Best Quotes From the Original ‘Predator’

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It’s been 38 years since Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the action classic Predator, playing a team leader sent into a Central American jungle on a rescue mission. The mission quickly turns dangerous when Dutch (Schwarzenegger) and his team are hunted by a technologically advanced alien creature. Since the original film, there have been six sequels and even two crossover movies featuring the Alien franchise. Excitingly, Arnold Schwarzenegger is currently discussing the possibility of appearing in another Predator movie.

As a huge fan of this series, I’ve honestly loved every single Predator movie so far, and the new one, Predator: Badlands, is getting amazing reviews! But you know, a lot of us still think about the original – and for good reason. It had some of the most intense action I’ve ever seen, and it looked incredible, even winning an Oscar for its visual effects. Plus, it was full of fantastic lines – mostly tough talk, angry outbursts, moments of fear, and just great back-and-forth between the characters. I’ve collected the best quotes from that first Predator film right here.

10
“Stick around!”

Dutch

Before confronting the Predator, Dutch and his team raid an enemy camp, eliminating the guerrillas and their Russian allies. In a particularly striking moment, Dutch throws a knife, pinning one of the enemies to a wall. He then coldly tells the injured man that he’s not going anywhere.

Nice Throw, Arnie

As a fan, I’m always struck by how effortlessly Dutch dispatches that soldier. Seriously, throwing a knife that big takes incredible skill, but Arnold Schwarzenegger makes it look so easy! The guy’s shocked face is just perfect, and I love that Dutch leaves the knife stuck there – Rambo would never do that! It’s a clever detail, hinting that Dutch wants a more…personal confrontation. He’d rather the guy stay upright, and honestly, it makes for an amazing scene. It’s just fantastic filmmaking!

9
“Been actin’ squirrelly all morning. That damned nose of his… It’s weird.”

Mac

Dutch sees Billy is really scared and asks Mac what’s wrong. Mac admits he’s noticed Billy acting strangely for some time. Billy then starts talking about something unsettling hiding in the trees, but no one believes him. It doesn’t take long, however, for them to realize just how serious the situation is.

Trust Billy

Mac is a classic tough guy, so he gets annoyed when Billy starts to seem scared and paranoid. Mac thinks someone in their line of work shouldn’t worry, and he teases Billy about it. While Mac has a point, Billy is actually right – this enemy is different and more dangerous than anything they’ve faced before. Sadly, everyone learns that lesson eventually, often the hard way.

8
“Some damn fool accused you of being the best!”

Dillon

During the mission briefing, Dutch questioned why his team was selected for the rescue of the missing cabinet minister, instead of the army handling it. Al Dillon, a CIA agent, responded with sarcasm, essentially pointing out the obvious. The reason Dutch’s team was chosen was simple: they have a reputation for getting the job done efficiently.

Tough Job For Tough Men

Many consider Carl Weathers’ role as Dillon to be his best. While he was good in the Rocky films, he truly excels as this character – a surprisingly upbeat yet often sad agent. Weathers’ charm completely overshadows the other characters, making them seem unimportant. Dillon’s response to a ridiculous question is perfectly fitting, and it raises a good point: shouldn’t Dutch already understand why he brought Dillon along?

7
“If it bleeds, we can kill it.”

Dutch

Just when the group was losing hope, Anna points out blood on the leaves, hinting that the Predator might be injured. This news greatly excites Dutch, who realizes the creature isn’t invincible. It can bleed, just like any other animal, and that means it can be killed.

Spotting the Weaknesses

Dutch’s constant optimism is what drives the team forward throughout the movie. Even when things seem hopeless, he remains confident they can defeat the creature, and he’s right. Any living thing will eventually succumb to blood loss, and Dutch understands this. We find out he wasn’t simply hoping for a miracle; his experience in combat had taught him exactly how to weaken an enemy.

6
“You’re one ugly motherf****er.”

Dutch

During the movie’s climax, Dutch finds himself facing the alien hunter by himself. The Predator then takes off its famous armor, revealing a truly horrifying creature – one of the most disturbing things ever shown in a film. It’s so monstrous that simply calling it ‘hideous’ doesn’t quite cut it, but Dutch responds with another, surprisingly funny, word to describe it.

