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Re-Animator

Play trailer 1:58 Poster for Re-Animator 1985 1h 26m Horror Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 70 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
A medical student (Jeffrey Combs) brings his headless professor back from the dead with a special serum.
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Re-Animator

Re-Animator

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Critics Consensus

Perfectly mixing humor and horror, the only thing more effective than Re-Animator's gory scares are its dry, deadpan jokes.

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Critics Reviews

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Pauline Kael The New Yorker The picture is close to being a silly ghoulie classic -- the bloodier it gets, the funnier it is. This is the same blood that flows through the Hammer horror movies; it’s theatre-of-the-absurd blood, slapstick blood. Sep 13, 2023 Full Review Paul Attanasio Washington Post Re-Animator is splatter heaven. Based on the sci-fi novel by H.P. Lovecraft, Re-Animator's gore is exceeded only by its wit. Sep 28, 2015 Full Review Kevin Thomas Los Angeles Times It's simply the best, funniest Grand Guignol horror picture to come along in ages. Oct 6, 2013 Full Review Maitland McDonagh MaitlandOnMovies (Substack) [First seeing it in 1985,] I didn’t recognize any names on the poster or, for that matter, on the screen. I don’t even remember the audience reaction. But I do remember leaving the theater thinking, “Holy shit, THAT is something I haven’t seen before.” May 29, 2025 Full Review Zofia Wijaszka Nerdspin Undoubtedly, "Re-Animator" remains a cult classic, now made even more enjoyable with this pristine 4K restoration. The neat packaging design makes it a must-have for fans of the film and the horror genre alike. Rated: B+ May 28, 2025 Full Review Douglas Davidson Elements of Madness The more older films one watches, the more appreciation one gains for what’s come after, for what inspires artists of today are the artists of yesterday. May 21, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Catherine Very campy, which is always a plus in comedies. The two male leads had decent acting chops and some very silly chemistry. Plagiarist professor man was just eating scenery every second he had a chance. I did like practical effects, though they were not the best. Good to see once to help fit it into the Lovecraft pop culture, but not something I plan to seek out again. The script was just... meh. Probably because Mr. West and I shared opinions on the female love interest/damsel in distress. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/28/25 Full Review Katie Cult favorite beautifully remastered in 4K. Loved seeing it on the big screen! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/27/25 Full Review Charcoal Effect Jeffrey Combs is an American treasure. It's absolutely amazing to watch any of his films on the big screen. Happy Anniversary, Re-animator! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/20/25 Full Review Jesus Gory madness. Still a cult classic! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/20/25 Full Review dominicsedillo1980 "Cat dead. Details later." This movie is a blast. I recommend seeing it without knowing anything about it. I first saw it 25 years ago and it still holds up. Seeing it on the big screen for the 40 year anniversary was awesome. Charles Band's score is great Jeffery Combs is a perfect Herbert West David Gale as Dr. Hill is a great villain and good foil for Herbert West. Also, let's not forget Barbara Crampton (that's all I really need to say: Barbara Crampton). Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/15/25 Full Review Brian M One of my all time favorites. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/15/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Re-Animator

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Cast & Crew

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Stuart Gordon

Director

Jeffrey Combs

Herbert West

Bruce Abbott

Dan Cain

Barbara Crampton

Megan Halsey

David Gale

Dr. Carl Hill

Robert Sampson

Dean Alan Halsey

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Re-Animator

Re-Animator: Trailer 1 Re-Animator: Trailer 1 1:58 View more videos
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Re-Animator

Re-Animator (1985) Re-Animator (1985) Re-Animator (1985) Re-Animator (1985) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis A medical student (Jeffrey Combs) brings his headless professor back from the dead with a special serum.
Director
Stuart Gordon
Producer
Charles Band, Brian Yuzna
Screenwriter
Stuart Gordon, William Norris, Dennis Paoli
Production Co
Empire Pictures
Genre
Horror, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 18, 1985, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 1, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$2.0M
Runtime
1h 26m
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