RATING★ 7.0/10
VERDICT HIT
Animal House (1978) movie backdrop
Animal House (1978) movie poster

Animal House Hit or Flop?

Rating
7.0/10
🎯Verdict
HIT
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
1978109 minComedy
Audience VerdictHIT
Box Office ClassStandard

Animal House

Animal House Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:Animal House is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 7.0/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Comedy genre.

Is Animal House Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Animal House is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.

It features a runtime of 109 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.

7.0/10 1,620 votes
109Minutes
1978Release Year
Visual Story
Advertisement

Animal House Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1978, Animal House emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of At a 1962 College, Dean Vernon Wormer is determined to expel the entire Delta Tau Chi Fraternity, but those troublemakers have other plans for him. Unlike standard genre fare, Animal House attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Animal House features a noteworthy lineup led by John Belushi . Supported by the likes of Karen Allen and Tom Hulce , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Animal House (1978) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Animal House Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: Animal House is a Comedy film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. At a 1962 College, Dean Vernon Wormer is determined to expel the entire Delta Tau Chi Fraternity, but those troublemakers have other plans for him. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.

Animal House Ending Explained & Final Analysis

Ending Breakdown: Animal House resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to comedy resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Animal House reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Animal House?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want some laughs and light entertainment

Animal House Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $2.7M
Worldwide Gross $141.0M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Animal House Budget

The estimated production budget for Animal House is $2.7M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

Advertisement

Full Cast & Crew of Animal House

  • John Belushi – John 'Bluto' Blutarski
  • Karen Allen – Katy
  • Tom Hulce – Larry 'Pinto' Kroger
  • Stephen Furst – Kent 'Flounder' Dorfman
  • Mark Metcalf – Doug Neidermeyer

Top Highlights

John Belushi
John BelushiJohn 'Bluto' Blutarski
Karen Allen
Karen AllenKaty
Tom Hulce
Tom HulceLarry 'Pinto' Kroger
Stephen Furst
Stephen FurstKent 'Flounder' Dorfman
Mark Metcalf
Mark MetcalfDoug Neidermeyer
Mary Louise Weller
Mary Louise WellerMandy Pepperidge
Martha Smith
Martha SmithBarbara Sue 'Babs' Jansen
John Vernon
John VernonDean Vernon Wormer
James Daughton
James DaughtonGreg Marmalard
Kevin Bacon
Kevin BaconChip Diller

Where to Watch Animal House Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

Parents Guide & Age Rating

R
Animal House is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, Animal House stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Animal House movie hit or flop?

Animal House is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Comedy movies.

Is Animal House worth watching?

Yes, Animal House is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Comedy cinema.

Where can I watch Animal House online?

Animal House may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Animal House

How Animal House Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Animal House

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.0
Animal House
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/animal-house-8469" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 7.0</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Animal House</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with John Belushi

View full filmography