Popeye the Slayer Man (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Public domain horror films have been on the rise, taking beloved childhood characters and twisting them into terrifying nightmares. Popeye the Slayer Man (2025) is the latest in this trend, transforming the iconic, spinach-loving sailor into a monstrous slasher. Directed by Robert Michael Ryan and written by Cuyle Carvin, John Doolan, and Jeff Miller, the film follows a group of friends who investigate the haunted remains of an abandoned spinach canning factory, only to realize the legend of the “Sailor Man” is far more real—and deadly—than they ever imagined.
With its campy tone, practical gore effects, and nostalgic nods to the original Popeye character, does this horror reimagining deliver the right kind of absurd entertainment? Or is it just another forgettable public domain cash grab? Let’s dive into the review.
Plot Summary
Lex (Richard Lounello), a businessman with big ambitions, wants to demolish an old spinach factory that has been abandoned for over two decades. However, local legends warn of a vengeful sailor spirit that haunts the area. Determined to uncover the truth, a group of friends—Dexter (Sean Michael Conway), Olivia (Elena Juliano), Katie (Mabel Thomas), Lisa (Marie-Louise Boisnier), and Seth (Jeff Thomas)—venture into the factory to film a documentary.
What starts as an innocent investigation quickly turns into a blood-soaked nightmare. The group discovers that Popeye isn’t just a myth; he’s real, horrifying, and on a rampage. Fueled by his radioactive spinach and grotesquely exaggerated strength, Popeye unleashes brutal carnage upon the unsuspecting intruders. As the night progresses, the friends must fight for survival, but escaping the sailor’s wrath is no easy task.
Film Analysis
Direction & Tone
Robert Michael Ryan fully embraces the absurdity of the concept. The film knows exactly what it is—a campy slasher flick with over-the-top violence. Unlike some of its public-domain horror predecessors that take themselves too seriously, Popeye the Slayer Man leans into its ridiculousness, creating a fun but flawed horror experience.
The pacing is a mixed bag. The setup is promising, and the initial exploration of the factory builds tension effectively. However, once the killing starts, the film falls into repetitive patterns, with characters wandering aimlessly and Popeye popping up sporadically for unevenly executed kills.
Character Performances & Writing
The script is packed with horror clichés—the old man at the bar warning the group, the ill-fated love subplot, and characters making bafflingly stupid decisions. The dialogue, at times, feels unnatural, as if it was AI-generated rather than authentically written.
Among the cast, Sean Michael Conway (Dexter) delivers one of the more believable performances, bringing some charm and humor to the film. Unfortunately, much of the supporting cast struggles with wooden acting and exaggerated reactions that don’t quite land. The characters feel underdeveloped, making it hard to care about their fates.
The only real standout is Bernie—a quirky and amusing character who provides some unintentional comic relief. Unfortunately, the rest of the teenage group fails to leave a lasting impression.
Popeye’s Design & Practical Effects
Jason Robert Stephens plays the terrifying version of Popeye, and while his physical presence is imposing, his performance is hit-or-miss. The film nails the visual design of the slasher villain—his absurdly large forearms, tattered sailor outfit, and the constant presence of pipe smoke create an eerie effect. However, his deep, menacing voice feels out of place. Fans of the classic Popeye might wish he retained his signature laugh and muttering speech pattern.
The practical effects are surprisingly decent for a low-budget horror flick. Gore hounds will appreciate some of the kills, including a gruesome hair-ripping scene and brutal beatdowns fueled by Popeye’s supernatural spinach consumption. However, the film relies too heavily on a few repetitive kill techniques, making the violence less creative than it could have been.
Missed Opportunities & Comparisons to Other Public Domain Horrors
Compared to similar public-domain horror projects like Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey and Steamboat Willie’s Mayhem, Popeye the Slayer Man at least attempts to incorporate some of the original character’s lore. The radioactive spinach element adds a unique touch, and the factory setting provides an eerie backdrop.
However, the film falls into the same trap as many of these adaptations—it spends too much time meandering and not enough time embracing the full potential of its concept. If it had leaned even further into its absurdity, perhaps with more exaggerated cartoonish kills, it could have been a more memorable experience.
Verdict
Popeye the Slayer Man is a bizarre, gory reimagining that partially delivers on its promise of absurd entertainment. While the film features a few standout practical effects and a committed performance from its lead villain, it suffers from poor dialogue, inconsistent pacing, and uninspired character writing.
For those who enjoy low-budget horror with a “so-bad-it’s-good” charm, this movie might be worth a casual watch, especially with a group of friends who can appreciate its ridiculousness. However, for anyone hoping for a genuinely scary or well-crafted slasher, this film may not be worth the time.
Final Rating: 2.5/5 Stars
Where to Watch Popeye the Slayer Man (2025) Online
For those curious enough to check it out, Popeye the Slayer Man is currently available on the following streaming platforms:
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Amazon Prime Video – Watch it here
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Apple TV
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Vudu
At the moment, no free streaming options (such as Tubi) have been announced, but given the film’s nature, it may eventually land on an ad-supported platform.
Horror fans who enjoy campy, ridiculous slasher flicks may find some entertainment in Popeye the Slayer Man (2025), but it won’t be winning over any mainstream audiences. If you’re a fan of public-domain horror, this film offers enough absurdity to warrant a watch—but maybe wait for a streaming discount before diving in.
Have you seen Popeye the Slayer Man? What are your thoughts on this bizarre horror trend? Let us know in the comments!
