Prey Revives Predator Franchise as Tubi’s Top Free Stream

When Dan Trachtenberg quietly revealed he’d been working on a secret Predator project, few could have predicted the impact it would have. Prey, which skipped cinemas and landed straight on streaming, has now clawed its way to the top of Tubi’s free-to-watch list, four years after its original release window.

Set centuries before the events of the original Predator, Prey follows Naru, a young Comanche woman played by Amber Midthunder, as she faces off against a deadly alien visitor. The film ditches the formula of previous sequels, instead offering a fresh perspective under Trachtenberg’s direction. It quickly became the most-watched Disney original on debut and scored a remarkable 94% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes. While the audience rating sits at 74%, most agree it’s not just a standout entry in the franchise, but one of the decade’s best action flicks.

Streaming Success and Missed Cinema Opportunity

In a world without pandemic disruptions, Prey would likely have hit the big screen and drawn crowds. Instead, it premiered on Hulu and Disney+, smashing streaming records but leaving many punters wishing for a proper cinema run. That wish was partly granted three years later, when select theatres screened Prey alongside Predator: Badlands in a double feature during November 2025.

After the streaming-only release of Prey, there was no question Predator: Badlands would get a full cinema rollout. The gamble paid off, with Badlands raking in $184 million globally and becoming the franchise’s highest earner, even outpacing the Alien crossover films from the 2000s.

What’s Next for the Predator Universe?

The future of the Predator series remains under wraps, but word is Trachtenberg is already at work on his next chapter. With two hits under his belt and the well-received animated anthology Predator: Killer of Killers on Netflix, expectations are sky-high for what comes next. Fans are especially keen for a sequel to Prey and whatever surprises follow Badlands.

‘Prey’ Walked on Streaming So ‘Predator: Badlands’ Could Run in Theatres

Where to Watch and Stay Updated

Prey is currently available to stream for free on Tubi, while Predator: Badlands can be rented or bought on major VOD platforms, holding strong positions on both the Apple and Amazon stores. For those wanting more insight into the franchise’s direction, signing up for the newsletter offers analysis on upcoming sequels, the shift from streaming to cinemas, and broader film trends.