BREAKING: Kevin Costner’s infamous sci-fi film Waterworld has officially been dethroned at the box office by the newly released Predator: Badlands, which just surpassed its domestic earnings. This comes as the latest installment of the iconic franchise continues to gain momentum following its critically acclaimed debut.
Predator: Badlands opened to outstanding reviews, boasting an impressive 86% “certified fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside a remarkable 96% audience score. With a current domestic haul of $88.4 million, it has officially eclipsed Waterworld‘s $88.2 million total, marking a significant moment in box office history.
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, Predator: Badlands is still climbing towards its next financial milestones, with hopes of crossing the $100 million domestic and $200 million worldwide thresholds. The film, released on November 5, 2025, has captivated audiences with its fresh take on the franchise, transforming a traditional antagonist into a surprisingly compelling hero.
On the flip side, Waterworld, released in 1995, faced a tumultuous production that ballooned its budget from an initial $100 million to a staggering $175 million. Although it struggled initially, the film eventually recovered through ancillary revenue streams. The film’s troubled history included unpredictable weather and extensive filming delays, which have since become part of Hollywood lore.
“Director Dan Trachtenberg continues to take the Predator franchise in exciting new directions with Badlands, a rollicking adventure that transforms one of cinema’s most iconic brutes into a hero worth rooting for,” reads the consensus on Rotten Tomatoes.
As Predator: Badlands continues its theatrical run, audiences are eager to see how far it can climb. The film’s success not only reinvigorates the franchise but also highlights a shift in audience preferences towards innovative storytelling and character development.
Moviegoers and fans are buzzing about the new direction, making Predator: Badlands a trending topic across social media platforms. As discussions around the film intensify, it remains to be seen how it will ultimately perform against other cinematic giants.
Stay tuned for further updates on box office performance and audience reactions as the competition heats up in theaters across the globe.
