For over three decades since its debut in 1987, the Predator series has stood as a cornerstone of both science fiction and action cinema. This enduring franchise has expanded into various media platforms, including books, toys, and even an enduring crossover with Alien. However, for many fans, it’s the original Predator films and their subsequent sequels that have earned a special place in multiple genres, particularly highlighted by the latest addition on Hulu, Prey. With Dan Trachtenberg’s Predator: Badlands slated for release this fall and another untitled sequel in the works, it seemed fitting to reminisce about the most memorable action scenes and sequences that have made this franchise stand out. Although there are a few notable runners-up worth mentioning, the top highlights are generally agreed upon.
The franchise has undergone several transformations since its initial cinema release. Initially, the alien appeared quite distinctively, with Jean-Claude Van Damme in the role before he was succeeded by the menacing mandible appearance, famously portrayed by actor Kevin Peter Hall until his untimely death in 1991. The design, scale, and sounds have all contributed to a formidable cinematic antagonist that kept pace with the most renowned action heroes of the era.
As a die-hard movie buff, I’ve got to give a shout-out to some standout moments in the Predator franchise. Adrien Brody’s final showdown in 2010’s Predators was nothing short of epic – the beheading of the Berserker Predator was a jaw-dropping spectacle. The duel between Hanzo, the Yakuza enforcer, and the Falconer Predator in that classic katana fight set amidst high grass from the same movie is another scene I can’t forget.
Regrettably, Shane Black’s The Predator didn’t quite hit the mark for me. However, the introduction of the Upgrade Predator was undeniably cool, even if it turned into a CGI mess by the end.
If you’d prefer to skip ahead, find below the standout action sequences from the ‘Predator’ movie series, excluding collaborations such as ‘Aliens vs. Predator’. We’ll cover those at a later time.
Dutch’s Final Fight – Predator
In this franchise, undeniably one of the best action sequences occurs here. The danger posed by the Predator is now clear, as every other commando has perished except Dutch, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. After a tumble down a cliff and landing in river mud, Schwarzenegger discovers that the mud conceals his body heat, rendering him invisible to the Predator’s detection.
With this, he employs additional “Boy Scout deception” to entice the alien into a battle, intending to ensnare and eliminate it. At this juncture, we’ve witnessed numerous battles and weapons barely making a dent on the beast. We’ve also observed Arnold using his signature moves, compelled to return to the starting point. He narrowly outmaneuvers the alien in the end, culminating in an explosive finale that reduces the jungle to rubble, ensuring the longevity of the franchise for years to come.
Dillon’s Last Stand – Predator
Before Schwarzenegger coats his body with mud and grabs a spear, he along with his team devise a trap to ambush the Predator, intending to eliminate it before it eliminates them all. Unfortunately, their strategy fails when the creature appears, causing Mac (Bill Duke) to give chase. In turn, Dillon (Weathers) follows and comes up with a scheme to smoke out the alien.
In this scenario, the soldiers were never able to catch the alien hunter off guard. Mac receives a fatal shot to the head, while Weathers loses an arm due to the blast. The weapon they had been using slips from their limp hand to the ground, while Weathers utters a terrified scream of agony. The Predator swiftly departs, lunging towards Dillon before he can even manage to switch his other gun to his remaining functional arm. However, it was all in vain.
The soldiers couldn’t surprise the alien hunter. Mac got shot in the head and Weathers lost an arm due to the blast. Their weapon fell from their limp hand. Weathers screamed in pain. The Predator left, attacking Dillon before he could switch his gun. But it didn’t save them.
Lt. Harrigan Enters the Meat Packing Plant – Predator 2
In the second part of “Predator,” the action shifts from the jungle to a violent, riot-prone version of 1990s Los Angeles. The setting is reminiscent of the Rodney King disturbances, and the inclusion of actor Danny Glover as Lt. Mike Harrigan significantly contributes to the movie’s portrayal of its world, albeit with varying results.
However, there’s no disputing that much of the alien activity is enjoyable throughout this sequel, and Glover offers a unique portrayal of a tough character compared to Arnold Schwarzenegger in the original. Their interactions can be likened to a game of cat-and-mouse, spanning the entire film. The climax, starting from Harrigan’s entrance into the warehouse and concluding with the movie’s end, transforms into an exhilarating action sequence. This chase scene takes us from the subway, through the warehouse, across the city, and ultimately to the alien spacecraft. Despite its imperfections, particularly in comparison to the first film, it’s undeniably entertaining viewing.
Penthouse Massacre – Predator 2
One standout aspect of Predator 2 is that it highlights an impressive collection of gadgets wielded by the Predator character. In contrast to the original film where the creature relies mainly on invisibility, a plasma shoulder cannon, and its wrist-mounted claw, the sequel showcases a broader range of tools at its disposal.
In this particular scene, I’m privy to a chilling display of the Predator’s lethal prowess. Earlier in the movie, elsewhere, massacres unfolded off-screen. This time, it’s a group of Jamaican gangsters storming the penthouse of a Colombian gang leader. The scene turns grisly as they subject him to a voodoo ritual, only for it to be abruptly interrupted by the Predator’s arrival. In a flash, the Predator dispatches one gang member with a shoulder-fired blast, reducing another to fragments with a netgun, mutilating another with its claw, and skewering yet another with an extending spear. It’s a methodical, ruthless takedown, showcasing all the deadly tactics we’ve grown accustomed to admiring.
The Trapper Camp Massacre – Prey
In the newest addition to the Predator series titled Prey, there are numerous standout moments and intense action sequences. Unlike previous portrayals of the Predator character, this one is more primitive. A scene in Jamaica demonstrates an array of tools a Predator can employ, but the version in Prey sticks to simpler weapons such as a blade shield, spear gun, and arm gauntlet.
The brutal attack on the French trapper’s encampment offers an intriguing insight into their equipment, among other things. Upon seizing Naru and Sarii, the trappers pursue the Wild Hunter (Feral Predator) with the intention of capturing him. Unfortunately, this endeavor does not go smoothly.
In this scenario, every trapper perishes except for interpreter Raphael, who meets an unusual end in the following sequence. The main trapper survives and eventually becomes bait, which Naru utilizes to vanquish the Wild Predator. This gory spectacle holds tight to the entertaining concepts that made earlier installments enjoyable.
All five Predator movies are now streaming on Hulu.
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2025-03-13 23:10