Hobgoblins

Hobgoblins

Year: 1988

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: Rick Sloane

ComedyHorror

When a shipment of mischievous hobgoblins breaks free from a studio vault, they grant anyone who wishes a tempting fantasy—only to turn it into a deadly trap. A night‑shift security guard, his skeptical girlfriend, and a few friends scramble to survive the night and stop the creatures before sunrise.

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

Get a spoiler-free look at Hobgoblins (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 the dimly lit corridors of a forgotten movie studio, a hidden vault houses something far stranger than old reels or dusty props. When a shipment of mischievous hobgoblins slips free, the seemingly playful creatures begin to offer anyone who wishes a tantalizing glimpse of a deepest desire—only to twist that wish into a dangerous trap. The atmosphere crackles with a blend of low‑budget horror and off‑beat comedy, letting the absurdity of fantasy‑granting entities collide with the gritty reality of a night‑shift security post.

(Dennis), the lone guard who watches over the studio after dark, is the first to sense that something beyond the ordinary has been set loose. His routine patrol quickly becomes a pulse‑pounding race against a force that can turn imagination into peril. By his side is his skeptical girlfriend, whose sharp wit and practical outlook keep the pair grounded even as the studio’s shadows grow stranger.

Across the lot, a young aspiring musician named (Kevin) lands the night‑shift job in hopes of impressing his girlfriend, (Amy). Their small circle expands with (Daphne), whose bold confidence contrasts with the nerdy, good‑natured (Kyle), and (Nick), a steady‑hand boyfriend who adds a touch of bravado to the mix. As the clock ticks toward sunrise, the group finds themselves trapped in a surreal battleground where their own fantasies become both lure and liability.

The film teeters between tension and dark humor, using the eerie studio setting and the unpredictable nature of the hobgoblins to explore how desire can both empower and endanger. With each character bringing a distinct personality—and a hidden wish—to the night’s chaotic tableau, the story invites viewers to wonder what they would ask for if given the chance, and at what cost.

Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:50

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Chaotic Low-Budget Creature Features like Hobgoblins

Zany and absurd monster movies where survival is a slapstick affair.If you liked the zany, campy chaos of Hobgoblins, you'll enjoy these movies. This list features similar low-budget horror comedies and sci-fi thrillers with mischievous monsters, slapstick survival antics, and a general sense of B-movie fun. Find more creature features with a fast pace, light tone, and absurd sense of humor.

campycheesyzanybizarresillylow-budgetchaoticslapstick

Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow a simple, straightforward plot: a dangerous creature, often with a gimmick like wish-granting, escapes and wreaks havoc. A small group of protagonists, usually young adults, must survive a single night of escalating, chaotic encounters, leading to a final confrontation that resolves the immediate threat.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared low-budget aesthetic, fast-paced and silly tone, and focus on survival against absurd creatures. They prioritize campy fun and chaotic action over deep emotional stakes or complex plots, creating a consistent, light-hearted B-movie experience.

Movies about Mischievous Monsters and Dangerous Desires like Hobgoblins

Creatures that tempt characters with fantasies that turn into deadly traps.Love the premise of Hobgoblins, where monsters grant tempting but deadly fantasies? This list finds similar movies where creatures play on human wishes and inhibitions. Discover more horror comedies and sci-fi stories about deceptive entities, wish fulfillment gone wrong, and the chaotic results of getting what you asked for.

bizarresatiricaltemptingplayfuldangerousfantasywish fulfillmentexploitative

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a force—be it a creature, genie, or cursed object—that tempts characters by manifesting their fantasies. These fantasies quickly reveal a sinister twist, forcing the characters to confront the hollowness or danger of their desires and work together to undo the chaos they've unleashed.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by the central theme of dangerous wish fulfillment, often used as a satirical tool to explore themes like sexual inhibition or teenage ambition. They blend horror and comedy by presenting life-or-death stakes in an absurd, cartoonish manner, creating a unique mix of temptation and slapstick.

Unlock the Full Story of Hobgoblins

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Hobgoblins Summary

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Hobgoblins Summary

Hobgoblins Timeline

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Hobgoblins Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Hobgoblins

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Hobgoblins

More About Hobgoblins

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