Pumpkinhead

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Pumpkinhead

R

Released Jan 13, 1988

1h 26m

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

64%

Tomatometer

22 Reviews

49%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

After his son dies in a hit-and-run accident, Ed Harley (Lance Henriksen) seeks revenge against the teenagers responsible. With the help of a local witch (Florence Schauffler), Ed summons the vengeful demon Pumpkinhead to hunt and kill the group of friends. But when Ed discovers a bond between himself and the creature, he begins to have second thoughts about employing the vicious monster, and he fights to end Pumpkinhead's murderous rampage before it is too late.

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Critics Consensus

With effects work and solid direction from Stan Winston -- and Lance Henriksen adding welcome gravitas -- Pumpkinhead is a creature feature that stands a cut above.

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Derek Adams

Time Out

Delivers more than ample amounts of full-bodied fantasy.

Jan 26, 2006

Full Review

Ed Gonzalez

Apollo Guide

Nothing can appease Ed when he discovers the tragedy, including the apologetic pleas of one of the teenagers.

Rated: 38/100

Jan 1, 2000

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Richard Harrington

Washington Post

Typically hollow and patchy, the script is low par for the course, the acting close behind.

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

There's clearly a focus on makeup, prosthetics, and gore, all of which hold up well over time.

Rated: 5/10

Sep 7, 2020

Full Review

C.H. Newell

Father Son Holy Gore

Good imagery, creeps, an interesting plot rooted in the world of fairy tales and the Southern Gothic, all sure to please most horror lovers out there.

Rated: 3.5/5

May 1, 2019

Full Review

Michelle Kisner

The Movie Sleuth

This movie is still above most of its peers and worth a watch by all horror fans.

Nov 7, 2018

Full Review

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Kalin D

The teenagers really dragged this film down. Otherwise it's not bad at all but I was very aware they were hal-heartedly acting in a movie.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/22/25

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Jens B

🎃 Why is this considered a cult classic? 🥱 A simple revenge story, extremely two-dimensional characters, a monster that looks like a cheap knock-off of the Alien Queen, a very strange score, and poor direction—these are usually ingredients I can enjoy. But here, as I watch, there's no excitement, no amusement, not even real interest because everything just feels so dull. Eventually, an hour has passed, and suddenly all the teens are dead, and the final showdown is about to start. 🤔 In capable hands, this could have actually turned into something worthwhile. There are numerous shots and tension-building sequences that could have gained a lot of momentum with better direction. The set design and creature design are actually pretty great. Unfortunately, it lacks the metaphorical "red thread" to hold everything together and carry it to the finish line. Luckily, Winston stuck to effects and makeup and spared us any further attempts at directing.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

11/06/24

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Audience Member

As a horror movie fan, I’m so glad I finally got around to watching Pumpkinhead. Not only does this movie have good scares, it also has some very emotional moments. I thought Lance Henriksen and his son had such good chemistry together. I really believed they could be father and son

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/19/24

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Ari V

Over the top and simplistic in certain ways to be sure, but actually kind of sophisticated in others. Mainly watching it because of something mentioned about it by an mkultra whistleblower, but don't regret having seen it. 3.25/5

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/25/24

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James B

A really nice creature movie with horror legend lance hendriksen and to top it off it has a cool monster gory kills a solid plot and a few scares.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/15/24

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Audience Member

I love this film but I have to be fair, there are a few problem like when haggis gets blood from Ed Harley and you can literally see the blade is leaking it, on the other hand the suit is incredible and unlike 3&4 didn't resort to CGI, it all practically effect from stan Winston, so you can't get much better

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/12/24

Full Review

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Stan Winston

Director

Lance Henriksen

Ed Harley

Jeff East

Chris

John D'Aquino

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Synopsis

After his son dies in a hit-and-run accident, Ed Harley (Lance Henriksen) seeks revenge against the teenagers responsible. With the help of a local witch (Florence Schauffler), Ed summons the vengeful demon Pumpkinhead to hunt and kill the group of friends. But when Ed discovers a bond between himself and the creature, he begins to have second thoughts about employing the vicious monster, and he fights to end Pumpkinhead's murderous rampage before it is too late.

Director: Stan Winston
Producer: Howard Smith, Richard Weinman, Bill Blake
Screenwriter: Mark Patrick Carducci, Gary Gerani
Distributor: United Artists, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: De Laurentiis
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 13, 1988, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $4.0M
Runtime: 1h 26m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Surround

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