🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Juan Piquer Simón
- Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi
- Release year: 1988
- Runtime (length): 1h 32min
- IMDb rating: 5.3/10 (6.3K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Toxic waste turns ordinary garden slugs into ravenous, people-eating monsters, and it’s up to a lone health inspector to stop them, armed with nothing but a salt shaker and sheer determination… probably.
🍿 Slugs: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Initial Outbreak
In the small town of Ashton, New York, mysterious deaths begin to occur. A local drunk is found partially eaten, and a greenhouse explodes after a man is bitten. Health Inspector Mike Brady suspects something unusual is happening, but the local authorities dismiss his concerns.

The Slug Theory
Mike Brady investigates further and develops a theory that the deaths are caused by mutated, carnivorous slugs. He presents his findings, but Sheriff Reese and Mayor Eaton are skeptical, more concerned with a potential development deal than a slug infestation. A visiting expert from England lends credibility to Mike’s theory.

Escalation and Carnage
The slugs continue to wreak havoc, causing gruesome deaths throughout the town. Notable incidents include an attack on a teenage couple and a horrifying incident in a restaurant where a man’s head explodes from internal slug infestation. The body count rises, and the town is forced to acknowledge the deadly threat.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Mike Brady (Michael Garfield Levine): A determined health worker who is the only one to suspect killer slugs are behind the gruesome deaths in town.
- Kim Brady (Kim Terry): Mike’s wife, who supports him while facing the dangers of the killer slug outbreak.
- Don Palmer (Philip MacHale): A sanitation inspector and Mike’s friend, who assists him in investigating and combating the slug threat.
- Sheriff Reese (John Battaglia): The skeptical and often grumpy sheriff who initially dismisses Mike’s theories about the killer slugs.
- John Foley (Santiago Álvarez): A slug expert who confirms Mike’s suspicions and aids in finding a solution.
- David Watson (Emilio Linder): An unlucky victim who is among the first to die from the killer slugs, increasing the tension in the film.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Frank Phillips: “You don’t have the authority to declare Happy Birthday! Not in this town!” – This absurd line has become a cult favorite, delivered by a crazed character.
- Sheriff Reese: “What’s next… demented crickets?” – The sheriff says this in disbelief when presented with the theory of killer slugs.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Slugs Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, ‘Slugs’ is probably one of the most ridiculous movies I’ve ever seen, but I couldn’t stop laughing! The special effects are so bad they’re good, and the plot is just absurd. The scene with the couple getting attacked in bed? Absolutely bonkers! If you’re looking for a serious horror movie, this isn’t it, but if you want a fun, cheesy, and totally gross experience, grab some friends and watch ‘Slugs’!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of B-movies”
- “Horror enthusiasts who enjoy gore and creature features”
- “Viewers who appreciate campy and over-the-top films”
- “Fans of films like ‘Pieces’ and other schlocky horror movies”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence and gore”
- “Nudity”
- “Disturbing images”
- “Potentially scary situations”
- “Some sexual content”
Professional Reviews
- Collider.com: “A gory animal horror movie that’s guaranteed to make your skin crawl. The over-the-top gore and campy nature create a uniquely disturbing viewing experience, perfect for fans of B-movie horror.
- Slant Magazine: “While ‘Slugs’ may not be high art, its commitment to delivering a revolting and over-the-top creature feature is admirable. Its special effects are gruesome and memorable, providing a schlocky, sleazy insanity that entertains immensely.
Audience Reactions
The sheer absurdity of killer slugs makes it hilarious.: Viewers love the over-the-top gore and campy acting.
The special effects, while dated, are incredibly memorable.: It’s a classic B-movie with a cult following.
Overall Consensus: ‘Slugs’ is a hilariously bad creature feature with memorable gore and a devoted cult following. It’s perfect for fans of B-movies who enjoy over-the-top silliness.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The movie was filmed in Lyons, New York, but also had scenes shot in Spain with Spanish actors due to budget constraints.”
- “The special effects team used both real slugs and plastic miniatures for the film.”
- “Shaun Hutson, the author of the novel, was never involved in the film’s production and never met the producers, actors, or director.”
🖥️ How to Watch Slugs?
As of today, ‘Slugs’ (1988) is available for rent or purchase on Amazon. Check your local streaming services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch to see all options in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Slugs, you might like these similar films:
- Squirm (1976): Features killer worms terrorizing a small town, similar to the creature feature aspect of ‘Slugs’.
- Ticks (1993): Another nature-runs-amok horror film featuring mutated, bloodthirsty ticks, appealing to fans of creature features.
- Pieces (1982): Another gory film from the director Juan Piquer Simón known for its over the top special effects and insanity.
🛒 Slugs Related Products
- Slugs (Blu-ray) Arrow Video: The definitive edition featuring a high-quality transfer, special features, and collector’s booklet for the ultimate ‘Slugs’ experience.
- Slugs: The Novel by Shaun Hutson: Delve into the original source material that inspired the film, featuring even more gruesome details and terrifying slug action.
- Killer Slugs T-Shirt: Show off your love for this cult classic with a Killer Slugs T-shirt. This shirt is sure to turn heads and spark conversations.
- Giant Slugs Rubber Toy: These slugs can be fun for kids and adults alike, and can be used for pranks, decorations, or as a fun way to relieve stress.
🎧 Soundtrack
Slugs features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The slugs in the movie are mutated due to toxic waste being improperly disposed of, which turns them into carnivorous, flesh-eating creatures.
While the movie is set in a rural town in New York, filming locations included Lyons, New York, and Madrid, Spain.
Yes, ‘Slugs’ is based on the horror novel ‘Slugs’ by Shaun Hutson.
🔥 Bonus Content
Slugs (1988) KILL COUNT
Ever wondered just how many people those slimy slugs took down? Dead Meat breaks it all down in their signature ‘Kill Count’ style. It’s a fun and slightly morbid way to revisit this classic!
The Disgusting Horror of SLUGS Explained
Want to understand why ‘Slugs’ is more than just a cheesy creature feature? Ryan Hollinger’s video breaks down the gross-out horror, leaving you with a newfound appreciation (or maybe just a better understanding) for those killer slugs!
Bad Movie Review: Slugs
Is ‘Slugs’ so bad it’s good, or just plain bad? Dark Corners Reviews gives you the lowdown with a hilarious take on all the movie’s shortcomings. Trust me, you’ll laugh!
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