There are two theatrical feature films that carry the Prey franchise title, both set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago. This guide focuses exclusively on those official entries produced as part of the modern screen franchise, clarifying what counts as Prey and what belongs to other continuities. Below is a concise, verified movie list with years and key notes, followed by deeper context on timelines, spinoffs, and related media to help you understand the full landscape of Prey cinema.
Prey Feature Films
The list below includes only the core Prey movies released by 20th Century Studios and Hulu as branded entries in the same screen franchise. They share setting, worldbuilding, and continuity expectations, while each presents a new story and protagonist.
Verifying What Counts as an Official Prey Movie
Not every film featuring a prehistoric creature is part of this franchise. Canon status here refers to studio-endorsed entries that advance the shared premise of a Comanchería-set hunt between humans and a technologically advanced predator. The following table reflects only those titles produced or released as official Prey content.
| Title | Year | Canonical Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prey | 2022 | Core | Set in the Comanchería, 1719; follows Naru; Hulu original. |
| Prey (short film) | 2017 | Promotional/soft prelude | Early vision piece, not a narrative feature; released ahead of The Predator. |
What Is and Isn’t Part of the Prey Franchise
The term Prey can refer to different properties depending on context, so it is helpful to distinguish between the official theatrical/hulu series, predecessor branding, and unrelated titles that share the word. Below are the major categories that affect how many Prey movies you should count as belonging to one continuous universe.
Official Theatrical/Hulu Franchise Entries
This is the core set most people refer to when asking about how many Prey movies there are. These films are marketed together, share a setting, and are intended to form a coherent timeline, even if future entries are not yet greenlit.
- Prey (2022): The first feature-length entry in its current form, though inspired by earlier concepts. It is widely regarded as the series’ inaugural narrative feature.
Predecessor Branding and Earlier Installments
The 2018 film The Predator carried marketing that emphasized the word Prey in its tagline, but it is not a numbered Prey movie. Similarly, the 2007 film Lost Planet was an adaptation tied to a video game and does not share continuity with this franchise.
Setting, Time Period, and Historical Context
Both the confirmed entries are set in the early 18th century within the Comanchería, a broad region spanning parts of what is now Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and northern Mexico. This grounding in a specific people and landscape is central to the storytelling and worldbuilding, distinguishing the series from other creature-feature franchises that prioritize spectacle over cultural context.
Comanchería as a Character
The land itself shapes the conflict, serving as home to the Comanche people and the arena where the predator hunts. This setting anchors the series in history and gives each film a shared geography even when timelines diverge.
Continuity and Timeline Placement
Although the franchise can accommodate multiple timelines, the current on-screen continuity places Prey as the earliest story in the broader world. This does not necessarily dictate strict rules about time travel or direct sequels, but it frames how the series approaches cause, consequence, and predator evolution.
Narrative Independence vs. Shared Lore
Each movie can stand alone while contributing to a larger tapestry. Viewers do not need to watch one film to understand the other, yet subtle references and technological traces suggest a connected universe. The confirmed list remains small, which helps preserve coherence while allowing room for expansion.
Common Misconceptions and Title Clarity
Because the word Prey appears in taglines, marketing, and even short films, some assume additional features belong to the series. These impressions are understandable but can miscount the actual number of core movies. The following breakdown corrects frequent errors.
- The Predator (2018) is not a Prey movie, though it uses related branding.
- Lost Planet (2007) is a video game adaptation, not part of this franchise.
- Prey (2017 short) is a promotional piece, not a feature.
Streaming, Distribution, and How to Watch
The 2022 feature is available on Hulu in many regions, making the series accessible to a broad audience without a theatrical visit. Future entries may follow hybrid release models, but the current official count of narrative features remains centered on the 2022 release. Below is a quick reference for formats and availability.
| Title | Format | Typical Availability | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prey | Theatrical / Streaming | Hulu (subscribed), PVOD options | 2022 |
| Prey (short film) | Digital / Promotional | Platform ads, press kits | 2017 |
How to Interpret Franchise Counts Going Forward
As studios develop new projects, the number of Prey movies can change. For now, the reliable answer to how many Prey movies there are centers on one feature-length narrative work, with a short promotional film as a related but distinct piece. Keeping these distinctions clear helps avoid confusion and ensures you are counting verified releases, not marketing collateral or adjacent titles.
Going forward, treat any new announcement as an update to this list rather than a revision of what already exists. That approach keeps expectations realistic and makes it simple to compare future entries against the established baseline.
In summary, there is one main Prey movie that advances the shared story, with a short film serving as a precursor. Understanding this distinction clarifies the franchise landscape and supports accurate recommendations for viewers who want exactly what they are looking for.