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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1982 โ€บ Cat People

Cat People poster

Cat People (1982)

โ€œThey are something more than lovers who are about to become something less than human.โ€

6.1/10 ยท 588 votes 1h 58m r FantasyThrillerHorror

#34 of 41 films from 1982 #836 of 1079 in fantasy

Directed by Paul Schrader ยท Written by Paul Schrader, Alan Ormsby, DeWitt Bodeen

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

After years of separation, Irena Gallier and her minister brother, Paul, reunite in New Orleans. When zoologists capture a wild panther, Irena is drawn to the cat โ€“ and zoo curator Oliver to her. Soon, Paul will have to reveal the family secret: that when sexually aroused, they revert into predatory jungle cats.

Cast

Nastassja Kinskias Irena Gallier
Malcolm McDowellas Paul Gallier
John Heardas Oliver Yates
Ruby Deeas Female
Ed Begley Jr.as Joe Creigh
Scott Paulinas Bill Searle
Frankie Faisonas Det. Brandt
Annette O'Tooleas Alice Perrin
Lynn Lowryas Ruthie
John Larroquetteas Bronte Judson
Ron Diamondas Detective Ron Diamond
Tessa Richardeas Billie
Berry Berensonas Sandra
Patricia Perkinsas Taxi Driver

Facts

Release dateApril 2, 1982
Runtime118 min (1h 58m) โ€” about the same as the 1982 average of 110 min
GenresFantasy, Thriller, Horror
LanguageEN
Budget$12,500,000
Box office$21,000,000 (1.7ร— budget)
IMDbtt0083722

More from Paul Schrader

First ReformedFirst Reformed2018 ยท โ˜… 7.0 ยท 1h 53m American GigoloAmerican Gigolo1980 ยท โ˜… 6.2 ยท 1h 57m The Card CounterThe Card Counter2021 ยท โ˜… 6.1 ยท 1h 52m

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Santa SangreSanta Sangre1989 ยท โ˜… 7.2 ยท 2h 2m HellraiserHellraiser1987 ยท โ˜… 6.9 ยท 1h 33m A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream WarriorsA Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors1987 ยท โ˜… 6.7 ยท 1h 36m Hellbound: Hellraiser IIHellbound: Hellraiser II1988 ยท โ˜… 6.4 ยท 1h 37m Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael MyersHalloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers1989 ยท โ˜… 5.3 ยท 1h 38m Michael Jackson's ThrillerMichael Jackson's Thriller1983 ยท โ˜… 8.3 ยท 0h 14m The ShiningThe Shining1980 ยท โ˜… 8.2 ยท 2h 24m JawsJaws1975 ยท โ˜… 7.7 ยท 2h 4m

Questions

How long is Cat People?
Cat People runs 118 minutes (1h 58m).
Is Cat People worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.1/10 across 588 votes, which places it #34 of 41 films released in 1982 in this index (top 20%) and #836 among 1079 fantasy titles.
Who directed Cat People?
Cat People was directed by Paul Schrader. Other well-rated titles by the same director: First Reformed (2018), American Gigolo (1980), The Card Counter (2021).
Who stars in Cat People?
Nastassja Kinski as Irena Gallier; Malcolm McDowell as Paul Gallier; John Heard as Oliver Yates; Ruby Dee as Female; Ed Begley Jr. as Joe Creigh; Scott Paulin as Bill Searle.
What is Cat People rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Cat People?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/8509.

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Best of 1982Best fantasyFantasy of the 1980sBest thrillerThriller of the 1980sBest horrorHorror 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.