Critters

  • 1986
  • PG-13
  • 86m
movieMx RATING
6.5
1.1K
VERDICT
HIT
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Critters Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 10, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 10, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Critters

MovieCritters
Release Year1986
DirectorStephen Herek
GenreComedy / Horror / Science Fiction
Runtime86 minutes
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Critters (1986) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in Critters are led by Dee Wallace . The supporting cast, including M. Emmet Walsh and Billy Green Bush , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Critters (1986) is generally positive—a solid choice for fans of the genre. With a platform rating of 6.5/10, it currently stands as a HIT in our database.

What Works in the Movie

Critters stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.

  • Compelling performances from the main cast
  • Strong visual storytelling and direction
  • Well-structured Comedy narrative
  • Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Critters has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: Critters

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1986, Critters is a Comedy, Horror, Science Fiction film directed by Stephen Herek. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Dee Wallace.

Story Breakdown

The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Carnivorous aliens arrive unannounced at a Kansas family farm; two intergalactic bounty hunters soon follow, determined to blow them off the planet. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks 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. Dee Wallace's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.

Ending Explained: Critters

Critters Ending Explained: Directed by Stephen Herek, Critters wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.

The final moments emphasize tension and lingering uncertainty, particularly in scenes involving Dee Wallace. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
  • Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of Critters reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Who Should Watch Critters?

Worth Watching If You:

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

Box Office Collection: Critters

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $2.0M
Worldwide Gross $13.2M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Critters Budget

The estimated production budget for Critters is $2.0M. 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.

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Top Cast: Critters

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Where to Watch Critters Online?

Streaming Hub

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Critters Parents Guide & Age Rating

1986 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Critters age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Critters is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Critters is 86 minutes (1h 26m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, Critters is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1986 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Critters. Rating: 6.5/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Critters worth watching?

Critters is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Critters parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Critters identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Critters?

The total duration of Critters is 86 minutes, which is approximately 1h 26m long.

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Critic Reviews for Critters

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

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

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.5
Critters
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