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Horror Cult Classic

Genetically engineered dinosaurs stalk a desert town—science bites back in this biotech rampage.

CARNOSAUR

Driven to extinction. Back for revenge.

1993 · 1h 23m · R · Horror / Science Fiction · IMDB TMDB

A genetically manipulated and very hungry dinosaur escapes from a bioengineering company and wreaks havoc on the local desert town. A security guard and a girl environmentalist try to stop both it and the company's doomsday bioweapon.

Quick Answer

What is Carnosaur about?

Carnosaur is a 1993 American horror and science fiction film directed by Adam Simon about a mad scientist whose genetic experiments unleash a deadly dinosaur and viral outbreak on a small desert town.

Programmer's Pick

Carnosaur proves that corporate biotech meddling is best left to the professionals—or at least to those not intent on unleashing prehistoric predators. Diane Ladd’s Dr. Tiptree gives mad science a distinctly villainous flair, while the practical dinosaur effects and copious gore cement its B-movie cult credentials.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

In a remote Nevada town, Dr. Jane Tiptree conducts secretive genetic research for the Eunice Corporation, arousing suspicion from the government but staying just out of their reach. When one of her modified chickens hatches a reptilian creature that quickly escapes, a wave of bizarre and violent events begins. Locals are soon plagued by a mysterious illness with flu-like symptoms, while a series of gruesome killings puzzle Sheriff Fowler. Amid the chaos, Doc Smith, a quarry watchman, finds himself caught between environmentalists protesting at the site and the growing threat emanating from Tiptree’s lab. As the situation spirals, the true nature of the danger lurking in Climax, Nevada is slowly revealed.

Details & Specs

Director
Adam Simon
Writers
John Brosnan, Adam Simon
Release
1993
Runtime
1h 23m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Also Known As
Carnosaurus 1, 雷克斯暴龍

Why This Matters

Produced by Roger Corman on a modest budget and released just before Jurassic Park, this loose adaptation of John Brosnan's novel became a cult 'mockbuster,' spawning a film series and two official spin-offs despite negative critical reception.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Adam Simon Writers: John Brosnan +1 more

Explore More

Why Cult

Mad Scientist Mayhem

Diane Ladd delivers a coldly villainous performance as Dr. Tiptree, a geneticist with apocalyptic ambitions.

Practical Dinosaur Effects

From rampaging Deinonychus to a full-grown T. rex, the film showcases old-school creature carnage.

Gonzo Biotech Plot

Eggs, viruses, and dino embryos collide in a bioengineering nightmare that only this film could conjure.

B-Movie Gore

Head bitings, mass murder, and plenty of blood—Carnosaur revels in exploitation-style excess.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Genetically engineered chicken hatches a dinosaur

Threat

Escaped prehistoric carnivores and viral outbreak

Effect

Gruesome killings and illness in the local population

Setting

Small town and laboratory in Climax, Nevada

Questions from the Vault

When was Carnosaur released? +

Carnosaur was released in 1993.

Who directed Carnosaur? +

Carnosaur was directed by Adam Simon.

How long is Carnosaur? +

Carnosaur has a runtime of 83 minutes.

What genre is Carnosaur? +

Carnosaur is a horror and science fiction film.

How are the dinosaurs in Carnosaur created? +

Dr. Tiptree uses genetic manipulation of chickens to engineer and hatch deadly reptilian creatures.

Trailers & Clips

Carnosaur trailer
Official Trailer
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