A Face Only Mama Could Love

It’s probably a good thing Van Damme didn’t play the Predator. The director might have been tempted to create a showdown between Schwarzenegger and Van Damme, which would have meant we’d have seen the cyborg’s face instead of the Predator’s terrifying appearance. While a fight between those two action stars would have been fun, it wouldn’t have been nearly as captivating as seeing the Predator’s alien layers peel away.

5
“What’s the matter? CIA got you pushing too many pencils?”

Dutch

Dutch and Dillon are thrilled to reunite at the start of the film. However, Dillon now works for the CIA and isn’t as physically capable as before. While catching up, they have an arm-wrestling match, and Dillon struggles. Dutch will likely tease him about it.

Dillon Might Need to Get on the Field More

It’s hard to say who would have won a straight-up strength contest between Schwarzenegger and Weathers, but it’s great to see these talented bodybuilders showcase their power. The cameras really highlight the competition, focusing on their muscles and physique to show who’s winning. Thankfully, it all ends with good sportsmanship, as both actors promise to work together to complete the mission.

4
“Oh, okay. You got time to duck?”

Poncho

While the Predator is attacking, Poncho notices Blain is wounded. Blain, ever the tough guy, dismisses it, saying he doesn’t have time to worry about bleeding. Poncho then fires a grenade launcher, and jokingly tells Blain to at least try to duck if he’s too busy to notice his injuries.

The Situation’s Getting Out of Control

The soldiers accidentally stumble into the Predator’s hunting grounds, putting them in a desperate situation: run away or fight. Poncho and Blain decide to fight, a choice that leads to severe and deadly consequences. It’s satisfying to watch Blain’s bravery, and good to see Poncho, who’s more careful, urging him to stay safe—because if he doesn’t, he won’t survive long.

3
“Ol’ Painless is waitin'”

Blain

While the team searches the forest for their hidden enemy, Blain boasts about his gun, jokingly calling it ‘Ol’ Painless’ – a name that’s ironic considering how much damage it does. He confidently states he’s prepared for anything, unaware of just how dangerous things are about to get. Fortunately, the gun proves helpful when they first encounter the guerrillas.

The Daddy of All Weapons

It’s too bad we don’t see Ol’ Painless used much. It’s a really powerful weapon – an M134 machine gun that fires multiple bullets at the same time. The weapon follows a classic action movie pattern: characters start with smaller guns and then bring out the heavy artillery. At first, Blain carries Ol’ Painless in his bag, preferring a Heckler & Koch MP5A3. But after the team finds the bodies of Jim Hopper and his crew, Blain prepares Ol’ Painless for a violent response.

2
“I’m gonna cut your name into him.”

Mac

Even though Blain had an awesome weapon, he was one of the first to die. His death deeply affected Mac, who promised to avenge him by carving the name of Blain’s killer into their skin. At the time, the group didn’t fully understand how dangerous the creature was, and Mac believed getting revenge would be simple.

Revenge Is a Dish Best Served Cold… Or Never

This kind of line – where a character promises revenge after losing someone they love – is common in action and war movies. Usually, they succeed in getting back at the person responsible, but Mac is overly confident in his ability to do so. Unlike most films of this type, he never gets the chance to confront the one who caused the pain. In these stories, the final showdown always belongs to the main hero.

1
“What… the hell… are… you?”

The Predator

During the climactic confrontation, Dutch defeats his enemy, the Predator. He holds a rock above the creature’s frightening head, then lowers it, examining the Predator’s grotesque features. Confused, Dutch asks, “What are you?” Surprisingly, the Predator responds with the same question, staring back at him with a blank expression.

And So It Ends

It’s never really clear if the Predator doesn’t recognize Dutch as a human, or if it’s just toying with him, but their conversation is definitely a highlight. Unfortunately, the scene ends a bit disappointingly. The Predator, badly injured, sets off a self-destruct device, causing a large explosion. Dutch manages to escape with his life, narrowly avoiding the resulting fire. Maybe he should have just finished the job instead of trying to talk? As the saying goes, sometimes it’s best to act first and ask questions later.

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2025-11-07 22:24