Summary
Predator: Killer of Killersis the newest entry and the first animated movie in thePredatorfranchise, combining exciting plots with bloody action and a spectacular visual style by The Third Floor. The film consists of four interconnected stories, each featuring its own human characters anddistinct Predator types. The final act brings together all the warrior survivors from the first three stories for an ultimate test on the Predator homeworld, Yautja Prime.
There are four major Predators inKiller of Killers, each belonging to their own story, time period, and location on Earth, as they search for the most worthy prey to test their combat skills. Each Predator is unique and distinct in appearance, tactics, and approach to the hunt, enriching the viewer’s perception of the universe and teasing endless possibilities for the franchise.
The following ranking has been determined by examining the four major Predators' hunting and combat skills.
4Predator Pilot
North Atlantic, 1942
The Predator encountered by US Navy forces in the North Atlantic during the Second World War and defeated by fighter pilot Torres might be one of the most lethal and advanced to appear inPredator: Killer of Killers, yet it is also the most boring Predator variant shown so far. This specimen is something of a combination between pilot and engineer and relies entirely on its advanced spacecraft for hunting, rather than using its skills to face its prey directly, something that audiences tend to expect from Predators.
Sure,the tech of the alien ship is unparalleled, featuring retrievable harpoons, an array of cannons with different projectiles, incredible speed, maneuverability, camouflage, and more. Yet even with the impressive kill count of the Predator Pilot, shooting down far less advanced, almost defenseless propeller planes isn’t a particularly impressive achievement for an elite hunter. Even the way he is defeated feels somewhat underwhelming, placing this cybernetically augmented Predator variant below the other hunters shown in the movie.
3Predator Warlord
Yautja Prime, Year Unknown
The final opponent for all the surviving warriors from Earth was meant to be the menacing, large Predator Warlord, appearing in the final section ofKiller of Killerson Yautja Prime. Serving as a clan leaderat an unspecified time, his combat and hunting skills must be unquestionable. This Predator honors his ancestors' tradition by organizing a sort of gladiator arena, where only special warriors from other worlds would clash, and the winner would face the Warlord in single combat.
When things go sideways, the Predator Warlord faces all three humans at once, and even though he doesn’t kill any of them, it’s apparent he is merely toying with his prey rather than fully displaying his skills and battle prowess. In combat, the Predator Warlord had plenty of chances to quickly finish the humans if he wanted to, yet he allowed them to defeat him and escape, severely wounding the shinobi warrior Kenji and re-capturing the Viking warrior Ursa in the process. Still, it’s a bit of a disappointment that viewers don’t get to see this fascinating Predator go full force inKiller of Killers. Perhaps he will return in a potential sequel or inthe upcomingPredator: Badlands?
2Predator Brute
Scandinavia, 841
Encountered byNorse warriors of Scandinavia in 841and defeated by the Viking warrior Ursa is the first of the Predators to appear inKiller of Killers, the Predator Brute. The Predator Brute matches the brutality of the era, relying more on sheer strength, aggressiveness, and his towering size rather than on inventive tactics. Using his camouflage to observe his targets for a time before engaging, he proves to have some edge, being capable of silently waiting for the right moment to strike.
In combat, the Predator Brute is mostly reliant on a special device mounted on one of his hands — a rechargeable force gauntlet capable ofeasily shattering obstacles like shields, ships, or human bodiesin its path. This unique feature alone makes him a rather distinct Predator variant with unconventional weapons, resulting in bloody, satisfying, and engaging action sequences inKiller of Killers— easily among the most brutal in thePredatorfranchise to date.
1Predator Assassin
Japan, 1629
Arguably the best, most lethal, andmost professional hunter to appearinPredator: Killer of Killers, the Predator Assassin, encountered in Feudal Japan, truly shines in combat on screen, delivering a sheer spectacle for the fans. Combining advanced tech and gadgets like miniature bombs, various weapons, including a transforming spear, a long sharp chain, and classic wrist gauntlets with blades, this classy Predator proves to not only be highly effective but also spectacularly inventive in choosing the right tools for the job.
The Predator Assassin’s sharpened traits as a cold-blooded, dedicated killer who won’t stop at anything to chase his target, coupled with perfect ambushing skills and aggressiveness in open confrontation, make him a truly versatile opponent with no apparent weaknesses. Only the united efforts and unique skills of the samurai and shinobi allowed brothers Kenji and Kiyoshi to defeat this ultimate hunter, with Kiyoshi dying in the process from the wound he sustained, cementing the Predator Assassin as the most impressive and elite Predator to appear inKiller of Killers.
