16 Years Ago Today: ‘Predator' Sequel That Saved the Franchise Hit Theaters
If you're going to follow Arnold Schwarzenegger, you'd better have a plan.
For years, every Predator sequel struggled to recapture the magic of Schwarzenegger's 1987 sci-fi classic. Then, 16 years ago today, Predators did something fans had been waiting decades to see: it stopped trying to outdo the original and instead returned to the survival-driven formula that made Arnold's first hunt an action legend. Critics responded by calling it a return to the franchise's "testosterone-fueled roots," according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Released on July 9, 2010, Predators stars Adrien Brody as Royce, a battle-hardened mercenary who awakens on an alien game preserve alongside a group of killers, soldiers, and fugitives. They quickly discover they're no longer the hunters-they're the prey. Directed by Nimród Antal and produced by Robert Rodriguez, the film also features Alice Braga, Topher Grace, Walton Goggins, Danny Trejo, and Laurence Fishburne.
It Didn't Replace Arnold-It Returned to What Made Him Great
The original Predator worked because it wasn't just another action movie. Schwarzenegger's Dutch begins as the ultimate commando, only to discover that muscles and firepower aren't enough against an enemy that hunts for sport. Predators wisely borrowed that same blueprint, swapping nonstop spectacle for suspense and survival.
Not every critic was convinced, but many appreciated the course correction. According to The Guardian, reviewer Peter Bradshaw wrote that the film "certainly isn't boring," praising its energetic action while arguing that it never quite matched the "sheer crazed brilliance" of John McTiernan's original. Even so, he noted that director Nimród Antal "keeps the action moving briskly" throughout.
Rotten Tomatoes ultimately landed closer to the positive side, with the site's Critics Consensus stating: "After a string of subpar sequels, this bloody, action-packed reboot takes the Predator franchise back to its testosterone-fueled roots." The film holds a 65% Tomatometer score based on more than 200 reviews.
Why It's Still Worth Watching
For Men's Journal readers, Predators is a reminder that the best action movies aren't necessarily the biggest-they're the ones that keep the stakes simple.
Instead of trying to reinvent the franchise, Predators returned to what made Schwarzenegger's original unforgettable: skilled warriors, relentless tension, and the feeling that no one is safe. Sixteen years later, it's still regarded as one of the strongest entries in the series, earning a 6.4/10 user rating on IMDb while continuing to attract fans looking for a modern take on the classic formula.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 9:57 PM.