Re-Animator

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Re-Animator

Released Oct 18, 1985

1h 26m

Horror

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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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

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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

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Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

It's simply the best, funniest Grand Guignol horror picture to come along in ages.

Oct 6, 2013

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Katie

Cult favorite beautifully remastered in 4K. Loved seeing it on the big screen!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/27/25

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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

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Jesus

Gory madness. Still a cult classic!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/20/25

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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

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Brian M

One of my all time favorites.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/15/25

Full Review

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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

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Re-Animator: Trailer 1

1:58

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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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