
Phantasm
Seen it?1979 | 89 min | Horror, Science Fiction
Why it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (74% on Rotten Tomatoes), it made about 40 times its budget and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for horror fans and sci-fi fans. If you loved Night of the Living Dead, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Scary.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 29 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Made in 1979: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A teenage boy and his friends face off against a mysterious grave robber, known only as the Tall Man, who employs a lethal arsenal of unearthly weapons.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
74% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.5 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
2 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$12 million worldwide on a $300K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 228K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Phantasm IIWeeknight WatchFrom the same Phantasm series, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Night of the Living DeadFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed horror film.
The ReturnSunday Safe BetAnother horror film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
HokumSaturday SpecialAnother horror film.
Die AloneSunday Safe BetAnother horror film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Don Coscarelli
- A. Michael BaldwinMike
- Bill ThornburyJody
- Reggie BannisterReggie
- Kathy LesterLady in Lavender
- Angus ScrimmThe Tall Man
- Terrie KalbusFortuneteller's Granddaughter
- Kenneth V. JonesCaretaker
- Susan HarperGirlfriend
- Lynn Eastman-RossiSally
- David ArntzenToby