As the drifter finds himself stranded with a broken vehicle just outside of Hayesville, Nevada, his story intertwines with that of Jed Love, a mechanic with a generous heart. Responding to Jed's kindness, the drifter is lured to Willy's Wonderland, a dilapidated former family fun center that now stands as a ghost of its vibrant past. The enigmatic Tex Macadoo, the establishment's owner, offers an enticing deal: a janitorial job during the night in exchange for fixing the drifter's car. Initially, this seems like a stroke of luck for the drifter. Meanwhile, rebellious teenager Liv Hawthorne, who is seeking her own hideaway, is caught in a precarious situation as her attempts to vandalize the abandoned restaurant are thwarted by Sheriff Lund, who handcuffs her just before departing.
As the Janitor steps into his new role, the eerie atmosphere of the restaurant comes alive with the sudden awakening of its eight animatronic mascots: Willy Weasel, Arty Alligator, Cammy Chameleon, Ozzie Ostrich, Tito Turtle, Knighty Knight, Gus Gorilla, and Siren Sara. These once-friendly figures have transformed into terrifying predators, embodying the evil spirits of their creators. With no training for the night ahead, the Janitor's skills are immediately put to the test as he encounters Ozzie, quickly dispatching him with a mop handle in a desperate struggle for survival. As the relentless night unfolds, Liv and her friends attempt to escape, unaware of the sinister forces at play.
The tension escalates as the Janitor finds himself in a brutal confrontation with Gus in the restrooms, delivering a staggering curb stomp that sends the animatronic crashing into a urinal. Meanwhile, Liv narrowly escapes the clutches of Arty, only to fall victim to Siren Sara, who traps her. Yet, with quick wits, Liv manages to overpower Sara and confronts the Janitor, who seems oblivious to the chaos around him.
While outside, her companions remain blissfully unaware of the lurking threats. As they gather on the roof, it collapses, sending them crashing into the depths of the restaurant. In a desperate effort to unravel the malevolent history surrounding Willy's Wonderland, Liv recounts the harrowing tale of Jerry Robert Willis, a notorious killer who once terrorized the community with his cannibalistic accomplices, only to pass their dark energy into the mascots. She warns the Janitor of the impending horror, but he stands steadfast, leaving her isolated as the animatronics stir to life.
The night descends further into chaos as Knighty plunges his sword into Aaron, while Tito and Siren Sara gruesomely dispose of Dan, leaving destruction in their wake. Amid the turmoil, the Janitor courageously beheads Knighty and breaks Arty's jaws, ensuring their silence. Meanwhile, Chris, in a moment of panic, reaches out to Sheriff Lund for help, unaware of the dark truths about the animatronics' past and the sinister agreements made to keep them at bay—agreements that require a steady line of unsuspecting drifters, like himself.
Tragically, Cammy seizes Chris, taking his life in an unforgiving moment. The Janitor and Liv plan their escape but are intercepted by the sudden arrival of Lund and her deputy, Evan Olson. In the ensuing confusion, Lund binds the Janitor and leaves him behind while taking Liv away, their attempt at escape shattered by unforeseen violence as Tito attacks Evan, offering Liv a fleeting chance to flee.
As quiet returns to the chaos, the Janitor remains relentless, subduing Siren Sara and smashing Cammy's brutal reign. Lund underestimates the Janitor's rage in her attempt to deceive Willy, leading to her own demise when the animatronic turns on her. The Janitor faces a climactic battle with Willy, ultimately claiming victory over the malevolent giant.
When Tex and Jed return to the quiet wasteland that was once Willy's Wonderland, they encounter an eerie silence—no animatronics, and the restaurant appears immaculate. The Janitor emerges, his vehicle restored, inviting Liv to leave the haunting past behind as they drive out of Hayesville together.
However, their escape takes a dramatic twist as Siren Sara reappears, unleashing a cascade of gasoline that engulfs Tex and Jed's car in flames. The explosion obliterates the remnants of their nightmare, reducing the once-menacing establishment to ashes. As dawn breaks over the destruction, the Janitor and Liv escape into the unknown, leaving behind the darkness of their harrowing experience.
