Summary of the Predator series: How has the one and only space hunter become so beloved?

The space hunter is back! The Predator is now one of the most iconic characters in science fiction horror. He came to Earth for the hobby, belief, and way of life of hunting and killing worthy opponents, and has engaged in many memorable battles with superhumans and Monster , including fully armed soldiers, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Alien .

It all began in 1987. With the explosive advances in special effects makeup and video technology, sci-fi horror was experiencing unprecedented popularity in Hollywood. Meanwhile, the emergence of Schwarzenegger and Stallone ushered in a booming era for muscle-driven action movies. "Predator" (1987) combined these two popular genres. A special forces unit led by Schwarzenegger is suddenly attacked by mysterious aliens in the jungle. Despite a simple plot, the film featured a massive amount of explosive action, a shocking death, and the Predator truly mysterious self-destruct. Everything about it was intense. Since its shocking debut, the Predator continues to fight to this day.

Before we knew it, it's been about 40 years since the Predator first appeared! How has this unique space hunter, known as "PREDATOR," been loved to this day? To commemorate the release of the latest film, "Predator: Badlands" (25), let's take a look back at its great legacy.

Index

• 1. "Predator" (1987) 107 minutes
• 2. Predator 2 (1990) 108 minutes
• 3. "Alien vs. Predator" (04) 101 minutes *Complete version 109 minutes
• 4. "Aliens vs. Predator" (2007) 94 minutes *Complete version 102 minutes
• 5. Predators (2010) 107 minutes
• 6. The Predator(2018) 108 minutes
• 7. Prey(22) 99 minutes
• 8. Predator: The Battle for the Top (25) 86 minutes
• 9. Predator: Badlands (25) 107 minutes

1. "Predator" (1987) 107 minutes

"Predator" (c) Photofest / Getty Images

This memorable first film stars the infamous Arnold Schwarzenegger and is directed by John McTiernan, who would later work on "Die Hard" (1988). It also stars Stan Winston, the master of special effects who made his name with "The Terminator" (1984) and "Aliens" (1986), bringing together three of the most iconic Hollywood entertainers of the 1980s and 1990s. At first glance, the poster and other elements make it look like a commando action film starring Schwarzenegger, and indeed, the opening portion of the film is a truly Schwarzenegger-esque action movie. The flashy action captivates the audience while also lulling them into a comfortable, reliable Schwarzenegger-esque mood. However, when the Predator begins hunting humans midway through the film, audiences are left speechless. "I can't believe this is a sci-fi horror movie!" And even though the aliens are aliens, the Predator is unique. It attacks humans not for reproduction or nutrition, but to be itself (and commits suicide if defeated). The Predator, who walks on two legs but is practically naked, yet fully armed with mysterious weapons, was a cool fusion of barbarism and science fiction. The Predator's strong personality captivated audiences and created many fans all over the world. In a sense, this may be the first movie in history where Schwarzenegger's presence was overshadowed by his own.

Read more: Action film master John McTiernan reveals the nightmarish locations that made ' Predator' a classic

2. Predator 2 (1990) 108 minutes

Predator 2 (c) Photofest / Getty Images

This sequel follows the success of the first film. It's directed by Stephen Hopkins, who would later go on to direct the TV series "24" (2001). It stars Danny Glover, best known for his role as a kindhearted, middle-aged detective in "Lethal Weapon" (1987), a landmark buddy action film of the 1980s. While the first film was set in the jungle, this one depicts a deadly battle between humans and Predator set in the streets of Los Angeles, hit by record-breaking heatwaves. Like the first, it begins with a massive gunfight, giving it a detective-style feel, but by the middle, the genre shifts to sci-fi horror. Perhaps because it's set in the city, it feels more genre-bending than the first. The Predator 's character and setting are also explored in greater depth than in the first film. The Predator 's coolness and unfathomable side are further enhanced, with scenes like the Predator family celebrating his victory after a seemingly sour grapes suicide attack. The climactic shot of him roaring from the top of a building is a classic. Inside the Predator spaceship in this film was a skull from the Xenomorph from Alien(1979), which was just a playful element but would later have significant implications.

3. "Alien vs. Predator" (04) 101 minutes *Complete version 109 minutes