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Critters
1986 86 min United Kingdom, United States of America PG-13 12+
★6.1
Comedy, Horror, Science Fiction
Director: Stephen Herek
Trailers
Description
Carnivorous aliens arrive unannounced at a Kansas family farm; two intergalactic bounty hunters soon follow, determined to blow them off the planet.
Budget:
$2M
US Gross:
$13.17M
Worldwide:
$13.17M
Starring
Dee Wallace
Actor
M. Emmet Walsh
Actor
Billy Green Bush
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 1987
— Best Young Performer
Key opinion
Critters is widely regarded as a nostalgic, cult-classic blend of horror and black comedy that balances a small-scale family narrative with inventive creature effects. While opinions on its overall quality vary, it is generally praised for its charming monster designs and solid performances, despite a simple plot and uneven pacing.
| Production | The practical creature design successfully balances a cute aesthetic with a vicious, predatory nature. | |
| Acting | Scott Grimes anchors the film with a standout, emotionally precise performance as a young lead. | |
| Originality | The film effectively blends elements of sci-fi, horror, and black comedy to create a distinct, enjoyable genre hybrid. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative's focus on a small-scale farm setting provides a grounded structure that aids character development. | |
| Theme | Viewers are split on the film's lasting impact: some find it a charming, watchable piece of nostalgic entertainment, while others view it as an outdated, simplistic, or unremarkable experience. | |
| Pacing | The pacing is viewed inconsistently; some appreciate its brisk, watchable nature, while others characterize the narrative as disjointed and lacking in consistent thrills. |