Horror Cult Classic

Alien parasites invade a small town, but a nuclear scientist-turned-wrestler steps into the ring.

THE BRAIN LEECHES

Home movie telling the story of leeches from space that crash on Earth and attempt to take over the world

1978 · 55m · NR · Horror / Science Fiction · IMDB TMDB

A former nuclear scientist turned pro-wrestler does battle with invading aliens who are taking over the brains of people in a small town.

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Quick Answer

What is The Brain Leeches about?

The Brain Leeches is a 1978 American horror and science fiction film directed by Fred Olen Ray about invading aliens that take over the brains of small-town residents, opposed by a nuclear scientist turned professional wrestler.

Programmer's Pick

You’ve seen alien invasions before, but have you seen one repelled by a scientist-turned-wrestler? The Brain Leeches delivers homebrew practical effects and a cast that’s clearly in on the fun. This is microbudget sci-fi with a wink, and tinfoil never looked so sinister.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

In The Brain Leeches, a quiet American town is turned upside down when mind-controlling aliens launch an invasion, using peculiar leech-like creatures to commandeer the townsfolk. The visual effects are proudly homespun, with the alien parasites cobbled together from black tinfoil, thumbtacks, and rubber bits animated by strings. As the extraterrestrial threat spreads, a former nuclear scientist—now making a living as a pro-wrestler—emerges as the unlikely defender against this oddball invasion. Blending horror and science fiction with a zero-budget, DIY spirit, the film promises both creature-feature antics and a dose of offbeat charm.

Details & Specs

Director: Fred Olen Ray
Writer: Jim Kennedy
Release: 1978
Runtime: 55m
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Genres: Horror, Science Fiction

Why This Matters

Completed for just $298, this ultra-low-budget sci-fi exploitation film marked a turning point in the careers of two of its principal creators, and, after a single public screening, later found distribution.

— SassyFlix Curator