The Blob (1988) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Introduction to “The Blob” (1988)
“The Blob,” released in 1988, is a thrilling remake of the 1958 sci-fi horror classic. Directed by Chuck Russell, this version of The Blob amplifies the original’s terror with advanced special effects, intense action sequences, and a darker, more graphic tone. The story revolves around a gelatinous alien life form that descends on a small American town, growing larger and more dangerous as it consumes everything in its path.
For fans of 1980s horror films, The Blob offers a blend of campy horror and intense, body-melting visuals that will keep you at the edge of your seat. In this review, we’ll dive into the plot, the legacy of the film, and where you can stream or rent it online in America.
Plot Overview: A Town Under Siege
The film takes place in Arborville, a small town that becomes ground zero for an alien invasion. When a strange meteor crashes nearby, it releases a gooey, amorphous entity that begins to devour every living thing it encounters. The residents, initially skeptical and unaware of the looming threat, quickly realize the blob is not to be underestimated.
The protagonists, including a rebellious teenager named Brian Flagg (played by Kevin Dillon) and a cheerleader named Meg Penny (Shawnee Smith), find themselves racing against time to stop the ever-growing, deadly mass from consuming their town. As the blob expands, absorbing people and animals alike, the fight for survival becomes more urgent, leading to a climactic battle that will determine the fate of everyone in Arborville.
The Special Effects: A Game-Changer in Horror
What sets the 1988 version of The Blob apart from its predecessor is its groundbreaking special effects. The practical effects used to bring the blob to life are both horrifying and mesmerizing. The visual effects team created one of the most terrifying alien organisms in horror history, turning ordinary citizens into grisly, melting victims. The blob’s oozing, all-consuming presence, as it envelops everything in its path, adds to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
The film doesn’t hold back on gore and violence, making it more intense than the original 1958 film. If you enjoy practical effects that showcase creative yet terrifying depictions of death and destruction, this version of The Blob is a must-watch.
Cultural Legacy: Why The Blob Still Holds Up
Even though The Blob (1988) wasn’t a massive box-office hit, it has since gained cult status among horror fans. The film’s mix of 1980s-style horror with high-quality effects and strong performances from the cast makes it a standout in the genre. Its influence can be seen in subsequent horror movies that incorporate creature features and body horror.
The film also touches on the era’s distrust of authority, as government officials in the movie play a significant role in exacerbating the danger. This social commentary, combined with a relentless pace and inventive death scenes, ensures The Blob remains a relevant and entertaining watch decades later.
Where to Watch “The Blob” (1988) Online in America
For horror enthusiasts and those eager to watch this 1988 classic, there are several platforms where The Blob is available for streaming or rental in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of where you can find it:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Availability: You can rent or purchase The Blob on Amazon Prime Video. The platform also offers subtitles, making it accessible to a broader audience.
- Pricing: Rental prices typically range from $2.99 to $3.99, while purchasing the film can cost between $9.99 and $14.99, depending on the quality (SD or HD).
- Apple TV
- Availability: The Blob is also available on Apple TV for rental or purchase. Apple TV tends to provide excellent picture quality for its digital content.
- Pricing: You can rent it for around $3.99 or buy it for $9.99 to $14.99, similar to Amazon Prime.
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Availability: Google Play Movies & TV offers the film for both rent and purchase. Google’s integration with YouTube means you can easily stream the movie from multiple devices.
- Pricing: The rental price is around $3.99, with purchasing options ranging from $9.99 to $12.99.
- YouTube Movies
- Availability: YouTube Movies also provides The Blob for rental and purchase. It’s a great option for those who prefer streaming directly from YouTube.
- Pricing: Rentals typically cost around $2.99 to $3.99, while purchasing it may cost $9.99 to $14.99.
- Vudu
- Availability: Vudu offers The Blob for both rental and purchase, with the option of streaming in HD or SD.
- Pricing: You can rent the movie for $3.99, or buy it for approximately $12.99.
- AMC+
- Availability: If you subscribe to AMC+, you may find The Blob included in their horror section, especially around Halloween when the service highlights classic horror films.
- Subscription: AMC+ offers a monthly subscription starting at $8.99, with the potential for a free trial.
- Peacock
- Availability: The Blob might be available for streaming on Peacock, particularly in the service’s horror catalog. While the platform primarily focuses on newer films and TV series, they also host a solid library of older classics.
- Subscription: Peacock’s premium plan starts at $5.99 per month.
Why Watch “The Blob” (1988)?
If you’re a fan of creature features, practical effects, and 1980s horror, The Blob is a film that shouldn’t be missed. Its thrilling sequences, terrifyingly realistic special effects, and high-stakes plot make it a standout in the genre. The 1988 remake adds a more gruesome edge, making it a unique viewing experience even for those familiar with the original.
The film’s critique of authority figures and the dangers of scientific experimentation gone wrong gives it depth beyond the horror, offering an exciting mix of action, gore, and subtle social commentary.
Conclusion: Stream or Rent The Blob Today
Whether you’re watching for the first time or revisiting it as a horror aficionado, The Blob (1988) remains a thrilling sci-fi horror experience. With its spectacular effects and suspenseful pacing, the movie continues to entertain and frighten viewers more than three decades after its release.
Fortunately, it’s easy to watch online in America through various platforms, including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, and more. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for an eerie, gripping ride through this 1980s horror classic.
