๐ŸŽž MTDbBest ofBy yearBy genreBy runtimeBrowse (app)

MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1988 โ€บ Child's Play

Child's Play poster

Child's Play (1988)

โ€œYou'll wish it was only make-believe.โ€

6.8/10 ยท 3,487 votes 1h 27m r Horror

#35 of 68 films from 1988 #283 of 1243 in horror

Directed by Tom Holland ยท Written by Don Mancini, John Lafia, Tom Holland

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

After being shot in a toy store, a serial killer transfers his soul into a Good Guy doll. A mother then gifts it to her six-year-old son Andy, which unleashes terror upon the city.

Cast

Chris Sarandonas Mike Norris
Catherine Hicksas Karen Barclay
Alex Vincentas Andy Barclay
Brad Dourifas Charles Lee Ray
Dinah Manoffas Maggie Peterson
Tommy Swerdlowas Jack Santos
Jack Colvinas Dr. Ardmore
Neil Giuntolias Eddie Caputo
Juan Ramรญrezas Peddler
Alan Wilderas Mr. Criswell
Richard Bairdas News Reporter at Toy Store
Ray Oliveras Dr. Death
Aaron Osborneas Orderly
Tyler Hardas Mona

Facts

Release dateNovember 9, 1988
Runtime87 min (1h 27m) โ€” shorter as the 1988 average of 105 min
GenresHorror
LanguageEN
Budget$9,000,000
Box office$44,196,684 (4.9ร— budget)
IMDbtt0094862

More from Tom Holland

Fright NightFright Night1985 ยท โ˜… 7.0 ยท 1h 47m ThinnerThinner1996 ยท โ˜… 5.9 ยท 1h 32m

If you liked Child's Play

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

Michael Jackson's ThrillerMichael Jackson's Thriller1983 ยท โ˜… 8.3 ยท 0h 14m The ShiningThe Shining1980 ยท โ˜… 8.2 ยท 2h 24m Come and SeeCome and See1985 ยท โ˜… 8.2 ยท 2h 22m The ThingThe Thing1982 ยท โ˜… 8.1 ยท 1h 49m Ninja ScrollNinja Scroll1993 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 1h 34m ThesisThesis1996 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 2h 5m Evil Dead IIEvil Dead II1987 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 24m ScreamScream1996 ยท โ˜… 7.4 ยท 1h 52m

Questions

How long is Child's Play?
Child's Play runs 87 minutes (1h 27m), short enough for a weeknight.
Is Child's Play worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.8/10 across 3,487 votes, which places it #35 of 68 films released in 1988 in this index (top 50%) and #283 among 1243 horror titles.
Who directed Child's Play?
Child's Play was directed by Tom Holland. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Fright Night (1985), Thinner (1996).
Who stars in Child's Play?
Chris Sarandon as Mike Norris; Catherine Hicks as Karen Barclay; Alex Vincent as Andy Barclay; Brad Dourif as Charles Lee Ray; Dinah Manoff as Maggie Peterson; Tommy Swerdlow as Jack Santos.
What is Child's Play rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Child's Play?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/32349.

Browse

Best of 1988Best horrorHorror of the 1980sAll lists
MTDbยทBest films by year, genre and runtimeยทA century in numbersยทBrowse and watch trailers

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.