Marc Toberoff, Dan Trachtenberg, Ben Rosenblatt

• 

  Elle Fanning

  Thia / Tessa

• 

  Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi

  Dek / Father