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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Predator

Predator is a 1987 American science fiction action horror film directed by John McTiernan and written by Jim and John Thomas.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Predator is a 1987 American science fiction action horror film directed by John McTiernan and written by Jim and John Thomas. The film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as a commando leader whose rescue mission in a Central American jungle becomes a deadly fight against an extraterrestrial hunter. It launched the Predator franchise, which includes multiple sequels and spin-off films.

Overview

Predator is a 1987 action horror film about a special forces team that encounters an alien hunter during a mission in Central America. It became the first film in a franchise built around the Predator species.

Premise

Dutch and his team are sent into a jungle on a rescue mission, but they are soon stalked by an invisible extraterrestrial predator that hunts them one by one. The story combines military action, survival horror, and science fiction.

Franchise

The original film spawned multiple sequels and related entries, including Predator 2, Predators, The Predator, Prey, Predator: Killer of Killers, and Predator: Badlands. The franchise centres on the recurring alien hunters and different human encounters with them.

Predator and Alien crossover

Predator is connected to the Alien franchise through crossover films and shared fictional universe material. These crossovers brought the Predator and Xenomorph creatures into direct conflict.

Key facts

  • Predator follows a paramilitary rescue team that is hunted in a jungle by a technologically advanced alien.
  • The film introduced the Predator, an extraterrestrial hunter that became the centre of a long-running franchise.
  • Kevin Peter Hall portrayed the Predator in the 1987 film.
  • The franchise includes sequel films such as Predator 2, Predators, The Predator, Prey, and upcoming films Predator: Killer of Killers and Predator: Badlands.
  • The broader franchise also overlaps with Alien through crossover films and related media.
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Canadian context

The Predator films have been widely available in Canada through theatrical release, home video, and rotating streaming catalogues, but the sources provided do not confirm a specific current Canadian distributor or platform.

Frequently asked questions

What is Predator about?
Predator is about a paramilitary rescue team in a Central American jungle that becomes the target of an alien hunter with advanced technology and stealth abilities.
Predator movies in order?
The film series listed in the sources includes Predator (1987), Predator 2 (1990), Predators (2010), The Predator (2018), Prey (2022), Predator: Killer of Killers (2025), and Predator: Badlands (2025).
Who played the Predator?
In Predator (1987), the Predator was performed by Kevin Peter Hall.
Predator vs Alien?
Predator and Alien are separate science fiction horror franchises, but they cross over in films and related media. Those crossover stories feature the Predator species fighting the Xenomorphs from Alien.
Predator 2022?
Predator-related 2022 release Prey is a prequel in the franchise and is listed among the films spawned by the original Predator. It follows an earlier human encounter with a Predator.
Where to watch Predator?
The provided sources do not identify a current streaming or broadcast service for Predator. Availability changes by region and over time, so a current local catalogue or rental platform would be needed for up-to-date viewing options.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predator_(film)
    Supports: 1987 release year, director, writers, cast, and franchise films spawned by the original movie.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predator_(franchise)
    Supports: Franchise overview, recurring premise, and Alien-related crossover context.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/predator-1987
    Supports: Basic plot description and Kevin Peter Hall as the performer in the Predator costume.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/predator
    Supports: Plot synopsis of the 1987 film.
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_predator
    Supports: 2018 film synopsis and franchise context.
  6. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093773/
    Supports: Basic synopsis of Predator (1987).
  7. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3829266/
    Supports: Basic synopsis of The Predator (2018).
  8. Digital Spy — https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a865913/predator-movies-timeline-explained-alien/
    Supports: Timeline context for Predator franchise entries.