Howard the Duck

Howard the Duck

Year: 1986

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Willard Huyck

Budget: $37M

ActionAdventureSci-FiComedyRomance

A wisecracking duck from Duckworld unexpectedly finds himself in Cleveland, thrust into a world of strange landscapes and humorous encounters. He forms an unlikely alliance with a rock star and a lab scientist named Phil. However, a malevolent spirit possessing Dr. Jenning threatens the city, forcing Howard and his newfound friends to work together to defeat the spirit, restore balance, and hopefully find a way back home.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Howard the Duck 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 – Howard the Duck (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Howard the Duck (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting the cultural and social atmosphere of the 1980s. During this time, advancements in technology and the rise of pop culture significantly influenced entertainment, exemplified by the presence of rock bands and evolving scientific themes throughout the film.

Location

Duckworld, Cleveland, Ohio

Duckworld is a peculiar planet characterized by its anthropomorphic inhabitants and strange lifestyles. In contrast, Cleveland, Ohio is a bustling urban center known for its rich cultural scene and history. Howard's journey transitions from the whimsical world of Duckworld to the familiar yet alien environment of Cleveland, highlighting the stark contrasts between his home and Earth.

🌍 Duckworld 🌆 Cleveland

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:25

Main Characters – Howard the Duck (1986)

Meet the key characters of Howard the Duck (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Howard (Howard the Duck)

Howard is a quirky and witty anthropomorphic duck who finds himself stranded on Earth. With a blend of sarcasm and unexpected bravery, he embraces his role as a hero while navigating human intricacies. His character evolves from a reluctant participant to an active defender of those he cares about.

🦆 Hero 🌌 Cosmic Traveler 🎸 Musician

Beverly Switzler (Lea Thompson)

Beverly is a vibrant and determined woman, passionate about her rock band and fiercely protective of her friends. She represents strength and resilience, often catalyzing Howard's transformation from a bystander to a hero. Her character encapsulates the intersection of love and ambition as she balances her career with her feelings for Howard.

🎤 Rockstar ❤️ Romantic Interest 🌟 Strong Female Lead

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:25

Major Themes – Howard the Duck (1986)

Explore the central themes of Howard the Duck (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🦆 Identity

Howard's journey explores themes of identity as he navigates life on Earth away from Duckworld. He grapples with feelings of displacement and ultimately embraces his new role as Beverly's manager, signifying his acceptance of his altered existence. His personal growth reflects the struggles of finding oneself in an unfamiliar environment.

❤️ Love

The film strongly portrays love through Howard and Beverly's evolving relationship. Their bond deepens amidst chaos, showcasing love's ability to flourish even in dire circumstances. Howard's commitment to protecting Beverly emphasizes love's transformative power and its role in bravery and sacrifice.

⚔️ Adventure

Howard's unexpected journey thrusts him into a cosmic adventure filled with excitement and danger. As he confronts the Dark Overlord and navigates various perils, the film embodies a thrilling quest. The adventure reflects not only physical challenges but also personal growth as Howard rises to become a hero.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:25

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Absurd Sci-Fi Action Comedies like Howard the Duck

Heroic adventures where outlandish concepts meet playful action and humor.Discover zany sci-fi adventures with a comedic twist, just like Howard the Duck. If you enjoyed the mix of alien threats, wisecracking heroes, and playful action, you'll find similar movies here featuring bizarre concepts and a lighthearted vibe.

sillyabsurdadventurousplayfulaction-packedlightheartedzanycomedic

Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow a straightforward 'threat-and-response' pattern. An extraordinary, often ridiculous, event occurs, thrusting an unlikely hero into a conflict. The plot advances quickly through a series of humorous encounters and action set pieces, leading to a climactic showdown where teamwork and ingenuity save the day.

Why These Movies?

This group unites films that prioritize laughs and spectacle over gritty realism. They share a LIGHT tone, FAST pacing, and MEDIUM intensity, ensuring an energetic and cheerful viewing experience free from heavy emotional burdens. The focus is on entertainment through absurdity and action-packed fun.

Fish-Out-of-Water Action Romances like Howard the Duck

Outsiders finding love and purpose in a strange new world.Explore movies similar to Howard the Duck where a stranger in a strange land finds love and becomes a hero. These films combine a fish-out-of-water story with action and romance, featuring humorous encounters and a heartwarming connection.

fish out of waterromanticadventuroushumorouslightheartedunlikely heroculture clashhopeful

Narrative Summary

The narrative centers on a character's adjustment to a bewildering new setting, which provides both humor and conflict. A central romantic relationship develops as the protagonist finds an ally. This personal stake deepens as an external threat emerges, compelling the outsider to use their unique perspective to help save their new home and solidify their place within it.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core structure: a displaced protagonist, a central romantic subplot, and an action-driven plot that tests their resolve. They balance the LIGHT emotional weight of a comedy with the MODERATE intensity of an adventure, resulting in a feel-good story about finding belonging through love and heroism.

Unlock the Full Story of Howard the Duck

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

Howard the Duck Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Howard the Duck, 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.

Howard the Duck Summary

Howard the Duck Timeline

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

Howard the Duck Timeline

Howard the Duck Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Howard the Duck 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.

Howard the Duck Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Howard the Duck

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Howard the Duck: 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 Howard the Duck