The prehistoric bunch is back in "Ice Age: Collision Course"!

Believe it or not, it has been 14 years since the first "Ice Age" movie made its successful debut back in 2002.

Since then, the "Ice Age" movies have become one of the most profitable animated franchises with three more sequels including "Ice Age: The Meltdown" (2006), "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" (2009) and "Ice Age: Continental Drift" (2012), and yet, the franchise continues to thrive forward with another sequel with this year's "Ice Age: Collision Course".

Now that the fifth "Ice Age" movie has finally arrived, here are the five reasons to get excited about the return of these iconic prehistoric animals!

1. Scrat goes to space!

Scrat (Chris Wedge) and his acorn goes to space in "Ice Age: Collision Course".

Now, most people who have watched any "Ice Age" movies would know the sabre-toothed squirrel, Scrat (voiced by Chris Wedge) is the main reason that kept the franchise going. Likewise, this little furry icon continues to dominate the screen with his hilarious pursuit of his acorn. This time, Scrat's little adventure isn't just restricted to the Earth's surface, but it also takes him deep into outer space. See if you can identify the visual nods that spoof some of the sci-fi classics including "Alien" and "Gravity".

2. The old prehistoric pals are back

The gang in "Ice Age: Collision Course".

While Scrat is often the scene-stealer in the "Ice Age" movies, let's not forget about these three main characters that also help glue the franchise together. We are talking about none other than seeing the mammoth Manny (voiced by Ray Romano), Sid the sloth (John Leguizamo) and the sabre-toothed tiger Diego (Denis Leary) making their fifth comeback in "Ice Age: Collision Course". Also making their return are Manny's teenage daughter Peaches (Keke Palmer), wife Ellie (Queen Latifah) as well as the sabre-toothed tiger Shira (Jennifer Lopez) and the one-eyed weasel Buck (Simon Pegg).

3. Introducing new characters

Scrat (John Leguizamo) and Brooke (Jessie J) in a scene from "Ice Age: Collision Course".

The "Ice Age" movies aren't just about witnessing a series of adventures with the same old characters. In fact, each instalment is given a refreshing boost of introducing new characters into the movie. The same tradition continues to apply in "Ice Age: Collision Course", as we get to see colourful newcomers including Sid's crush Brooke (Jessie J), spiritual leader Llama (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), Peaches' fun-loving fiance Julian (Adam DeVine) and astronomer expert Neil deBuck Weasel (Neil deGrasse Tyson).

4. Best to watch this on the big screen

Scrat and his acorn are inseparable in "Ice Age: Collision Course".

The "Ice Age" movies are also reputed for their dazzling array of computer animation effects. Each instalment is often blessed with colourful and vibrant visuals and "Ice Age: Collision Course" is no exception. If possible, watch this on the big screen! Better yet, pick 3D to enjoy some eye-popping effects.

5. This is the final movie

Ready to say farewell?

You could say it's a crowning achievement for 20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios to successfully release four prior "Ice Age" movies where each of them ended up as box-office hits. Well, as with any other movie franchise, all good things must come to an end. That being said, time to bid adieu to Scrat, Manny and the rest of the prehistoric gang as "Ice Age: Collision Course" is reported to be the final movie in the franchise.

"Ice Age: Collision Course" is currently showing in cinemas nationwide.