Is The Beast Within Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Beast Within is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 98 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Beast Within Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1982, The Beast Within emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Fantasy, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A horrified teen mutates into a crazed cannibalistic swamp creature, and must uncover the terrifying secret identity of his father before his nasty natural tendencies force him to make jambalaya out of the locals. Unlike standard genre fare, The Beast Within 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 The Beast Within features a noteworthy lineup led by Ronny Cox . Supported by the likes of Bibi Besch and Paul Clemens , 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 The Beast Within (1982) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Beast Within Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Beast Within is a Horror, Fantasy, Science Fiction 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.
The Beast Within Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Beast Within 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 The Beast Within reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Beast Within?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Beast Within Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $7.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
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Full Cast & Crew of The Beast Within
- Ronny Cox – Eli MacCleary
- Bibi Besch – Caroline MacCleary
- Paul Clemens – Michael MacCleary
- R.G. Armstrong – Doc Schoonmaker
- L.Q. Jones – Sheriff Pool
Top Highlights
Ronny CoxEli MacCleary
Bibi BeschCaroline MacCleary
Paul ClemensMichael MacCleary
R.G. ArmstrongDoc Schoonmaker
L.Q. JonesSheriff Pool
Don GordonJudge Curwin
Katherine MoffatAmanda Platt
Logan RamseyEdwin Curwin
John Dennis JohnstonHorace Platt
Ron SobleTom Laws
Where to Watch The Beast Within Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
fuboTV
MGM+ Amazon Channel
MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel
MGM Plus
Philo
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
The Beast Within 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 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Beast Within stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Beast Within movie hit or flop?
The Beast Within has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Beast Within worth watching?
The Beast Within is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Fantasy, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Beast Within online?
The Beast Within is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Philo, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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How The Beast Within Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Beast Within
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
