Predator, released in theaters on June 12, 1987, is a lean, mean, and incredibly effective thrill ride that pits elite commandos against an unseen, technologically advanced alien hunter. The film is a masterclass in building tension, delivering explosive action, and crafting an iconic creature that has terrified audiences for decades.
The story follows Major “Dutch” Schaefer (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and his elite special forces team on a seemingly routine rescue mission in the dense, hostile jungles of Central America. Their objective: to extract a foreign cabinet minister and his aides who have been taken hostage by guerillas.
However, after a brutal confrontation with the guerilla forces, the team soon realizes they are not alone in the jungle.
An invisible, technologically superior alien entity begins to systematically hunt them, picking them off one by one with terrifying precision. What began as a rescue mission quickly turns into a desperate struggle for survival, as Dutch and his men fight to understand and defeat an enemy far beyond their comprehension.
Schwarzenegger is in his absolute prime as Dutch, radiating a primal strength and a tactical intelligence that makes him a compelling hero. He perfectly embodies the tough-as-nails commando who is slowly stripped of his advantages and forced to rely on pure instinct.
Carl Weathers is excellent as Dillon, Dutch’s former military contact turned CIA operative, providing a dynamic contrast to Schwarzenegger.
The rest of the commando team is brilliantly cast, each member a distinct personality: Jesse Ventura as the heavily armed Blain, Bill Duke as the intensely focused Mac, Sonny Landham as the tracking expert Billy, and Shane Black as the wisecracking Hawkins.
Kevin Peter Hall delivers a terrifying and physically demanding performance as the Predator itself, creating an utterly iconic and fearsome cinematic monster.
John McTiernan’s direction is masterful. He expertly builds suspense, often using point-of-view shots from the Predator to create a palpable sense of unseen threat. The jungle environment becomes a character itself, hot, humid, and claustrophobic. The action sequences are brutal, visceral, and incredibly effective, emphasizing the raw physicality of the soldiers and the horrifying efficiency of the alien.
The screenplay, by Jim and John Thomas, is lean and efficient, focusing on escalating tension and character reactions to an escalating, unknown threat. The film’s use of thermal vision and the Predator’s distinctive clicking sounds are iconic elements that heighten the suspense.
Predator has three direct sequels: Predator 2 in 1990, Predators in 2010 and The Predator in 2018. There was also a prequel titled Prey that was a Hulu original movie in 2022.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in Predator (Photo/20th Century Fox)
Reception for Predator
Predator grossed $12 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office, topping The Witches of Eastwick ($9.5 million).
The film would gross $98.3 million worldwide.
Legacy
Predator is a pure, adrenaline-fueled masterpiece of sci-fi action that stands as a testament to its compelling concept, brilliant execution, and iconic creature design. It’s a film that delivers non-stop thrills, memorable characters, and a genuinely terrifying villain. For anyone seeking a gritty, intense, and endlessly rewatchable action classic, Predator is the ultimate hunt.
