On this day April 11, 1986, the sci fi horror comedy Critters premiered in theaters, unleashing a gang of razor toothed alien creatures on an unsuspecting small town. Directed by Stephen Herek, the film combined creature feature fun with action, laughs, and plenty of practical effects that made it a standout in the mid 80s monster movie boom.
With a budget of 3 million dollars, Critters brought in 13.2 million at the box office and became a cult favorite. The cast featured Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, Billy Green Bush, Scott Grimes, Nadine van der Velde, Don Keith Opper, Billy Zane, Ethan Phillips, and Terrance Mann. The story centered around a rural family fighting to survive after the alien critters escape a galactic prison transport and begin terrorizing their home, while two bounty hunters follow them to Earth. Critters was often compared to Gremlins, but it had its own brand of chaos and attitude, and it went on to launch a franchise that lasted well into the 90s.
Fun fact: Billy Zane appears in one of his earliest film roles and meets a particularly memorable end at the hands of the critters.
Trivia question: What 1986 sci fi horror comedy introduced alien creatures known for their teeth, appetite, and mayhem?
With a budget of 3 million dollars, Critters brought in 13.2 million at the box office and became a cult favorite. The cast featured Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, Billy Green Bush, Scott Grimes, Nadine van der Velde, Don Keith Opper, Billy Zane, Ethan Phillips, and Terrance Mann. The story centered around a rural family fighting to survive after the alien critters escape a galactic prison transport and begin terrorizing their home, while two bounty hunters follow them to Earth. Critters was often compared to Gremlins, but it had its own brand of chaos and attitude, and it went on to launch a franchise that lasted well into the 90s.
Fun fact: Billy Zane appears in one of his earliest film roles and meets a particularly memorable end at the hands of the critters.
Trivia question: What 1986 sci fi horror comedy introduced alien creatures known for their teeth, appetite, and mayhem?
