Puppet Master

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Puppet Master

R

1989

1h 30m

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

43%

Tomatometer

7 Reviews

40%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Assailed by nightmarish visions, Alex Whitaker (Paul Le Mat) and his fellow psychics descend on the Bodega Bay Inn. There, they discover that their compatriot Neil (Jimmie F. Scaggs) has apparently committed suicide. But, as the gruesome visions continue, they sense that there's still something sinister afoot. When they find themselves hunted by a band of homicidal marionettes created by twisted puppeteer Andre Toulon (William Hickey), they discover they're right.

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David Day

Horror Movie Talk

I think the principle sin that Puppet Master commits is that it takes itself too seriously. The dialog and story make very little sense, but they keep at it. When the script falters and becomes boring, they keep shoving it down your throat.

Rated: 2/10

Sep 23, 2025

Full Review

C.H. Newell

Father Son Holy Gore

With some weird, awesome puppets, a nice finale, and an interesting theme hovering over it all, Puppetmaster's a unique piece of the late '80s.

Rated: 3/5

May 1, 2019

Full Review

Heather Wixson

Dread Central

While the movie has terrific atmosphere and set designs, it's the iconic posse of killer puppets that have cemented Puppet Master in horror history as a campy cult classic.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 4, 2012

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Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

The performances are strong and visuals quite eloquent...

Jul 15, 2011

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Sep 25, 2005

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Jules Brenner

Cinema Signals

Rated: 1/5

Feb 25, 2005

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James B

Puppet master did a decent job at the plot but the puppets are the highlights of this film for sure.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/16/25

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Jude H.

This is the start of one my guilty pleasures. Puppet Master may be one of the best direct to video horror flicks out there. The puppets are fun and the whole series is fun to watch. This first film isn’t very interesting tho. It’s very weird and theres barely any puppets actually in the movie. However if you’re looking to get into this series. This movie is important to the whole series.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/12/25

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Nick O

Full Moon videos had such a huge presence in the rental stores when I was growing up and this is THEE quintessential Full Moon flick right here!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/02/25

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Jean R

Its a fun movie but its pretty just an average 80s slasher film

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/02/25

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Dallas H

The original Puppet Master movie has to be one of my favorite campy horror films. It feels unique and special compared to the other franchise horror movies of its time.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/16/25

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John C

As a fan of 80s horror movies (and horror movies in general!) I've watched 'Puppet Master' a fair few times over the years - and yet I don't own a copy. That probably should tell you something. I've just watched it again and, yeah, it's okay, I guess. I know it has quite a cult following and a lot of fans and I will admit it certainly has its charms, i.e. the puppets themselves. It's about a group of psychics who spend the weekend in a creepy hotel to try and discover yet more powers - and end up being targeted by a group of possessed toys. There are no real actors to speak of and the actors get most of the screen time, which is a bit of a let-down. They do the so-so script just about enough justice, but you'll be crying out for a glimpse of those nasty, murderous little wooden killers. I suppose the film's lack of budget meant the 'killers' can't be shown as much as most people would like them to, but the movie does pick up a lot of pace when they're actually shown. It's a decent enough little horror film. If your view of it isn't clouded by nostalgia and coming to the franchise (yes, there are more after this one) cold then you'll probably have to be quite forgiving when it comes to the films you watch. If you can accept it for what it is then you'll probably find something to enjoy.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/02/25

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David Schmoeller

Director

Paul Le Mat

Alex Whitaker

Irene Miracle

Dana Hadley

Matt Roe

Frank Forrester

Kathryn O'Reilly

Carlissa Stamford

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Synopsis

Assailed by nightmarish visions, Alex Whitaker (Paul Le Mat) and his fellow psychics descend on the Bodega Bay Inn. There, they discover that their compatriot Neil (Jimmie F. Scaggs) has apparently committed suicide. But, as the gruesome visions continue, they sense that there's still something sinister afoot. When they find themselves hunted by a band of homicidal marionettes created by twisted puppeteer Andre Toulon (William Hickey), they discover they're right.

Director: David Schmoeller
Producer: Hope Perello
Screenwriter: David Schmoeller
Production Co: Empire Pictures, Full Moon Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Runtime: 1h 30m
Sound Mix: Ultra-Stereo, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Academy (1.33:1)

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