Ben

Year: 1972

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Phil Karlson

HorrorThrillerHorror

After the events of “WILLARD”, the tale follows Ben, a rat who befriends a lonely boy. Their bond is tested when Ben is revealed as the leader of a brutal pack of killer rats that stalk the town, leaving a trail of victims. The boy must confront the horror and choose where his allegiance lies.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Ben 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 & Setting – Ben (1972)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ben (1972). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Danny's Workshed, Suburban Neighborhood, City Sewers, Local Grocery District, Food Truck Route

The story unfolds across a quiet suburban backdrop centered on a boy's workshed where he befriends a rat. The neighborhood becomes a stage for escalating violence as the rats raid a grocery store and a food truck. The sewers serve as a hidden artery through which the rat colony moves and where the final confrontation occurs.

🏡 Suburban setting 🌆 Urban danger 🕳️ Sewers and tunnels 🏪 Local commerce area

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:45

Main Characters – Ben (1972)

Meet the key characters of Ben (1972), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:45

Major Themes – Ben (1972)

Explore the central themes of Ben (1972), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:45

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Movies with dangerous animal friendships like Ben

Stories where a deep bond with an animal leads to terrifying consequences.If you liked the twisted bond between the boy and the rat in Ben, explore other movies where a deep connection with an animal spirals into terror. These films feature themes of loyalty tested by violence, monstrous animal companions, and protagonists caught between their heart and their survival instinct.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative usually centers on a lonely or outcast protagonist who finds solace in an unexpected animal companion. This bond is tested when the animal's true, dangerous nature is revealed, often threatening a wider community. The story becomes a tense conflict where the protagonist must choose between their loyalty to their friend and the safety of others.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on the core theme of a morally complex relationship with an animal. They share a tense tone, a focus on the protagonist's internal conflict, and the escalation of threat directly linked to the animal companion's actions.

Horror movies with bittersweet endings like Ben

Horror stories that end not with victory, but with a poignant, costly survival.Seeking more horror stories like Ben that conclude on a bittersweet, emotionally complex note? These films deliver the scares but end with a poignant mixture of survival and sorrow, where characters are left to grapple with the aftermath of the terror, often tending to the wounds of a costly victory.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative builds through intense horror and violence, but the resolution subverts a purely happy ending. The threat may be neutralized, but at a great personal cost. The final scenes emphasize the emotional toll, the mourning of lost companions, or the fragile state of a surviving relationship, leaving the audience with a feeling of somber reflection.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their specific emotional cadence, particularly their endings. They balance high-intensity horror with a concluding tone that is melancholic and thoughtful, focusing on the aftermath and emotional weight carried by the survivors.

Unlock the Full Story of Ben

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ben 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 Ben is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ben Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ben, 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.

Ben Timeline

Track the full timeline of Ben with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Ben Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Ben that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Ben

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

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Discover movies like Ben 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.