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Action Cult Classic

A boy, a super-intelligent dog, and a lethal lab monster collide in this 1980s creature feature.

WATCHERS

It started as a secret experiment... It ended up as a new breed of terror.

1988 · 1h 31m · R · Action / Horror / Science Fiction / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

A boy takes in a stray dog, later finding out that its an ultra-intelligent runaway from a genetic research lab. Unknow to him, the dog is being stalked by another escaped creature thats not quite so friendly.

Quick Answer

What is Watchers about?

Watchers is a 1988 Canada/USA action, horror, science fiction, and thriller film directed by Jon Hess about a boy who befriends a super-intelligent dog, only to discover it is being hunted by a genetically engineered monster from a secret lab.

Programmer's Pick

If you’ve ever wondered what E.T. would look like with a genetically engineered killing machine in the mix, Watchers has you covered. Between Corey Haim’s earnest teen energy and Michael Ironside’s steely government agent, this is pure 1980s sci-fi horror with a canine twist—and just enough homemade explosives to keep you guessing.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

An explosion at a secret research facility unleashes two unlikely fugitives: a genetically modified golden retriever and a mutated combat beast known as OXCOM. As the dog escapes into the woods, it crosses paths with Travis Cornell, a teenager who soon realizes his new canine companion is far from ordinary. Meanwhile, the OXCOM lurks close behind, and government agents are sweeping the area, desperate to contain their escaped experiments. Set against the backdrop of 1980s suburbia, Watchers sets up a tense pursuit as Travis decides to protect the remarkable dog, unaware of the deadly creature on their trail and the shadowy forces closing in.

Details & Specs

Director
Jon Hess
Writers
Dean R. Koontz, Bill Freed, Damian Lee
Release
1988
Runtime
1h 31m
Country
Canada, United States of America
Language
English, Spanish
Also Known As
Watchers 1, Watchers, Alterazione Genetica, Al borde del terror, Пазители, O Limite do Terror, Watchers - O Limite do Terror, Watchers - gnadenlos gejagt, El peor enemigo del perro más listo, Proyecto: Terror, Ta plasmata tis nyhtas, Τα Πλάσματα της Νύχτας, Gyilkos kísérlet, Obserwatorzy, Posmatrači, Ангелы-хранители, Nöbet, Pronásledovatelé, Prenasledovatelia

Why This Matters

As the first installment in the Watchers film series and a loose adaptation of Dean R. Koontz's 1987 novel, this film marks the beginning of a franchise blending science fiction and horror elements.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Jon Hess Writers: Dean R. Koontz +2 more

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Why Cult

Genetic Monster vs. Super Dog

The film’s core face-off pits a hyper-intelligent retriever against a deadly lab-engineered creature, making for a creature feature with brains and brawn.

Corey Haim Leads

Teen idol Corey Haim brings his charm to the role of Travis, anchoring the film’s mix of suspense and heart.

Shadowy Government Coverup

Secret labs, armed agents, and a relentless coverup add layers of paranoia and intrigue to the mutant mayhem.

1980s Genre Fusion

Watchers blends teen horror, science fiction, and action-thriller elements with a distinctly 1980s style, right down to the cabin-in-the-woods suspense.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Explosion in a secret research laboratory

Threat

Genetically engineered OXCOM monster

Effect

Kills anyone or anything connected to the escaped dog

Countermeasure

Confronted with firearms and homemade explosives

Setting

Woods, suburban homes, school, and surrounding area

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Watchers? +

Watchers was directed by Jon Hess.

How long is Watchers? +

Watchers has a runtime of 91 minutes.

What genre is Watchers? +

Watchers is an action, horror, science fiction, and thriller film.

Where can I watch Watchers? +

You can watch Watchers on SassyFlix.

How does the genetically engineered dog reveal its intelligence? +

The dog demonstrates its intelligence by typing messages on a computer, warning Travis of danger and the NSO’s involvement.

Trailers & Clips

Watchers trailer
Official Trailer
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