Brain Damage

1988·Movie
1h 26min·R
IMDb6.5Metacritic616.4Rotten Tomatoes69%64%

Where to watch

AMC+KanopyShudderScreamboxNight Flight+

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

Brain Damage fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.

Energy

Terrifying and tense

Fast from start to finish.

  • Scare9
  • Tension8
  • Fast Pace8

Heart

Emotionally reserved

  • Melancholy5
  • Pathos4
  • Nostalgia3

Humor

Some dark humor and absurdist humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Dark Humor7
  • Absurdist Humor6
  • Cringe Humor5

World

Fantasy and the mind

  • World Immersion7
  • Novelty7
  • Dialogue Centrality6

Craft

Standout direction

  • Intrigue9
  • Direction8
  • Acting7

Style

Standout editing, visual style, and sound design

A distinctive visual signature.

  • Editing8
  • Visual Stylization8
  • Sound Centrality8

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers youYou scare easily

Find more like it

Scary movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

It's a Headache from Hell.

Brian comes under the addictive spell of a parasite with the ability to induce euphoric hallucinations in its hosts.
Cult HorrorBody HorrorHallucinatoryParasiteAddictionExploitationNew York CitySurrealGraphic

Crew

Directed by:
Gregory Lamberson, Frank Henenlotter
Written by:
Gabriel Bartalos, Frank Henenlotter, David Kindlon
Produced by:
Edgar Ievins, Charles C. Bennett, Andre Blay
Composed by:
Bruce Torbet, Clutch Reiser, Peter Clark

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about Brain Damage

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Brain Damage legally?

AMC+KanopyShudderScreamboxNight Flight+FandorCineverseMidnight Pulp

Brain Damage is included with a subscription to AMC+, Shudder, Screambox, and Night Flight+ in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Cineverse, and Midnight Pulp. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Brain Damage worth watching?

65
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes 69%, and Metacritic 61). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Brain Damage rated?

RViolenceDrug useDisturbing imagery

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, drug use, and disturbing imagery.

How long is Brain Damage?

1 h 26 min

Brain Damage runs 1 h 26 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Brain Damage?

Critics65
Audiences64

Yes. Critics average 65 and audiences 64 out of 100, so both groups see Brain Damage much the same way.

What language is Brain Damage in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Brain Damage?

6CAESFRGBUSPT

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Brain Damage in 6 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Brain Damage use?

Manipulative BastardAddled AddictPeople PuppetsArmor-Piercing QuestionDidn't See That ComingEvil GloatingThe GhostGoing Cold TurkeyPerpetual SmilerWhat Did I Do Last Night?Sex for SolaceMysterious Pastand 34 more

TV Tropes lists 46 storytelling tropes for Brain Damage, including Manipulative Bastard, Addled Addict, People Puppets.

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