🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ron Underwood
- Genre: Horror, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Action
- Release year: 1990
- Runtime (length): 1h 36min
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10 (157K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two handymen in the middle of nowhere try to leave town but keep getting interrupted by graboids, which are basically land sharks if land sharks were giant worms with tentacles.
🍿 Tremors: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Strange Occurrences in Perfection
Valentine McKee and Earl Bassett, two handymen in the isolated Nevada town of Perfection, dream of escaping their mundane lives. However, a series of bizarre deaths and disappearances throws their plans into chaos. The discovery of strange seismic activity by visiting seismologist Rhonda LeBeck suggests something far more sinister is afoot.

Unveiling the Threat: The Graboids
The townspeople soon realize they are being hunted by massive, subterranean creatures that sense vibrations in the ground. Dubbed “Graboids,” these monsters quickly isolate Perfection, cutting off escape routes and forcing the residents to band together for survival. The Graboids’ unique hunting method makes any movement on the ground a deadly risk.

Survival and Adaptation
Trapped and under siege, the residents of Perfection must adapt quickly to survive. They learn to use their environment to their advantage, seeking refuge on rooftops and boulders to avoid the Graboids’ deadly grasp. The resourceful handymen, Val and Earl, find themselves unexpectedly thrust into the roles of heroes as they lead the fight against the creatures.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Valentine McKee (Kevin Bacon): A restless handyman in Perfection, Nevada, who becomes a reluctant hero when faced with monstrous underground creatures.
- Earl Bassett (Fred Ward): Valentine’s older and more pragmatic partner, who joins him in the fight for survival against the Graboids.
- Rhonda LeBeck (Finn Carter): A seismology student who helps the townspeople understand and combat the threat of the underground creatures.
- Burt Gummer (Michael Gross): A heavily armed survivalist who provides the firepower and knowledge necessary to fight the Graboids.
- Heather Gummer (Reba McEntire): Burt’s equally prepared wife, who shares his passion for weaponry and survival skills.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Valentine McKee: “Earl, we can’t stay here, this is pancake-flat!” – Val expresses his frustration and desire to leave Perfection, setting the stage for their adventure.
- Earl Bassett: “Damn it, listen to me. I’m older and wiser.” – Earl tries to assert his authority over Val, highlighting their comedic dynamic.
- Burt Gummer: “Broke into the wrong goddamn rec room, didn’t you!” – Burt yells this iconic line as he and Heather unleash a barrage of gunfire on a Graboid in their basement.
- Valentine McKee: “We’re in serious, serious sh*t!” – Val sums up the dire situation as the town realizes the extent of the Graboid threat.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $11,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $16,667,084
- Worldwide Gross: $16,668,790
💥 Tremors Reviews
Personal Review
I first watched Tremors as a kid and it scared the crap out of me. Rewatching it as an adult, it’s still so much fun! The practical effects of the Graboids are impressive, and the characters are so likable. Burt Gummer is the MVP. I found myself laughing throughout the whole movie. It’s one of those rare movies that improves with age. I just love the running and jumping scenes. Absolute classic.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of creature features”
- “Fans of horror-comedy movies”
- “Viewers who enjoy practical effects”
- “People looking for a fun, action-packed movie”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild violence”
- “Creature attacks”
- “Some language”
- “Thematic elements involving death and peril”
Professional Reviews
- Bloody Disgusting: “Tremors is a perfect blend of horror and comedy, boasting memorable characters and inventive monster designs. It’s a film that knows exactly what it is and executes it flawlessly, cementing its place as a cult classic.
- Slash Film: “35 years later, Tremors remains a creature-feature that continues to entertain and surprise audiences. While not initially a box office hit, Tremors has continued to grow, and is now considered a classic!
- AllMovie: “A gleeful homage to ’50s monster flicks with a modern twist. Tremors balances horror and humor perfectly, boasting impressive practical effects and a charming cast. It’s a fun ride from start to finish.
Audience Reactions
The chemistry between Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward is fantastic and makes the movie endlessly rewatchable.: Viewers consistently praise the perfect blend of humor and horror, the creative creature design, and the likable characters.
Michael Gross as Burt Gummer is a standout performance, loved by fans for his over-the-top survivalist persona.: Fans agree that Tremors is a great example of a creature feature that doesn’t take itself too seriously, resulting in a wildly entertaining experience.
Overall Consensus: Tremors is a beloved monster movie that blends horror and comedy effectively, with strong performances and impressive practical effects. A fun and rewatchable classic.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “S.S. Wilson said that he got the idea for the film while he was working for the U.S. Navy in the California desert. While resting on a rock, he imagined what it might be like if something underground kept him from getting off the rock.”
- “The creatures were designed to be practical effects, relying on animatronics and puppetry rather than CGI, which contributed to their realistic and terrifying presence on screen.”
- “Kevin Bacon was initially concerned that taking the role in Tremors would negatively impact his career, but the film became a cult classic and a memorable part of his filmography.”
🖥️ How to Watch Tremors?
Tremors is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video (often available for rent or purchase), Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Availability may vary by region. Check your local streaming services for the most up-to-date information.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Tremors, you might like these similar films:
- Jaws (1975): Features a similar plot structure of a small town terrorized by a mysterious creature, leading to a desperate fight for survival.
- Them! (1954): Reflects the classic monster movie era with a focus on practical effects and a community uniting against giant creatures.
- Slither (2006): Balances horror with comedy, creating a similar entertaining and suspenseful experience.
- Attack the Block (2011): An action-packed cult classic where a group of ordinary people must defend their home against monstrous invaders.
🛒 Tremors Related Products
- Tremors (4K Ultra HD) [Blu-ray]: Experience the original Tremors in stunning 4K resolution. This version provides the best visual and audio quality for a truly immersive viewing experience.
- Tremors: The Complete Series: Dive deeper into the Tremors universe with the complete TV series. Follow Burt Gummer’s continued adventures as he battles Graboids and other creatures. More monster mayhem.
- Tremors Graboid Plush: A soft and cuddly version of the terrifying Graboid. This plush is a fun and unique addition to any monster movie collection, with detailed design and quality materials.
- Tremors: Burt Gummer’s Guide to Monster Hunting: Step into the shoes of Burt Gummer in this thrilling action-adventure game. Battle Graboids and other evolved creatures using a variety of weapons and strategies.
🎧 Soundtrack
Tremors 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 creatures in Tremors are called Graboids. They are large, subterranean worm-like creatures that hunt by sensing vibrations in the ground.
Tremors takes place in the fictional, isolated desert town of Perfection, Nevada.
Tremors is a blend of both horror and comedy, often described as a horror-comedy. It balances suspense and creature-feature thrills with witty dialogue and humorous situations.
🔥 Bonus Content
Kevin Bacon Kills A Graboid | #Shorts | Science Fiction Station
In this thrilling clip from the classic horror movie ‘Tremors,’ watch Kevin Bacon take on a giant underground creature known as a Graboid. It’s a heart-pounding moment that showcases the film’s exciting action sequences.
Did You Know In Tremors #shorts #short #film #filmmaking
Did you know that ‘Tremors’ featured innovative special effects for its time? This video explores little-known details about the movie that will make you appreciate it even more.
Tremors Final Scene | Tremors | Science Fiction Station
Prepare for an adrenaline rush as you watch the epic finale of ‘Tremors’! This clip is a thrilling conclusion to the movie’s suspenseful journey, leaving you on the edge of your seat.
Tremors – Retro Rewind
Join Chris Stuckmann as he takes a nostalgic look back at ‘Tremors.’ His review offers a unique perspective on the film’s enduring appeal and why it remains a beloved classic in the horror community.
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