Shocker

  • 1989
  • R
  • 111m
movieMx RATING
5.6/10455
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Shocker Review

Last updated: February 16, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Shocker (1989) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Shocker features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Murphy . Supported by the likes of Mitch Pileggi and Peter Berg , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Shocker (1989) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Shocker stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Shocker

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1989, Shocker is a Horror, Thriller film directed by Wes Craven. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Michael Murphy.

Ending Explained: Shocker

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Wes Craven, Shocker attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Michael Murphy, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Shocker reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Shocker?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Horror films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: Shocker

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $5.0M
Worldwide Gross $16.6M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Shocker Budget

The estimated production budget for Shocker is $5.0M. 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.

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Top Cast: Shocker

All Cast & Crew →
Michael Murphy
Michael MurphyLt. Don Parker
Mitch Pileggi
Mitch PileggiHorace Pinker
Peter Berg
Peter BergJonathan Parker
Ted Raimi
Ted RaimiPac Man
John Tesh
John TeshTV Newscaster
Timothy Leary
Timothy LearyTV Evangelist
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Where to Watch Shocker Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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🎟️ Rent on

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🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
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Shocker Parents Guide & Age Rating

1989 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Shocker age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Shocker is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Shocker is 111 minutes (1h 51m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.6/10, and global performance metrics, Shocker is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1989 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Shocker. Rating: 5.6/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shocker worth watching?

Shocker is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Shocker parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Shocker identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Shocker?

The total duration of Shocker is 111 minutes, which is approximately 1h 51m long.

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How Shocker Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Shocker

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🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.6
Shocker
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/shocker-12521" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.6</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Shocker</div></div></a>

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