Is Dead & Buried Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Dead & Buried is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 94 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Dead & Buried Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1981, Dead & Buried enters the Horror genre with a narrative focused on After a series of gory murders commited by mobs of townspeople against visiting tourists, the corpses appear to be coming back to life and living normally as locals in the small town. Under the direction of Gary Sherman, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from James Farentino. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Dead & Buried offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Dead & Buried resonates with current cultural themes in the Horror space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Dead & Buried is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. It is also featured on platforms like Philo and Night Flight Plus. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Dead & Buried centers on a unique premise within the Horror landscape. After a series of gory murders commited by mobs of townspeople against visiting tourists, the corpses appear to be coming back to life and living normally as locals in the small town. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1981 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Dead & Buried has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Dead & Buried sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Dead & Buried (1981): with an audience rating of 6.4/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Horror, Mystery cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Dead & Buried Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3,000,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $216,166 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Dead & Buried Budget
The estimated production budget for Dead & Buried is $3,000,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Dead & Buried Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Philo
Night Flight Plus
Screambox Amazon Channel
Midnight Pulp
Full Moon Amazon Channel
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Dead & Buried is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Dead & Buried stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1981 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dead & Buried movie hit or flop?
Dead & Buried has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Dead & Buried worth watching?
Dead & Buried is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Dead & Buried online?
Dead & Buried is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Night Flight Plus, Screambox Amazon Channel, Midnight Pulp, Full Moon Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Dead & Buried movie hit or flop?
Dead & Buried has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Dead & Buried worth watching?
Dead & Buried is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Dead & Buried online?
Dead & Buried is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Night Flight Plus, Screambox Amazon Channel, Midnight Pulp, Full Moon Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel depending on your region.
What is the story of Dead & Buried?
Dead & Buried is a Horror, Mystery movie that follows: After a series of gory murders commited by mobs of townspeople against visiting tourists, the corpses appear to be coming back to life and living normally as locals in the small town....
Is Dead & Buried family friendly?
Dead & Buried falls under Horror, Mystery, which often contain intense scenes. Parental discretion is advised.
What language is Dead & Buried available in?
Dead & Buried is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
After a series of gory murders commited by mobs of townspeople against visiting tourists, the corpses appear to be coming back to life and living normally as locals in the small town.
Critic Reviews
_**Mysterious deaths in a foggy coastal town**_ A puzzled sheriff in a hazy seaside hamlet in Maine (James Farentino) investigates a string of violent murders. Jack Albertson plays the mortician while Robert Englund appears as a mechanic in his pre-Freddy Krueger days. "Dead & Buried" (1981) is a unique, atmospheric horror that is reminiscent of other spooky flicks taking place in coastal towns, like “The Fog” (1980), “Messiah of Evil” (1973), “The Birds” (1963) and “Humanoids from the Deep” (1980). The opening features some surprisingly classy music (repeated during the end credits) which sets the stage for the slow-paced, moody investigation augmented by some pretty cutting edge and, frankly, shocking effects by Stan Winston. The striking Lisa Blount stands out on the feminine front, particularly her opening sequence. The head-turning Melody Anderson is also on hand as the sheriff’s wife. Meanwhile Lisa Marie appears as a hitchhiker (not the same actress as Tim Burton’s muse in the 90s). More should’ve been done with these women (not talking ‘bout sleaze). The film runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot in Mendocino, California (located about 3.5 hours north of San Francisco on the coast), and The Lot in West Hollywood. GRADE: B
"Tales from the Crypt" (meets The Stepford Wives) like story that has plenty of entertainment value even though it's more on the creepy spectrum than scary. Jack Albertson as the mortician was a lot of fun and James Farentino had his moments. **3.75/5**