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The Return of the Living Dead poster

The Return of the Living Dead (1985)

“They're back from the grave and ready to party!”

7.2/10 · 2,313 votes 1h 31m r ComedyHorrorScience-fiction

#16 of 67 films from 1985 #631 of 2885 in comedy

Directed by Dan O'Bannon · Written by Dan O'Bannon, John A. Russo, Russell Streiner, Rudy Ricci

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Two employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a toxic gas from a misplaced top-secret U.S. Army shipment, causing the dead to rise from a nearby cemetery with an insatiable hunger for human brains.

Cast

Clu Gulageras Burt
James Karenas Frank
Don Calfaas Ernie
Thom Mathewsas Freddy
Miguel A. Núñez Jr.as Spider
Beverly Randolphas Tina
Brian Peckas Scuz
Jonathan Terryas Colonel Glover
John Philbinas Chuck
Linnea Quigleyas Trash
Jewel Shepardas Casey
Mark Venturinias Suicide
Cathleen Cordellas Colonel's Wife
Drew Deighanas Paramedic #1

Facts

Release dateApril 25, 1985
Runtime91 min (1h 31m) — shorter as the 1985 average of 104 min
GenresComedy, Horror, Science-fiction
LanguageEN
Budget$4,000,000
Box office$14,241,310 (3.6× budget)
IMDbtt0089907

If you liked The Return of the Living Dead

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Re-AnimatorRe-Animator1985 · ★ 7.1 · 1h 26m TremorsTremors1990 · ★ 7.0 · 1h 36m Night of the CreepsNight of the Creeps1986 · ★ 6.8 · 1h 28m Killer Klowns from Outer SpaceKiller Klowns from Outer Space1988 · ★ 6.7 · 1h 26m CrittersCritters1986 · ★ 6.5 · 1h 26m Bride of Re-AnimatorBride of Re-Animator1990 · ★ 6.4 · 1h 36m Bad TasteBad Taste1987 · ★ 6.3 · 1h 31m The Toxic AvengerThe Toxic Avenger1984 · ★ 6.2 · 1h 50m

Questions

How long is The Return of the Living Dead?
The Return of the Living Dead runs 91 minutes (1h 31m).
Is The Return of the Living Dead worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.2/10 across 2,313 votes, which places it #16 of 67 films released in 1985 in this index (top 78%) and #631 among 2885 comedy titles.
Who directed The Return of the Living Dead?
The Return of the Living Dead was directed by Dan O'Bannon.
Who stars in The Return of the Living Dead?
Clu Gulager as Burt; James Karen as Frank; Don Calfa as Ernie; Thom Mathews as Freddy; Miguel A. Núñez Jr. as Spider; Beverly Randolph as Tina.
What is The Return of the Living Dead rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Return of the Living Dead?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/132708.

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Best of 1985Best comedyComedy of the 1980sBest horrorHorror of the 1980sBest science-fictionScience-fiction of the 1980sAll lists
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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.