Alligator

Alligator

Year: 1980

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Lewis Teague

Sci-FiThrillerHorror

A discarded pet alligator, grown to enormous size, terrorizes a city. A herpetologist and a detective team up to hunt the massive reptile, discovering a disturbing connection to its unusual growth. The investigation reveals a dark secret and a dangerous threat to the unsuspecting public as they struggle to stop the alligator before it causes further destruction.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Alligator yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Alligator (1980)

Trace every key event in Alligator (1980) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Alligator Stunt Show

The film opens with a young girl attending a thrilling alligator stunt show in sunny Florida. Spectators are both amazed and terrified as the alligators perform various feats, creating a lively atmosphere filled with excitement.

Florida
2

Chaos at the Show

During the show, chaos erupts as one of the performers is unexpectedly attacked and mauled by an alligator. This shocking incident leaves the audience in horror while the proprietors swiftly attempt to profit from the situation by selling baby alligators as souvenirs.

Florida
3

Bringing Ramon Home

Captivated by the experience, the little girl purchases a baby alligator and names him Ramon. She takes him home to Chicago, delighting in her new pet, only to face a grim fate for Ramon soon after.

Chicago
4

Ramon's Dismissal

In a fit of anger, the girl's father flushes Ramon down the toilet, believing he is better off gone. Unbeknownst to them, Ramon survives the ordeal and begins a new life in the Chicago sewer system.

Chicago
5

Twelve Years Later

Fast forward twelve years, we meet David Madison, a Chicago police detective burdened by a tragic event involving his partner's death. He is determined to overcome his past and solve the mystery behind the gruesome events occurring in the city.

12 years later Chicago
6

Mysterious Disappearances

As body parts start surfacing in the city's water filtration systems, Madison realizes he is confronted with a terrifying mystery. Driven to find answers, he begins his investigation, delving into the dangerous sewers of Chicago.

Chicago Sewer
7

Encounter with Ramon

During his descent into the sewer with a rookie officer, Madison encounters a gigantic alligator, revealed to be none other than Ramon, who has grown to a staggering 36 feet. The terrifying encounter ends with the rookie falling victim to the alligator.

Chicago Sewer
8

Seeking Expert Help

Desperate for assistance, Madison turns to Marisa Kendall, a zoologist who is also the young girl from the show's beginning. Her initial skepticism turns to alarm when new evidence arises indicating the alligator's survival in the sewers.

9

Link to the Pharmaceutical Company

Madison uncovers a sinister connection between Ramon's existence and a pharmaceutical company conducting questionable experiments with growth hormones. This discovery links the alligator’s unnatural growth to the company's disposal of deceased animals.

Chicago
10

Alligator's Rampage

As the alligator becomes increasingly threatened by activity in its territory, it surfaces in the city, wreaking havoc and causing panic among the residents. Madison, despite facing opposition from his department, continues his pursuit of revenge.

Chicago
11

Hiring the Hunter

In an attempt to eliminate the alligator menace, the city hires an arrogant big-game hunter. However, the audacious hunter becomes prey himself when the alligator ambushes him in a dark alley, further escalating the chaos.

Chicago
12

Crash at the Black-Tie Event

The culmination of terror unfolds when the alligator crashes a lavish black-tie party hosted by the owner of the pharmaceutical company. Guests scatter in fear as they meet grisly ends, highlighting the monster's complete domination over the city.

Chicago
13

The Final Plan

In a desperate effort to put an end to the alligator's rampage, Madison and Marisa devise a risky plan. Madison enters the sewer armed with a bomb while Marisa coordinates from above, leading to a tense race against time.

Chicago Sewer
14

Explosive Conclusion

In a thrilling climax, Madison manages to destroy Ramon with an explosion just as the situation turns dire. Their triumph is bittersweet as they confront the reminder of the cycle repeating, with a new baby alligator emerging from the sewer.

Chicago Sewer

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 12:24

Unlock the Full Story of Alligator

Don't stop at just watching — explore Alligator in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Alligator is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Alligator Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Alligator, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Alligator Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Alligator

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Alligator. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Alligator

More About Alligator

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Alligator: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Alligator

Similar Movies to Alligator

Discover movies like Alligator that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.