Predator's Reign! Badlands Shatters Records, Even Topping Alien!

Well, color me impressed. "Predator: Badlands" has officially clawed its way to the top of the food chain, becoming the highest-grossing film in the entire "Predator" franchise. And that's saying something, considering the long and storied history this particular extra-terrestrial hunter has had on the big screen.

Predator's Reign! Badlands Shatters Records, Even ...

That's right, folks, the latest installment, helmed by Dan Trachtenberg – the same visionary behind 2022's excellent "Prey" and this year's "Killer of Killers" – has surpassed all previous films, including those infamous "Alien vs. Predator" crossovers. I remember seeing that first "AvP" movie… let's just say, "Badlands" is a *significant* upgrade. This PG-13 thriller is clearly doing something right, evidenced not only by the box office receipts but also the positive buzz. IGN, for example, gave it a solid 8/10, which, let's be honest, is a pretty respectable score these days.

So, how much green has this alien stalker raked in? As of its fourth weekend in theaters, "Predator: Badlands" has amassed a whopping $173,740,607 worldwide. To break it down, that's roughly $85 million domestically and $88.7 million internationally. This impressive performance officially dethrones 2018's "The Predator," which previously held the title with a global total of $160,542,134. A clear victory for Trachtenberg's take on the iconic monster.

Now, before we start popping champagne bottles (or, you know, whatever hunters drink), it's important to keep in mind that these figures aren't adjusted for inflation. So, while "Badlands" is the top earner in nominal terms, it might not be the *biggest* hit when you factor in ticket price increases over the years. Still, a win is a win, and the numbers are undeniable.

The real question now is: Has "Predator: Badlands" brought in enough cash to convince Disney to greenlight a sequel? The film certainly leaves the door wide open for further adventures, and given the success of both "Prey" and "Badlands," it seems like a no-brainer. Personally, I'm hoping we get to see more of Trachtenberg's vision for this franchise. He clearly understands what makes these movies tick: suspense, action, and a healthy dose of alien mayhem.

On a completely different note, if you're looking to snag some deals before the holiday rush, remember that Cyber Monday is almost over. IGN is rounding up the best discounts in their Cyber Monday hub, so be sure to check it out before it's too late! Hey, maybe you can even find a "Predator" Blu-ray on sale to celebrate "Badlands'" box office success.

[*Wesley Yin-Poole is Director of News at IGN. He can be found on Twitter at @wyp100 and reached at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.*]