Predator: Killer of Killers Review – Blood, Blades, and a Brilliant New Chapter

It’s hard to believe it took this long, but Predator: Killer of Killers finally gives fans what they didn’t know they desperately needed—an animated anthology where the galaxy’s deadliest hunters go toe-to-toe with warriors from Earth’s most violent past. Directed by Prey filmmaker Dan Trachtenberg and co-directed by Josh Wassung, this collection of shorts explores the essence of what makes the Predator franchise thrive: simple setups, brutal action, and worthy human opponents with everything to lose.

The Perfect Format for a Predator Comeback

Animation gives the franchise room to breathe and go bold. Instead of being boxed into one setting or storyline, Killer of Killers jumps through time and across cultures. The result? We get Predators hunting in feudal Japan, among Viking warriors, and during World War II air raids. Each segment introduces a fresh environment, a new tone, and a different kind of fight—and the format suits this structure perfectly. These are quick, bloody stories, and that’s exactly what fans show up for.

The anthology structure frees the creative team to fully explore what makes the Predators such fascinating monsters. They aren’t just brutes with weapons. They’re collectors. Connoisseurs of combat. They respect their prey, and when the prey fights back, things get real.

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The Samurai Segment Steals the Show

All three stories have their moments, but the standout is easily the second short, set in feudal Japan. It’s a quiet, moody slice of storytelling—almost entirely dialogue-free—that builds tension with every passing minute. A nighttime duel between rival ninja turns into something much more terrifying once the Yautja enters the scene.

The visuals are rich with shadows and moonlight. There’s a beauty to how it unfolds, almost meditative at first. But when the Predator arrives, it becomes pure chaos. The samurai and ninja, once enemies, are forced to confront something far deadlier than each other. It’s a segment filled with tension, atmosphere, and gorgeous combat choreography that makes it feel like a proper mini-film.

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Bold Character Designs, Even If the Animation Stutters

The animation style might throw some people off. It doesn’t have the polish of big-budget animated features, and there’s a bit of choppiness in the frame rate. Movements feel stiff in places, and the visuals take a minute to adjust to. But once you’re in, it works.

The Predator designs are excellent. From the hulking Viking-era version to the sleek ninja-slayer, each Yautja has its own unique silhouette, personality, and way of fighting. Even the weaponry evolves in interesting ways across time periods. The humans, too, are brought to life with distinct looks and expressive detail, helping build quick emotional connections despite the anthology format.

Voice Cast Brings Power to the Prey

The voice work is sharp across the board. Lindsay LaVanchy, Louis Ozawa, and Rick Gonzalez give strong performances that make their characters feel instantly lived-in. Gonzalez’s World War II pilot comes off as more green than the others, but that only makes his fight for survival feel more urgent. Each character gets just enough screen time to make their arc matter. You won’t cry over their deaths, but you’ll feel that spark of admiration for how they went down swinging.

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Digging Into Predator Lore Gets Mixed Results

For fans who like their monsters mysterious, Killer of Killers might go a little too deep. The show offers some background on Predator culture, hierarchy, and how they relate to each other. That’s a new angle for the series, and while it’s interesting in small doses, some moments feel a bit awkward or overly explanatory. There’s a goofy vibe in places that undercuts the raw power of the alien hunters.

Still, there’s value in expanding the mythos. It makes the universe feel richer, and for long-time fans, it’s fun to get a peek behind the curtain, even if the execution isn’t always perfect.

The Final Act Tries to Tie It All Together

As the anthology wraps up, the creators attempt to stitch the segments into a more cohesive narrative. This is where things get slightly clunky. A few characters carry over, and some emotional beats are introduced to give the finale more weight. But these connections feel a little forced, and the dialogue in these moments leans into cheesy territory. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but it’s the one time where the storytelling feels like it’s trying too hard.

Trachtenberg Knows How to Make Predator Work

What Killer of Killers proves most of all is that Dan Trachtenberg understands this franchise. After reviving it with Prey, he’s back to show that the magic wasn’t a one-time thing. He gets the formula: a deadly Predator, a worthy human, and a setting that brings out the best (and worst) in both. Keep it simple. Make it brutal. Let the audience feel the hunt.

From the Viking sequence’s raw, hammer-swinging rage, to the aerial dogfights of World War II, to the elegant blade work of feudal Japan, each Predator encounter offers something different. Each one is intense. Each one is fun.

And most importantly, they remind us why this franchise was such a powerhouse to begin with.

With Predator: Badlands on the horizon this fall, Killer of Killers acts as both a celebration of the past and a bloody tease of what’s to come. If this is the direction the franchise is heading, it’s in very good hands.