Arachnophobia

1990
PG-13
1h 49m

IMDb RATING

6.5/10

77K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

Play trailer2:05

Dark Comedy Comedy Horror Thriller

A new species of South American killer spider hitches a lift to a California town in a coffin and starts to breed, leaving a trail of deaths that puzzle and terrify young Dr. Ross Jennings, ... Read allA new species of South American killer spider hitches a lift to a California town in a coffin and starts to breed, leaving a trail of deaths that puzzle and terrify young Dr. Ross Jennings, who is newly arrived in town with his family.A new species of South American killer spider hitches a lift to a California town in a coffin and starts to breed, leaving a trail of deaths that puzzle and terrify young Dr. Ross Jennings, who is newly arrived in town with his family.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.5/10

77K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

1,169

895

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 2 wins & 5 nominations

Trivia
The safety of the spiders was paramount throughout the entire production, so for one scene where McClintock (John Goodman) had to spray an arachnid with insecticide, then squash it with his boot, the production went to extreme measures: first, a dummy spider was sprayed, then Goodman donned special boots with a hollowed out sole for the squash shot, so that the spider would just curl up inside and wait for the next take.

Goofs
When Ross yells for help while he tries to exit the cellar, his mouth doesn't move.

Quotes
Delbert McClintock: [after stepping on a spider, a dog barks in the background] Yeah, that's right... I'm bad!

Connections
Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Quick Change/Arachnophobia/Ghost/The Adventures of Ford Fairlaine/Jetsons: The Movie (1990)

Soundtracks
Summer Wind
Written by Henry Mayer, Hans Bradtke and Johnny Mercer
Performed by Frank Sinatra
Courtesy of Reprise Records
By arrangement with Warner Special Products

User reviews205

Review

Featured review

highly recommended

Dr. Ross Jennings is a west coast doctor from the big city who relocates to a small town in the rural country. Not only does he not fit in with the local residents, but he also has an uncontrollable fear of spiders which are prevalent in the surrounding area. To make matters worse, a new, lethal breed of spider has made its way from South America to their hometown, and produced far more deadly offspring that are slowly taking over their peaceful little community. Exciting, creepy-crawly thriller with first-rate special effects, hair-raising chills, and an excellent cast. Even with the welcomed comedic overtones this is not for the squeamish or anyone with the titular fear, especially at the film's nail-biting finale. ***