The box office is heating up again thanks to the explosive return of one of Hollywood’s most enduring sci-fi franchises. Predator: Badlands has stormed theaters with a franchise-best $80 million global opening, setting a new high mark in the nearly 40-year history of the Predator saga. Meanwhile, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another continues to climb toward the $200 million milestone, marking a huge win for original filmmaking in 2025.
Predator: Badlands Roars to the Top
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, Predator: Badlands has become a massive success story for the franchise, earning $80 million globally in its opening weekend — split evenly between $40 million in North America and $40 million from 52 international markets.
That number beats the previous franchise record held by 2018’s The Predator, which opened with $73.5 million worldwide. It also topped the domestic debut of Alien vs. Predator from 2004, which earned $38 million.
The latest film continues the legacy that began with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1987 original, marking the ninth film in the series and the first theatrical release since Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
Global Breakdown and Key Markets
Internationally, Badlands saw strong numbers in several major markets. China led with $7.4 million, followed by the United Kingdom ($3.2 million) and Mexico ($2.3 million). These results make Badlands the franchise’s second-best international start, just behind The Predator’s $48.9 million launch.
This success underscores the franchise’s growing global appeal, with younger audiences now discovering the legendary sci-fi series thanks to its streaming popularity and fresh storytelling.
The Story and Appeal of Predator: Badlands
This new installment takes the saga in a bold direction. Starring Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and Elle Fanning, the movie follows an outcast alien hunter and his unlikely human ally as they embark on a dangerous journey through hostile terrain to confront a menacing adversary.
The film blends intense action with emotional depth, a signature style of director Dan Trachtenberg, who previously helmed Prey (2022) and Predator: Killer of Killers (2024), both streaming hits on Hulu.
With a production budget of $105 million, Badlands is a visual spectacle that’s being praised for its fresh energy and accessible tone. One major factor in its broad success: the movie’s PG-13 rating — a rarity in the typically R-rated Predator franchise. This change has helped attract family audiences and younger viewers, expanding the fan base beyond its traditional demographic.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Response
Strong reviews and enthusiastic word-of-mouth are helping Predator: Badlands sustain momentum. Critics have applauded the film’s world-building, performances, and sharp direction. Fans also appreciate its balance of nostalgia and innovation, with many calling it “the best Predator movie since the original.”
The inclusion of IMAX and other premium formats has also boosted ticket sales. Approximately 35% of the film’s domestic revenue came from IMAX and PLF screens, showing the power of immersive formats in driving modern box office results.
The Bigger Picture: November Box Office Outlook
After a sluggish October, Predator: Badlands has re-energized the global box office. Industry experts expect the strong momentum to continue through November and December with several major titles lined up.
Upcoming blockbusters like Wicked: For Good and Zootopia 2 are expected to dominate the Thanksgiving season, while December promises more excitement with Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, The Housemaid (starring Sydney Sweeney), and Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Together, these releases are expected to close out the year on a high note, possibly pushing 2025’s box office totals past pre-pandemic levels.
One Battle After Another Nears $200 Million
While Predator: Badlands leads the charge in the sci-fi space, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another is quietly becoming one of the biggest original film successes of the year.
The comedic action-thriller, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, has grossed $196.8 million worldwide, including $127.4 million from international markets. It’s expected to cross the $200 million milestone within days — a rare feat for a nearly three-hour, R-rated, original story.
The movie’s global success makes it the highest-grossing film of Anderson’s career, surpassing his 2007 classic There Will Be Blood ($76.4 million). The film has been praised for its epic scale, bold storytelling, and DiCaprio’s magnetic performance, making it an early contender for multiple Academy Awards next year.
The Cost of Success
Despite its impressive box office run, One Battle After Another comes with a high price tag. Produced for over $130 million, the film’s profitability remains uncertain since theaters retain roughly half of ticket revenues. Analysts estimate that the movie may still face a $100 million loss during its theatrical window, though future streaming deals and award buzz could offset those numbers.
Nevertheless, the film’s cultural and artistic impact is undeniable. For Anderson, who has long been celebrated for his auteur-driven storytelling, One Battle After Another proves that original cinema can still find a place — and an audience — in today’s blockbuster-heavy market.
Anime Continues Its Winning Streak
In other box office highlights, Sony’s Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc continues to perform strongly, earning $158 million worldwide. The anime film has brought in $121 million internationally and $38 million domestically, marking another victory for Sony’s Crunchyroll division.
This follows the success of September’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, which became the highest-grossing anime film ever, amassing $591 million globally. Together, these releases reinforce anime’s powerful presence at the global box office.
Final Thoughts
The global box office is thriving again with a mix of franchise power and creative originality. Predator: Badlands proves that long-running series can still evolve and excite new audiences, while One Battle After Another and Chainsaw Man showcase the diversity and strength of modern cinema.
As the year draws to a close, 2025 looks poised to be one of Hollywood’s most balanced years — where legacy franchises and fresh voices both share the spotlight.