Year: 1986
Runtime: 85 mins
Language: English
Director: Ted Nicolaou
A bizarre alien entity declares that Earth will be destroyed, then apologizes for the inconvenience. When Stanley Putterman installs a high‑tech satellite dish in his backyard, the signal releases a creature that bursts from the television and must hunt humans to survive.
Get a spoiler-free look at TerrorVision (1986) 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 suburb, an eccentric do‑it‑yourself project turns ordinary backyard sky‑watching into an interstellar invitation. Stanley Putterman erects a sleek, high‑tech satellite dish, hoping to catch a clearer signal for the family’s nightly TV ritual. The moment the dish locks onto a strange transmission, the ordinary glow of the screen flickers into something far more unsettling—a signal that opens a conduit for a hungry alien presence that can step straight out of the television and into the living room.
The Putterman household is a lively mix of personalities, each drawn to the promise of a lazy evening of horror movies. Sherman Putterman, a restless teen, drifts between boredom and curiosity, while his sister Suzy brings an extra‑edgy guest, her rocker boyfriend O.D. The family’s matriarch, Raquel Putterman, tries to keep the night on track, and the eccentric, ex‑military grandfather Bert adds gruff, old‑school charm to the gathering. Adding to the chaos are a handful of adult friends—flamboyant swing‑setters and a gleeful TV host named Medusa—who arrive with their own brand of late‑night energy.
The film walks a tightrope between tongue‑in‑cheek satire and visceral, sci‑fi horror, using the familiar comfort of a suburban living room to explore how media can become a portal for the unimaginable. A bizarre alien entity, briefly announcing Earth’s impending demise before apologizing for the inconvenience, looms over the proceedings, its cryptic warning hanging in the air like a bad commercial jingle. The tone is deliberately absurd, letting humor clash with dread as the characters grapple with the sudden blurring of screen and reality.
As the night wears on, the Puttermans find themselves forced to confront the fact that a simple piece of technology can invite something far beyond their control. The house becomes a micro‑cosm where the ordinary rituals of television‑watching are turned upside down, and the family’s attempts to maintain normalcy are tested by a creature that feeds on the very medium they cherish. The uneasy mix of comedy, horror, and sci‑fi leaves the audience wondering where the next signal will lead—and whether any channel is truly safe.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 15:51
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.
Horror comedies where everyday technology turns into a monstrous threat.If you enjoyed the chaotic blend of horror and satire in TerrorVision, you'll like these movies where technology turns monstrous. This list features films that use absurd comedy and creature features to critique media, consumerism, and the dangers lurking in our own homes.
Stories in this thread typically begin with the introduction of a new technology into a domestic setting, which quickly spirals out of control. The narrative follows characters, often a dysfunctional family or group, as they confront a physical manifestation of their technological anxieties, leading to chaotic survival scenarios punctuated by dark humor.
Movies are grouped here for their shared premise of technology as a tangible horror, their blend of high-intensity scares with satirical comedy, and their critical look at contemporary culture. They share a fast-paced, chaotic energy and a darkly comedic tone.
Fast-paced, practical-effects-driven monster movies with a dark sense of humor.Fans of TerrorVision will love this collection of chaotic 80s monster movies. These films share a fast pace, practical effects, dark humor, and a focus on survival against a bizarre creature. Discover similar movies with that specific blend of horror and comedy from the same era.
The narrative pattern involves the sudden arrival or creation of a unique monster that immediately begins a rampage. The plot is a series of escalating, violent encounters as a group of characters tries to survive and understand the threat, driven by practical effects and a sense of unpredictable madness rather than deep lore.
These films are grouped by their shared 80s aesthetic, their reliance on practical effects for their monsters, a fast and relentless pacing, and a specific tonal mix of high-intensity horror and quirky, often dark, comedy. They deliver a fun, visceral, and chaotic viewing experience.
Don't stop at just watching — explore TerrorVision 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 TerrorVision is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of TerrorVision, 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.
Track the full timeline of TerrorVision with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape TerrorVision. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about TerrorVision: 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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