Return of the Living Dead Part II
Performance & Direction: Return of the Living Dead Part II Review
Last updated: February 6, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Return of the Living Dead Part II (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Return of the Living Dead Part II features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Kenworthy . Supported by the likes of Thor Van Lingen and Jason Hogan , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: Return of the Living Dead Part II
Quick Plot Summary: Return of the Living Dead Part II is a Horror, Comedy 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.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A group of kids discover one of the drums containing a rotting corpse and release the 2-4-5 Trioxin gas into the air, causing the dead to once again rise from the grave and seek out brains. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- 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 final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: Return of the Living Dead Part II
Ending Breakdown: Return of the Living Dead Part II concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. 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 Return of the Living Dead Part II reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Return of the Living Dead Part II?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: Return of the Living Dead Part II
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $9.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Return of the Living Dead Part II Budget
The estimated production budget for Return of the Living Dead Part II is $6.0M. 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.
Top Cast: Return of the Living Dead Part II
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Where to Watch Return of the Living Dead Part II Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreYouTubeFandango At HomeReturn of the Living Dead Part II Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about Return of the Living Dead Part II age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Return of the Living Dead Part II is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Return of the Living Dead Part II is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Return of the Living Dead Part II worth watching?
Return of the Living Dead Part II is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Return of the Living Dead Part II parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Return of the Living Dead Part II identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Return of the Living Dead Part II?
The total duration of Return of the Living Dead Part II is 89 minutes, which is approximately 1h 29m long.
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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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