976-EVIL

976-EVIL

Year: 1988

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Englund

Horror

Revenge is on the line. Bullied and unpopular high‑school outcast Hoax discovers a flyer for 976‑EVIL, a phone service that delivers daily “horrorscopes.” When he dials the number, he is granted demonic powers, which he then uses to exact terrifying vengeance on the classmates who tormented him.

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976-EVIL (1988) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at 976-EVIL (1988) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise, without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a quiet suburban town where high‑school hierarchies feel like unbreakable walls, a shy teenager named Hoax Arthur Wilmoth navigates a world of relentless teasing and an oppressive, devout household. His cousin, Leonard “Spike” Johnson, roams the streets on a motorcycle, exuding the confidence and swagger that Hoax can only admire from the sidelines. Their bond is a fragile mix of protectiveness and rivalry—Spike shields his cousin from the worst of the bullies, while Hoax silently burns with a yearning to prove himself.

One evening the two stumble upon a cheap flyer advertising a mysterious phone service, 976‑EVIL, promising daily “horrorscopes” for a modest fee. What appears at first glance as a harmless novelty hides a darker undercurrent, hinting at forces that reach far beyond the ordinary. When Hoax finally dials the number, the line seems to grant him an unsettling power, a whisper of something otherworldly that teeters between curiosity and danger. The notion of wielding such a gift becomes a tempting escape from the relentless cruelty of his school life.

The film settles into a moody, atmospheric horror that blends teenage angst with the uncanny. Shadows linger in hallways, and the ordinary sounds of a suburban neighborhood take on an ominous edge, suggesting that something sinister may be waiting just beyond the surface of everyday life. As Hoax teeters on the brink of embracing this newfound influence, the tension between his desire for revenge and his lingering loyalty to Spike creates a charged dynamic, inviting viewers to wonder how far a frightened outcast will go when tempted by forces far darker than high‑school drama.

Last updated: March 04, 2026 at 14:47

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Demonic revenge stories like 976-EVIL

Where the powerless gain horrific power and unleash hell on their tormentors.Find more movies like 976-EVIL where bullied protagonists gain supernatural powers for revenge. These films explore dark themes of corruption, demonic pacts, and the high cost of vengeance in similar horror narratives.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives follow a clear, often linear, path: a sympathetic but troubled character discovers a source of supernatural power, initially using it to overcome their oppressors before the power corrupts them completely, leading to a tragic and often apocalyptic conclusion.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the 'deal with the devil' trope, the exploration of revenge through a supernatural lens, and their consistently dark, oppressive atmosphere that builds towards a heavy, hopeless ending.

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Stories where supernatural forces create a claustrophobic, inescapable sense of doom.Discover movies similar to 976-EVIL with a dark, heavy tone and supernatural horror. These films share a claustrophobic, demonic atmosphere, steady pacing, and emotionally weighty stories with tragic outcomes.

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Narrative Summary

The stories typically involve an ordinary person or community confronted by an invasive, corrupting supernatural force. The narrative steadily tightens its grip, creating a sense of claustrophobia and inevitable doom, ultimately culminating in a devastating and irreversible loss.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their high-intensity, dark tone, and heavy emotional weight. They share a focus on demonic or supernatural oppression, a steady pacing that builds dread, and a commitment to bleak, consequential endings that leave a lasting impact.

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976-EVIL Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in 976-EVIL

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Characters, Settings & Themes in 976-EVIL

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