Is Re-Animator Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Re-Animator is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 86 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Re-Animator Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1985, Re-Animator emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Comedy, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Conducting clandestine experiments within the morgue at Miskatonic University, scientist Herbert West reveals to a fellow graduate student his groundbreaking work concerning the re-animation of fresh corpses. Unlike standard genre fare, Re-Animator attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and Re-Animator features a noteworthy lineup led by Jeffrey Combs . Supported by the likes of Bruce Abbott and Barbara Crampton , 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 Re-Animator (1985) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Re-Animator Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Re-Animator is a Science Fiction, Comedy, Horror film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Conducting clandestine experiments within the morgue at Miskatonic University, scientist Herbert West reveals to a fellow graduate student his groundbreaking work concerning the re-animation of fresh corpses. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- 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 climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Re-Animator Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Re-Animator resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to science fiction 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 science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Re-Animator reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Re-Animator?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Re-Animator Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $900.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Re-Animator Budget
The estimated production budget for Re-Animator is $900.0K. 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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Full Cast & Crew of Re-Animator
- Jeffrey Combs – Herbert West
- Bruce Abbott – Dan Cain
- Barbara Crampton – Megan Halsey
- David Gale – Dr. Carl Hill
- Robert Sampson – Dean Alan Halsey
Top Highlights
Jeffrey CombsHerbert West
Bruce AbbottDan Cain
Barbara CramptonMegan Halsey
David GaleDr. Carl Hill
Robert SampsonDean Alan Halsey
Carolyn Purdy-GordonDr. Harrod
Peter KentMelvin the Re-Animated (uncredited)
Ian Patrick WilliamsSwiss Professor (uncredited)
Bunny SummersSwiss Woman Doctor (uncredited)
Al BerryDr. Gruber (uncredited)
Where to Watch Re-Animator Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Fandor🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Re-Animator is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, Re-Animator stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1985 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Re-Animator movie hit or flop?
Re-Animator 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 Science Fiction, Comedy, Horror movies.
Is Re-Animator worth watching?
Yes, Re-Animator is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Science Fiction, Comedy, Horror cinema.
Where can I watch Re-Animator online?
Re-Animator is currently available for streaming on Fandor. You can also check for it on platforms like Fandor depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Re-Animator
I don't feel as strongly about _Re-Animator_ as much of the horror community does. I absolutely enjoy it, recommend it, even. Just in more of a Watch-Enjoy-Done sort of way. Very different from your typical Lovecraft fare. _Final rating:★★★ - I personally recommend you give it a go._
In 1985 I was 15, and already a big horror movie fan. With Evil Dead, Halloween, Friday 13th, Italian horror ... the genre was dynamic. Then, reading Mad Movies, I see this very gore movie inspired by a short Lovecraft tale, coming soon. I go there at 2pm, watch the movie and end up seeing it 7 times in 3 days. The cast gives an insane (!!!) performance, especially Jeffrey Combs of course, but having Bruce Abbott try to keep his sanity and stay alive in the horrific events. Barbara Crampton will be mainly remembered by being licked by a severed head, but she does a nice "normal" character. The couple try to save what they can (sanity and life) and are quite a counterpoint to West and his madness of overcoming death, whatever consequences there may be. Most scenes are in the Arkham faculty, some at Dan's apartment. This also enhances the madness of it all, with a regular setting where usually nothing wrong could happen. The "gore" SFX still are vivid in my mind. So OK more modern SFX are done now, but those rubber body parts with liters of blood were really efficient, and I'll add "physical". Those computer generated very often lack the practical physicality of holding a severed hand or head they do now (must be a challenge for the actors to interact with nothing beside a green sceen. Overall these elements create a powerfully entertaining movie.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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