Critters(1986)
1986 · Stephen Herek · 86 min
Carnivorous aliens arrive unannounced at a Kansas family farm; two intergalactic bounty hunters soon follow, determined to blow them off the planet.
Comedy · Horror · Science Fiction
6.51.1k votes
TMDB score
2/5
Intensity
2/5
Gore
1/5
Stays with you
How Critters scares
Critters is more of a creature comedy than a real scare fest, packed with goofy little monsters causing chaos rather than anything that will haunt you. The pace is quick and energetic, mixing chase scenes and slapstick with occasional gross-out moments and quick jolts. It leans on fun mayhem and practical creature effects instead of dread, so it plays like a rowdy monster romp you laugh through more than one you hide from. Good for viewers who want silly, low-stakes horror with a nostalgic 80s creature-feature vibe.
On The Horror Database's 0–5 scare profile, Critters rates psychological 1/5, visceral 3/5, gore 2/5, lingering effect 1/5, and overall intensity 2/5.
- Psychological: 1 of 5
- Visceral: 3 of 5
- Gore: 2 of 5
- Lingering: 1 of 5
- Intensity: 2 of 5
Slow burn vs Jump scares: 65 of 100 — leans Jump scares
Supernatural vs Real-world: 30 of 100 — leans Supernatural
Fun-scary vs Disturbing: 10 of 100 — leans Fun-scary
Intensity over runtime
Shape only — no eventsReveal pacing shapeHide pacing shapeHidden by default — shows where the tension peaks and lets up.
A playful, slow-building setup that steadily escalates into a fast, chaotic, action-packed romp by the end.
Intensity across the runtime, 0 to 100: 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 4.
How scary is Critters?
On The Horror Database's 0–5 intensity scale, Critters rates 2/5 — moderately scary, delivering its fear through jump scares more than lingering dread. It attacks the body more than the mind — physical, in-your-face horror. Expect it to be moderately gory and fun-first. The dread fades once the credits roll.
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