5.8/10
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123 user 119 critic

Piranha (1978)

R | | Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi | 3 August 1978 (USA)
Piranha Poster
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When flesh-eating piranhas are accidentally released into a summer resort's rivers, the guests become their next meal.

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Writers:

(story), (story) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

, , | See full cast & crew »
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1 win & 1 nomination. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
... Paul Grogan
... Maggie McKeown (as Heather Menzies)
... Dr. Robert Hoak
... Jack
... Buck Gardner
... Dr. Mengers
... Betsy
... Laura Dickinson (as Melody Thomas)
... Colonel Waxman
... Trooper
... Mr. Dumont
Shannon Collins ... Suzie Grogan
Shawn Nelson ... Whitney
... Earl Lyon
Janie Squire ... Barbara Randolph
See full cast »
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Storyline

When flesh-eating piranhas are accidentally released into a summer resort's rivers, the guests become their next meal. Written by Concorde - New Horizons (with permission).

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

piranha | breasts | father daughter relationship | female nudity | grindhouse | See All (177) »

Taglines:

They came downriver in their thousands. Their teeth could strip a living man to the bone in seconds. See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

3 August 1978 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Piraña  »

Filming Locations:

 »
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Box Office

Budget:

$600,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$6,000,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$16,000,000
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

,  »
Show more on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (TV)

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

A "bobbing corpse" that appears in the climactic piranha attack was modeled after Rob Bottin. See more »

Goofs

When Kevin McCarthy is pulled into the boat after being attacked, his legs show no sign of any damage. See more »

Quotes

Reporter: Terror, horror, death. Film at eleven.
See more »

Crazy Credits

The title sinks into the pond water at the start, and turns it blood red. Over the end credits, we hear the sound of piranhas swimming in the ocean. The water turns red as well. See more »

Connections

Featured in The 50 Best Horror Movies You've Never Seen (2014) See more »

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User Reviews

 
The best Jaws-inspired flick swimming around out there!
20 May 2008 | by – See all my reviews

Debut film of B horror director Joe Dante is this fun, exciting Jaws spoof that's the best of its kind!

A school of deadly, mutant piranha is released from a government laboratory and it's up to an alcoholic man and his detective love-interest to warn folks down stream!

A fast-paced, campy, and humorous ride all the way, Piranha is a genuinely entertaining B film that recalls not only Jaws but many of the classic monster flicks of the 50's. The screenplay by John Sayles has lots of good suspense and a witty kind of humor. Dante's direction is nicely done, keeping the energetic mood of the film high. The special FX aren't half bad, especially considering the limited budget. In fact the movie packs some truly gory images. Pino Donaggio's music score is beautifully well done.

Stars Bradford Dillman and Heather Menzies are quite good, making for some amusing and unlikely heroes. The supporting cast is good as well and has a number of veteran actors - Kevin McCarthy, Keenan Wynn, Dick Miller, and Barbara Steele.

Over all, Piranha is a good old-fashioned horror delight for genre fans. See it!

**** out of ****
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