Predator: Killer of Killers took the number 1 spot on Hulu this week. The Predator franchise includes numerous blockbuster films, preying on society’s obsession with aliens. From the original Predator (1987), fans were drawn to the mysterious and vile creature that hunted humans for sport. Its great strength was its ability to become invisible instantly.
The extraterrestrial creature could also detect humans by their body heat (which is kind of hard to get rid of if you’re human!). It also had a collection of tech tools that made it nearly unstoppable. Spoiler alert: Somehow, humans still managed to defeat the monstrous alien called “the Predator”—or maybe it was really no match for Arnold Schwarzenegger, the bodybuilder.
Following Predator are other thrillers like Predator 2 (1990), Alien vs. Predator (2004), Predators (2010), and Prey (2022). Almost all movies in the franchise are rated R, except for Alien vs. Predator, which is rated PG-13. For the live-action movies, R seems like a fair rating if you consider the gore and horror. However, Predator: Killer of Killers doesn’t share the same level of gore or disturbing images since it’s an animated film.
A breakdown of Predator: Killer of Killers MPA rating
According to IMDb, Predator: Killer of Killers received a rating of R for “strong bloody violence, some gore and language”. While the animated movie is action-packed and presents a new delivery for fans of the Predator franchise, the R rating seems unwarranted.
Sex & Nudity: A healthy bromance is all you’re going to get from this science fiction thriller. There is no real love interest in the plot, making it a safe choice for your preteen. A PG-13 rating would be far more appropriate for this film, but if your child doesn’t mind a good battle of warriors, I’d say this movie could be fine for children as young as eleven or twelve. The brotherly connections that you’ll see—adversarial at times—are part of a great storyline that we haven’t yet seen in the franchise.
Violence: This is where the bulk of the R rating comes into play. For a movie with warriors and soldiers fighting off enemies, there is certainly some bloodshed that ensues. The gore factor is present, but the animation takes away some of the horror and images that typically stick with you after you’ve watched something scary. Kids who enjoy action thrillers or other anime movies will probably not be bothered by the gore in this one. If you have a child who is squeamish, even with cartoons, I’d stay away from this one.
Language: This movie is overall easy on language, a lot of it going unnoticed in the midst of the ongoing battle scenes. IMDb counts two f-words, along with some lesser profanities, but the language did not stand out to me when I watched it. Parents who would like their younger kids to stay away from profanity will want to save this one for their older teens to be safe.
Drinking and Drugs: There are no references to or use of alcohol or drugs in this film. The focus really is on the Predator hunting some of the world’s most clever warriors of all time.
Watch Predator: Killer of Killers with your action-lovers, but only if they can handle some gore!
While teens are likely to enjoy the film, this one isn't likely for younger kids. As someone who doesn’t typically gravitate to animated action movies, the trailer really caught my attention. The movie was original, full of action, and heavily focused on the battle of good versus evil. Overall, the gore was not overdone. Throughout the movie, the characters show the power of joining would-be enemies to fight a greater enemy.
While revenge is part of the plot, there is also an element of fighting with honor and knowing when to rely on others. I do enjoy horror and thriller movies, so this one was a favorite for me. It’s also an interesting way of keeping the Predator looming in the back of our minds, because it has really transcended time in this movie!
Predator: Killer of Killers is now streaming on Hulu.