NECA Alien vs Predator Figures: Which Sci-Fi Line to Collect?
By Welcome to the NECA Store! | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: Buying Guides
Compare NECA Alien and Predator figures to decide which sci-fi horror line fits your shelf, budget, and display style. Includes concrete decision rules and trade-offs.
Quick answer
If you want a single, high-impact centerpiece with lights and extreme poseability, start with the Predator line—specifically the Predator - Concrete Jungle: Stone Heart Predator 7" Scale Action Figure, which stands over 10" tall and includes LED lights and over 30 points of articulation. If you prefer building a squad of creatures with consistent 7" scale and easier shelf grouping, the Alien line is the better long-term collectible. For sci-fi horror fans who want both, collect Predators as display pieces and Aliens as army builders.
Scale and shelf presence: what actually fits
Most NECA sci-fi figures are 7" scale, but '7-inch scale' describes the line, not the character's exact height. A standard 7" scale figure is roughly 6–8 inches tall. The Predator - Concrete Jungle: Stone Heart Predator is an exception: it stands over 10" tall, so it needs a taller shelf or a dedicated riser. If your display space is fixed, measure the tallest figure you plan to buy before committing to a Predator centerpiece.
Alien figures in the 7" scale line generally stay within the standard 6–8 inch range, which makes them easier to line up with other NECA horror and sci-fi figures. That consistency matters if you want a uniform row. Predators, especially ultimate or deluxe versions, often run larger and can dominate a shelf. Neither is 'better'—they just demand different display planning.
Articulation and posing: how much do you actually need?
Articulation is the biggest functional difference between lines. The Stone Heart Predator offers over 30 points of articulation, which lets you achieve crouched, lunging, and dynamic combat poses. That is more than most Alien figures in the standard 7" line, which typically have enough joints for standing, reaching, and basic action stances but not extreme acrobatics.
More articulation also means more potential for loose joints over time. If you pose figures once and leave them, a simpler Alien figure is lower-maintenance. If you frequently re-pose or photograph your collection, the Predator line's extra joints justify the higher price and the occasional joint-tightening routine.
Price and value: where your money goes
At catalog prices, the Stone Heart Predator is USD 24.49 (compared to USD 34.99), and the Thanksgiving - Ultimate John Carver 7" Scale Action Figure is USD 25.54 (compared to USD 34.99). The Gremlins 2-pack is USD 47.44 (compared to USD 64.99). Alien figures in the standard line typically sit in a similar range to the Predator, but the Predator often includes more accessories and articulation for the money.
Value depends on what you count. A single Predator with LED lights and 30+ points of articulation can feel like more figure per dollar than a basic Alien. But if you want to build a squad of five or six creatures, the Alien line's lower per-unit complexity makes it easier to grow a collection without blowing your budget.
Cross-line collecting: mixing Aliens and Predators
You do not have to choose one line forever. Many collectors start with a Predator as a centerpiece, then add Alien figures as supporting creatures. The 7" scale makes this work visually, though the Predator's larger size means it will read as the 'boss' of the shelf. If you want a balanced versus display, place the Predator on a riser and keep Aliens on the main shelf level.
One practical warning: mixing lines increases the chance of scale mismatch. A 10" Predator next to a 6" Alien looks intentional only if you stage it as a size difference. If you want a uniform squad, stay within one line or check the listed height of each figure before buying.
Decision rules for choosing your line
- If you want one standout display piece: Choose a Predator. The Stone Heart Predator's over-10" height, LED lights, and 30+ points of articulation make it a centerpiece rather than a background figure. Measure your shelf height first; this figure needs more vertical clearance than a standard 7" scale figure.
- If you want to build a squad or army: Choose Alien figures. They are generally simpler, smaller, and easier to line up in multiples without the Predator's larger footprint dominating the shelf. Buy two or three at once if you want a cohesive group; single purchases can lead to mismatched paint batches over time.
- If you collect horror and sci-fi together: Use a Predator as the anchor and add horror figures like the Thanksgiving Ultimate John Carver for accessory variety. The Gremlins 2-pack shows how NECA handles multi-figure sets in the same 7" scale. Check actual figure heights, not just '7-inch scale,' so mixed displays look deliberate.
- If budget is the deciding factor: Compare catalog prices and comparison prices. The Stone Heart Predator at USD 24.49 (compared to USD 34.99) and John Carver at USD 25.54 (compared to USD 34.99) both offer significant savings versus list. The Gremlins 2-pack at USD 47.44 (compared to USD 64.99) is a two-figure value if you want quantity. Set a per-figure budget before browsing; Predators with lights and extreme articulation tend to sit at the higher end of the 7" scale range.
Key figures that show the difference
- Predator - Concrete Jungle: Stone Heart Predator 7" Scale Action Figure: Predator - Concrete Jungle: Stone Heart Predator 7" Scale Action Figure stands over 10" tall, with LED lights and over 30 points of articulation. This is the Predator line's biggest selling point: a taller, light-up centerpiece that can hold dramatic poses. It also means you need more vertical shelf space than a standard 7" figure.
- Thanksgiving - Ultimate John Carver 7” Scale Action Figure: Thanksgiving - Ultimate John Carver 7" Scale Action Figure is highly articulated and comes with a musket, sledgehammer, axe, dart gun, meat tenderizer, knives, removable hat, extra hands, and three interchangeable masks. If you collect horror alongside sci-fi, this shows the accessory density NECA can pack into a 7" scale figure. It is a useful benchmark for what 'ultimate' means in this line.
- Gremlins – Winter Gremlins (Set#1) 7” Scale Action Figure 2-Pack: Gremlins – Winter Gremlins (Set#1) 7" Scale Action Figure 2-Pack features 7" scale figures (approximately 6" tall) with over 25 points of articulation. A reminder that 7" scale does not mean 7" tall. If you display across NECA lines, check actual height so your shelf reads as intentional rather than mismatched.
Who should choose which line
Best for
- Collectors who want a single, light-up, highly poseable centerpiece (Predator line)
- Fans building a uniform squad of creatures on a standard shelf (Alien line)
- Horror and sci-fi collectors who mix NECA lines and check actual heights before buying
Not for
- Collectors with very limited vertical shelf space who cannot fit a 10" figure
- Buyers who want zero maintenance; more articulation means more joints to monitor over time
- Anyone who needs exact scale consistency across every figure without checking listed heights
