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Predator 2

Predator 2

Silent. Invisible. Invincible. He’s in town with a few days to kill.

1990108 minRMidcredits score: 50th percentile of all films
Director
Stephen Hopkins
Starring
Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Rubén Blades, Maria Conchita Alonso

A police chief in the war-torn streets of Los Angeles discovers that an extraterrestrial creature is hunting down residents - and that he is the next target.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Predator 2?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Predator 2 streaming on Disney+.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Predator 2?

Predator 2 earns 12 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Crowd Pleaser.

Show 4 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is Predator 2 worth watching?

Predator 2's Midcredits score is the 50th percentile of all films, from 408K ratings across 6 sources. 48% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

50th percentile

Better received than 50% of films

66th percentile among Action53rd percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)50th
Approval (how many liked it)49th

62 /100

50th percentile of all films

67th percentile among Action54th percentile among 1990s

Critics 46 · Audience 63

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

48% liked it

49th percentile of all films

64th percentile among Action52nd percentile among 1990s
48% rated it 7–1052% rated it 1–6

Critics 36% · Audience 44%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 4 noms overall

98th percentile

408K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Action97th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 22% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$30M
Opening weekend$8.8M
Domestic gross$31M
Worldwide gross$57M

Returned 1.9× its budget — 79th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The sequel trades the jungle for an urban setting and leans more into action than tension, a shift that defines its mixed reception.

Fans praised

  • Urban jungle setting and bold shift from jungle to LA
  • Danny Glover and Gary Busey performances
  • Action sequences and spectacle

Detractors panned

  • Derivative plot and unmotivated timeline shift
  • Weak characters and clichéd dialogue
  • Lack of the original's tension and suspense

What stands out

Effects and spectacle75

Great effects and action scenes, but some dated FX

Acting70

Danny Glover and Gary Busey praised; some see camp or miscasting

Pacing60

Action-packed, but relentless action can wear

Atmosphere60

Chaotic crime-ridden LA, but lacks the original's tension

Originality55

Urban change of pace but derivative of action and sci-fi tropes

Tension50

Some top tension, but less suspenseful than original

Characters45

Thin characters, minor roles mostly forgettable

Plot and story40

Silly, derivative, with a pointless future setting

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 23 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 16 points higher than under-30s.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 11 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 13 points higher than US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Predator 2 like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to be scared.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseThrillingDread
Heaviest: middle
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Hardboiled · 1% of films: Terse, unsentimental, noir-inflected.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its alien-thriller premise and police-procedural framing with earnest intensity, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe film sustains a high level of tension with bursts of action, escalating through the middle as the predator's attacks intensify.
StructureThe film follows a conventional three-act structure as Harrigan investigates and ultimately confronts the predator.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunRousing · 10% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film delivers energetic action and a satisfying final confrontation, leaving viewers entertained and invigorated.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% (this title) · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows LAPD Lieutenant Harrigan as he pursues an invisible extraterrestrial hunter through gang-ridden Los Angeles.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

Survival
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film revolves around the primal struggle to survive against an unseen, superior predator, while also examining the limits of institutional law enforcement in a chaotic urban warzone.
StanceThe film observes the gritty reality of urban warfare and one cop's relentless pursuit, without glorifying or condemning the violence.

The world

Near futureUrbanStylized realism
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Alan Silvestri
SettingA heat-wave-baked, gang-war-torn Los Angeles where police battle Colombian cartels and an alien hunter stalks the streets.
MusicSilvestri's score blends tribal percussion and synth-driven tension, echoing the original Predator while adding a urban intensity.

Content guide

Is Predator 2 okay for kids?

R

Predator 2 is rated R: “Rated R for strong violence and language, and for sensuality and drug content” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (94/100), sexual content at intense (76/100), language at severe (89/100), drug and alcohol content at severe (84/100) and frightening material at severe (84/100). Overall it is heavier than 98% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 16 other countries
  • UK18
  • AustraliaR 18+
  • Germany18
  • France12
  • Ireland18
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil16
  • Argentina16
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-18
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyVM14
  • MexicoC
  • Netherlands16
  • Spain18
  • Sweden15
Overall
Severe · all five categories
Heavier than 99% of all filmsHeavier than 98% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 92%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 95%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 90%
Alcohol & Drugs
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 94%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 85%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Heavy almost across the board: violence, language, frightening material, drug and alcohol content, and sexual content.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Predator 2 have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Predator 2?

Cast

Danny Glover
as Lieutenant Mike Harrigan
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Gary Busey
as Peter Keyes
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Rubén Blades
as Danny Archuleta
Maria Conchita Alonso
as Leona Cantrell
Bill Paxton
as Jerry Lambert
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Robert Davi
as Captain Phil Heinemann
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Adam Baldwin
as Garber
Kevin Peter Hall
as The Predator
Kent McCord
as Captain B. Pilgrim
Morton Downey Jr.
as Tony Pope
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Predator 2?

Movies like Predator 2 include Predators (2010), Predator (1987) and Alien vs. Predator (2004). Of the 12 closest matches, most are stories about aliens, and most are creature features.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Jim Thomas and John Thomas wrote 5 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Predator 2?

773 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: alien. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.