Alien vs Predator Revisited – Why AVP and Requiem Deserve More Respect

The Alien vs Predator films never really got a fair shake.

From the moment Alien vs. Predator was announced, a lot of fans had already made up their minds. Even Sigourney Weaver wasn’t a fan of the idea, which didn’t help its credibility early on.

But looking back now, I think both AVP and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem did something that modern franchise films often struggle with, they actually tried to expand the lore in a meaningful way.

And in parts, they pulled it off surprisingly well.

Alien vs Predator and AVP Requiem Blu-ray cases displayed on carpet in front of TV unit

AVP (2004) – A Smarter Film Than It Gets Credit For

The first film had an intriguing premise right from the start.

An ancient pyramid buried beneath Antarctica, shifting internal architecture, and a ritual hunt that ties the Xenomorphs and Yautja together? That’s not throwaway writing, that’s someone actually trying to build connective tissue between two iconic franchises.

And the pyramid idea itself works better than people give it credit for. The concept that these creatures have been visiting Earth for thousands of years, influencing early civilisations, fits neatly into the kind of theories that have always surrounded pyramids and ancient structures. Whether you believe those theories or not, the film leans into them just enough to make the setup feel grounded within its own world.

The inclusion of Lance Henriksen was a smart move too. It gave a subtle link back to Alien without forcing it, and for fans who know the universe, that continuity mattered.

What I liked most was this:

The film respected both creatures
It didn’t turn either into a joke
The Predator culture got real depth
The Aliens still felt dangerous and uncontrollable
The pyramid concept felt believable within the film’s logic

It also gave us a rare thing — a human character (Lex) who earned her place alongside a Predator.

That doesn’t happen often in crossover films.

AVP Requiem – A Good Idea Held Back by Execution

Now Requiem is where things get more divisive.

On paper, it’s actually a strong follow-up:

A Predator ship crash because of an alien
A Predalien hybrid outbreak
A small-town setting instead of a contained environment
A lone “cleaner” Predator sent to contain the situation

That’s a solid premise.

And I’ll say this, I enjoyed it.

There’s a grounded, almost gritty feel to it, especially compared to the first film. The pacing builds steadily toward a proper chaotic finish, and the idea of a Predator cleaning up a failed hunt adds a darker layer to their code.

It also leans into the idea of how these creatures could be visiting our planet for so long without the secret getting out. That quiet, hidden presence in the background feels similar to how vampires are often portrayed in their own lore, operating just out of sight while everything carries on as normal.

I also liked the main lead, Steven Pasquale. If you’ve seen Rescue Me, you’ll recognise him straight away, and he brings a bit of familiarity and weight to the role. He comes across as a reluctant hero, someone pulled into something far bigger than himself rather than actively chasing it.

The Big Problem – It’s Just Too Dark

This is the main criticism, and honestly, it’s justified.

Requiem is notoriously hard to see.

Yes, it’s set at night.
Yes, it’s meant to be tense and shadowy.

But there’s a difference between atmosphere and just not being able to tell what’s happening.

At times, it genuinely feels like you’re missing the film you’re trying to watch.

And that’s the frustrating part. It still bothers me every time I rewatch it. You can’t help but wonder what went wrong behind the scenes. Was it a creative choice that went too far, or did someone step in and push things darker than they should have been?

Because underneath that darkness:

There are good creature effects
Strong practical work
Some genuinely tense sequences

It’s all just… buried.

The Continuity Question

I always had a bit of an issue with this.

The ship at the start of Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem doesn’t feel like a perfect match to the ending of Alien vs. Predator, even though we clearly see the dead Predator with the chestburster, setting up the Predalien.

It raises a few questions. Where did the rest of the Predators go? Were they all off-screen, or somehow unaware of what had just happened on board?

It’s one of those things that doesn’t completely break the film, but it does stand out if you’re paying attention. I do feel it should have been addressed. The other Predators would have had to be killed, and even a quick shot showing that happening before the crash would have made the whole sequence feel more complete.

That said, continuity across the wider Alien and Predator franchises has always been a bit… flexible.

Why These Films Deserve a Second Look

Both AVP films did something that’s actually quite rare now:

They took risks with established lore.

AVP tried to unify two mythologies
Requiem leaned into horror and consequences
Neither film played it completely safe

Are they perfect? No.

But they’re far from the disasters they’re often made out to be.

If anything, they feel more interesting today than some of the safer, more polished franchise entries we’ve seen since.

I wouldn’t mind seeing another attempt at it, or even a final instalment to round things off and complete the trilogy.

If you’re into these kinds of franchise deep dives, I looked at something similar with the Underworld series, a strong start, a standout prequel, and a series that never quite held onto that momentum.

Final Thoughts

Looking back now, I think AVP and Requiem sit in a strange place.

They’re not universally loved, but they’re also not forgettable.

And maybe that’s the real takeaway, they tried to do something different, and even when they didn’t fully land it, they added something to both universes.

That’s worth more than they usually get credit for.

Thanks for Reading,

David

Watch Them Again

If it’s been a while, they’re worth revisiting, especially if you go in with the right expectations. Check out my Amazon Affiliate links below.

Alien vs Predator (2004)

Amazon UK | Amazon Ireland *linked to category page as hard to find

AVP Requiem (2007)

Amazon UK | Amazon Ireland *linked to category page as hard to find

I'd advise going for the double set if possible.

Affiliate links – I may earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.

💬 Have a thought on this? Please leave a comment below, I’d love to hear your take.

About the Author

I’m David Condon, a movie enthusiast from Tralee, Co. Kerry. I’ve been collecting DVDs and Blu-rays for years, and along the way my shelves have become a mix of favourites, hidden gems, and titles I occasionally decide to resell.

I’m not a professional critic, just someone who enjoys good films, well-made discs, and the odd rant about the quirks of collecting. This blog is where I share my thoughts, opinions, reviews, and experiences as a fan.

💬 Note from the Author
This blog is a hobby project where I write about DVDs, Blu-rays, and the ups and downs of being a collector. If you enjoyed this post, you might also like my other writing:

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