🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Conor McMahon
- Genre: Comedy, Horror, Slasher
- Release year: 2012
- Runtime (length): 1h 26min
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 60%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A grumpy clown gets murdered by kids, then uses ancient clown magic to come back and ruin their teenage parties with extreme clown-themed violence.
🍿 Stitches: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Clown’s Untimely Demise
Richard ‘Stitches’ Grindle is a jaded party clown performing at Tom’s birthday. He’s clearly unhappy and his performance is lackluster. A prank gone wrong leads to Stitches’ accidental death, much to the horror (and some amusement) of the children.

Years Later: The Curse Returns
Six years later, Tom is preparing for another birthday party. The teens who were present at Stitches’ death are now teenagers. Unknown to them, Stitches is bound by a clown curse to return and seek revenge on the children who caused his demise, once they reach a certain age. The resurrection ritual is triggered by a tear falling on his grave.

Clown Vengeance Unfolds
Stitches returns, a grotesque and vengeful undead clown. He begins systematically targeting and killing the teenagers in increasingly gruesome and comedic ways. The party turns into a chaotic bloodbath as the teenagers try to survive Stitches’ twisted games.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Stitches (Ross Noble): A jaded clown who returns from the dead to exact revenge on the teenagers responsible for his accidental death.
- Tom (Tommy Knight): The former birthday boy, now a teenager, who is haunted by Stitches’ death and becomes the clown’s primary target.
- Richie (Eoghan McQuinn): One of Tom’s friends who attends the fateful party and becomes a target for Stitches’ gruesome revenge.
- Kate (Gemma-Leah Devereux): Tom’s childhood crush who is at the party and finds herself caught in the midst of the clown’s vengeful rampage.
- Vinny (Shane Murray-Corcoran): A mischievous friend of Tom’s, who indirectly causes Stitches’ death and faces the clown’s wrath years later.
- Bulger (Thommas Kane Byrne): Another friend of Tom’s, present at both the original party and the teenage celebration, becoming a victim of Stitches.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Stitches: “Everybody happy?” – Stitches’ catchphrase, delivered with sinister undertones before or after committing violent acts.
💰Box Office
- Budget: Unknown
- Domestic Gross: Unknown
- Worldwide Gross: $63,555
💥 Stitches Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, ‘Stitches’ is not winning any awards, but I had a blast watching it! Ross Noble is hilarious as the undead clown, and the kills are so over-the-top that they’re funny. The scene where he makes balloon animals out of someone’s intestines? Pure comedic genius! It definitely reminded me of old-school horror comedies like ‘Evil Dead 2’. If you’re looking for a gory good time and don’t mind some cheesy effects, check it out. Just don’t expect Shakespeare!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of horror-comedy movies”
- “Viewers who enjoy gory special effects”
- “People looking for a lighthearted and ridiculous slasher film”
- “Those who appreciate dark humor and absurd situations”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence and gore”
- “Strong language”
- “Suggestive content”
- “Clowns (may trigger coulrophobia)”
Professional Reviews
- HorrorNews.net: “Stitches delivers exactly what it promises: gore, laughs, and a killer clown with a twisted sense of humor. It’s not high art, but it’s a blast for horror fans who don’t take themselves too seriously.
- Fangoria: “Noble’s performance as Stitches is the highlight, blending dark humor with surprisingly gruesome kills. The film suffers from pacing issues and some questionable CGI, but the practical effects and inventive deaths make it a worthwhile watch for gorehounds.
- Film Ireland: “Stitches is a fun, gory, and decidedly Irish horror-comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. While the story is basic, the creative kills and Ross Noble’s performance make it a memorable entry in the killer clown subgenre.
Audience Reactions
The creative and gory kills kept me laughing the entire time!: Viewers loved the inventive and over-the-top gore effects.
Ross Noble’s performance as Stitches was brilliant, perfectly blending humor and menace.: Many appreciated Ross Noble’s unique portrayal of the killer clown.
Overall Consensus: Stitches is a fun, gory horror-comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. While it’s not for everyone, fans of the genre will appreciate the creative kills and Ross Noble’s performance.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Ross Noble, a well-known stand-up comedian, took on the role of Stitches, bringing his comedic timing to the horror genre.”
- “The film blends classic slasher elements with dark humor, creating a unique tone that some viewers found polarizing.”
- “The special effects team focused on practical gore effects, aiming for a campy and over-the-top style reminiscent of 80s horror films.”
🖥️ How to Watch Stitches?
Stitches is currently available for streaming on Shudder and AMC+. You can also rent or purchase it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Consider subscribing to Shudder or AMC+ for the most cost-effective streaming option if you enjoy horror comedies.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Stitches, you might like these similar films:
- Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988): Direct comparison for its comedic take on killer clowns and outlandish gore.
- It (2017): Thematic similarity in exploring the fear of clowns and childhood trauma.
- Zombieland (2009): Shares a similar blend of horror and dark humor, appealing to fans of both genres.
- Bad Taste (1987): Reminiscent of the early work of Peter Jackson, with its dark humor and over-the-top gore.
🛒 Stitches Related Products
- It: Chapter One: Experience the terror of Pennywise in high definition! A must-have for any horror fan and a great companion to ‘Stitches’.
- Funko Pop! Movies: IT – Pennywise with Balloon: Add this Funko Pop figure to your collection and bring the fear home. A great display piece for horror enthusiasts.
- Killer Klowns from Outer Space [Blu-ray]: Add this classic horror movie to your collection and bring the fun home.
- Clown Mask: Scare your friends by dressing up and put a clown mask.
🎧 Soundtrack
Stitches 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
Stitches is primarily a horror-comedy. While it features gore and violence, the tone is generally lighthearted and humorous. It’s more likely to make you laugh than scream. However, those sensitive to gore or clowns might find some scenes disturbing.
Stitches is available on Shudder and AMC+. You can also rent or buy it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu.
The movie stars Ross Noble as Stitches, Tommy Knight as Tom, and Eoghan McQuinn. Gemma-Leah Devereux plays Kate.
🔥 Bonus Content
Stitches (2012) KILL COUNT
Ever wonder exactly how many people met their end in ‘Stitches’? Dead Meat breaks it down with their signature humor and gory detail. Honestly, some of these kills are so over-the-top, you have to see them again!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.