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.
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
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
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
- Genres
- Action, Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
- 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.
Cast & Crew
View all →Why Cult
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.
Teen idol Corey Haim brings his charm to the role of Travis, anchoring the film’s mix of suspense and heart.
Secret labs, armed agents, and a relentless coverup add layers of paranoia and intrigue to the mutant mayhem.
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
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.
Why is the OXCOM monster specifically hunting the dog? +
The OXCOM targets and kills anything that has been in contact with the genetically engineered dog, as part of its rogue programming.
Trailers & Clips