Is Graduation Day Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Graduation Day is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Graduation Day Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1981, Graduation Day emerges as a significant entry in the Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After the death of a high school track star during a race, a mysterious killer in a fencing mask begins murdering her friends and teachers. Unlike standard genre fare, Graduation Day attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Graduation Day features a noteworthy lineup led by Christopher George . Supported by the likes of Patch Mackenzie and E. Danny Murphy , 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 Graduation Day (1981) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Graduation Day Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Graduation Day is a Horror film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Graduation Day Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Graduation Day attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Graduation Day reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Graduation Day?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Graduation Day
- Christopher George – Coach George Michaels
- Patch Mackenzie – Anne Ramstead
- E. Danny Murphy – Kevin Badger
- E.J. Peaker – Blondie
- Michael Pataki – Principal Guglione
Top Highlights
Christopher GeorgeCoach George Michaels
Patch MackenzieAnne Ramstead
E. Danny MurphyKevin Badger
E.J. PeakerBlondie
Michael PatakiPrincipal Guglione
Richard BalinMr. Roberts
Carmen ArgenzianoInsp. Halliday
Linnea QuigleyDolores
Billy HufseyTony
Virgil FryeOfficer MacGregor
Where to Watch Graduation Day Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Graduation Day is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.2/10, and global collection metrics, Graduation Day stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1981 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Graduation Day movie hit or flop?
Graduation Day has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Graduation Day worth watching?
Graduation Day is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Graduation Day online?
Graduation Day 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.
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How Graduation Day Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Graduation Day
**_Schlocky 1981 high school slasher, but entertaining_** After a high school girl falls dead from a blood clot during a 200-meter race, members of the track team are slain one-by-one. Patch Mackenzie plays the dead student’s sister, returning from the military, while Christopher George plays the harsh coach. E. Danny Murphy is on hand as the girl’s grieving boyfriend. “Graduation Day” (1981) is a cheap slasher that only cost $250,000. The high school setting is great for the genre, but “Prom Night” (1980) beat it to the theaters by 9.5 months whereas the parody “Student Bodies” (1981) debuted a few months after “Graduation Day.” Although not technically slashers, high school horror flicks “Carrie” (1976) and “Christine” (1983) are cut from the same cloth in spirit. The difference is that those films had considerable budgets while “Graduation Day” is decidedly low-rent; and it shows. Another issue is that the creators couldn't make up their minds if this was going to be a serious slasher or a campy parody. So they walked the balance beam between the two and it's an off-kilter vibe. But I got used to it and enjoyed the movie for what it is, a schlocky early 80's high school slasher. There are a several highlights on the female front, including Linnea Quigley (Dolores), Karen Abbott (Joanne) and Denise Cheshire (gymnast Sally). Even Vanna White shows up (Doris). The movie is overlong at 1 hour, 37 minutes, which is a tad too long to sustain a cut-rate fun slasher. Likewise, seven and a half minutes was probably a little too lengthy for the live performance of the song "Gangster Rock" by Felony, but it is a driving hard rock ditty and the sequence perks up the film. Besides, the movie kept switching between the live song/roller skating to the slayings in the nearby woods. Thus it’s assumed that the song either ran more around 5 minutes or the band simply did a longer rendition for the live setting, possibly because it was their local hit. Unfortunately, the lead singer, Jeffrey Scott Spry, committed suicide in March, 1992. Remember this: Once you’re dead, you’re dead for a looong time. The film was shot at La Cañada High School, La Cañada Flintridge, California, and nearby Pasadena (houses). GRADE: C+
_**Fun low-rent slasher schlock from the early-80s**_ GRADE: C+
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
