Critters 1986

Sci-Fi

Horror

Comedy

Box Office

$13M

Runtime

86 min

Language

English

Directed by

Stephen Herek

Made by

Europa Vision

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Critters (1986). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Sometime after the chaotic events that unfolded in Critters 2: The Main Course, we find Charlie MacFadden on a mission to eradicate the last remnants of the voracious extraterrestrial menace known as the Critters. His journey leads him to encounter a troubled family comprising the courageous protagonist Annie and her innocent little brother Johnny, along with their protective father, Clifford. Their plans are abruptly interrupted when they stop at a rest area, experiencing a tire blowout that sets the stage for an unforeseen catastrophe.

At the rest stop, Charlie warns the unsuspecting family and Josh, the stepson of a deceitful landlord, about the Critters lurking nearby. Little do they know that while they engage in conversation, a Critter is stealthily laying eggs beneath their car. Oblivious to the danger, the family resumes their journey, unknowingly transporting the vile eggs with them. Once they reach their tenement and the eggs hatch, chaos ensues as the Critters emerge, launching an attack on the sleazy maintenance man, Frank. The carnage continues when the greedy landlord arrives, only to meet a ghastly fate in the jaws of these menacing creatures.

In a twist of fate, Josh inadvertently locks the landlord in Clifford’s room, sealing his doom alongside the Critters. Panic escalates when one of the residents becomes the next target, suffering a gruesome attack. With danger closing in, Annie, her family, and a small group of survivors—including Josh—must band together to seek refuge on the roof of the building. Just when hope seems all but lost, Charlie arrives on the scene, armed with the determination to eliminate the remaining Critters, thus saving the terrified tenants from impending doom.

However, the film concludes with a gripping cliffhanger as Charlie approaches the last two Critter eggs, poised to destroy them. Just then, a mysterious authority from the Intergalactic Council intervenes, commanding him to refrain from annihilation. As if to heighten the tension, a containment pod crashes into the basement, leaving viewers anxiously awaiting the next chapter in this thrilling saga.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Critters (1986) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Tire Popped at Rest Stop

The MacFadden family, consisting of Annie, her brother Johnny, and their father Clifford, experience car trouble when their tire suddenly pops. They stop at a rest stop to address the issue, unaware of the danger lurking around them.

Rest Stop

Charlie's Warning

Charlie MacFadden, a seasoned hunter of the Critters, encounters the family at the rest stop. He warns them and Josh, the stepson of a corrupt landlord, about the Critters that are on the loose, stressing the importance of being vigilant.

Rest Stop

Critters Lay Eggs

Unbeknownst to the family, a Critter stealthily lays eggs beneath their car while they are distracted. This integral moment sets the stage for the impending chaos as the family unknowingly carries the eggs away with them.

Under the Family's Car

Arrival at the Tenement

The family arrives at their tenement, where they believe it’s safe. However, to their horror, the Critters hatch shortly after their arrival and begin to wreak havoc.

Tenement Building

First Attack

The Critters make their first attack by targeting Frank, a sleazy maintenance man in the building. This sudden assault catches Frank off guard, leading to a terrifying confrontation that sets off alarm bells for the residents.

Tenement Building

Landlord Falls Victim

As chaos unfolds, the landlord arrives only to become the next victim of the Critters. The inhabitants watch in shock as their landlord is devoured, exacerbating their fears about the monstrous creatures on the loose.

Tenement Building

Josh's Misstep

In a panic, Josh locks the landlord in Clifford's room, mistakenly trapping him with the very Critters that threaten them all. This decision reveals the extent of the confusion and the gravity of their situation.

Clifford's Room

Civilian Attacked

Another resident falls victim to the Critters, suffering severe injuries during their assault. This injury prompts a frantic response from the remaining tenants, who realize they must band together for survival.

Tenement Building

Seeking Refuge

Annie, her family, and five other tenants, including Josh, attempt to escape the imminent threat by fleeing to the rooftop of the building. Their escape plan unfolds in a frantic attempt to evade the Critters and find safety.

Rooftop of the Tenement

Charlie's Arrival

Charlie arrives just in time to confront the remaining Critters. With his experience and resourcefulness, he fights back against the creatures, determined to protect the tenants from further harm.

Tenement Building

Critters Destroyed

In a showdown, Charlie successfully destroys the remaining Critters, bringing momentary relief to the terrified group of survivors. This moment highlights Charlie's bravery and his battle against the monstrous pests.

Tenement Building

Cliffhanger Situation

As the film reaches its climax, a cliffhanger arises when Charlie is poised to destroy two Critter eggs. However, he receives an unexpected order to refrain from doing so, raising questions about the implications of their destruction.

Tenement Building

Intergalactic Council's Arrival

Just as tension peaks, a containment pod from the Intergalactic Council crashes into the basement of the tenement. This event hints at greater forces at play and adds an element of suspense about what will happen next.

Basement of the Tenement

Characters

Explore all characters from Critters (1986). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Annie

Annie is the main protagonist, a determined young woman who takes charge during the imminent threat. She embodies bravery and resourcefulness as she navigates the danger posed by the Critters, relying on her instincts to protect her family. Her character represents the idea of familial strength and the fight for survival.

👩‍🦰 Protagonist 💪 Courageous

Charlie MacFadden

Charlie is a seasoned Critter hunter, tasked with tracking down the remaining creatures. His character adds a comedic flair to the narrative, possessing a blend of expertise and quirkiness. Charlie's arrival brings hope to the trapped tenants, showcasing his determination to eliminate the threat.

🔫 Hunter 😂 Comic Relief

Clifford

Clifford is the father of the family, embodying a protective and nurturing role. His character contrasts the children's innocence and highlights the familial responsibilities during a crisis. Clifford’s unexpected challenges emphasize the ultimate fight for his family's safety amid the chaos.

👨‍👧‍👦 Father 🛡️ Protector

Johnny

Johnny, as Annie's younger brother, brings a sense of vulnerability and innocence to the story. His presence adds stakes to the narrative, as he relies on his sister and father for safety and support. Johnny represents the theme of childhood amidst the horrors they experience.

👦 Child 💖 Innocent

Setting

Learn where and when Critters (1986) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The film takes place in contemporary times, following the events of its predecessor. It addresses current themes of family and survival amidst the chaos introduced by alien creatures, reflecting a mix of comedy and horror that resonates with audiences of the late 20th century.

Location

Rest Stop, Tenement Building

The story begins at a roadside rest stop, a common place for travelers to take a break and refresh during long journeys. This particular rest stop is where Charlie encounters the family, warning them of the impending danger posed by the Critters. The later setting at the tenement building contrasts the initial openness of the rest stop, representing a confined space that becomes a battleground for survival.

🛑 Rest Stop 🏢 Tenement

Themes

Discover the main themes in Critters (1986). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Family

Central to the narrative is the theme of family, showcasing the bond between Annie, her little brother Johnny, and their father Clifford. Their struggle to survive against the Critters highlights the lengths family members will go to protect one another. This theme resonates strongly as they face external threats together, emphasizing unity and resilience.

👾

Alien Horror

The presence of the Critters embodies the horror element rooted in science fiction, introducing alien creatures that wreak havoc in a domestic setting. This theme explores the fear of the unknown and the unexpected, where ordinary environments become sites of terror. The Critters serve as a reminder of the chaos that can erupt when the familiar is invaded.

⚖️

Corruption

The film also touches on themes of corruption, illustrated through the character of the landlord and his unscrupulous behavior. The manipulation and greed of those in power create a backdrop for the events that unfold, affecting the lives of the residents. This unease adds depth to the narrative and presents a societal reflection on authority and morality.

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