Cyclone (1978)
A harrowing survival horror film where castaways adrift at sea face starvation, moral collapse, and a deadly shark attack.
Cyclone - Movie Information
- Original Title: Ciclon
- Release Year: 1978
- Directed by: René Cardona Jr.
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Original Language: Spanish
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 21, 1978 (Germany), July 7, 1979 (United States - PG-13), December 23, 1978 (United Kingdom - 15), October 26, 1978 (Mexico - B-15), December 23, 1978 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Ciclone (BR), Tornado (DE), Cyclones (FI), Ciclón (MX), Terror Storm (US)
- Production Companies: Productora Fílmica Real, Conacine
- Production Countries: Italy, Mexico
Cyclone - Plot
An airplane goes down in the ocean during a storm and a few survivors find refuge on a small tour boat. Swept out to sea, these people slowly starve to death in the hot sun with barely any food or clean water. With no place to turn, the boat survivors resort to cannibalism to stay alive...that is ..until the rescue planes come to pick them up and the man eating sharks decide its time to eat as well.
Cyclone - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the terror unfold on the open sea:
The terror storm was only the beginning... but the SHARKS would be the merciless end
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Cyclone - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- René Cardona Jr.
Main Cast
- Arthur Kennedy
- Carroll Baker
- Lionel Stander
- Andrés García
- Hugo Stiglitz
- Mario Almada
- Olga Karlatos
- Stefania D'Amario
- Milton Rodríguez
- René Cardona III
Writers
- Carlos Valdemar
- René Cardona Jr.
Producers
- Angelo Iacono
Cyclone - FAQs
What is Cyclone (1978) about?
Cyclone follows a group of plane crash survivors who find refuge on a small tour boat after a violent storm. Adrift in the open ocean with almost no food or water, they slowly descend into desperation — resorting to cannibalism to survive, only to face a terrifying new threat when sharks close in.
Does Cyclone feature real shark attacks?
The shark sequences in Cyclone use a mix of stock footage and staged scenes, a common technique in low-budget exploitation films of the era. Director René Cardona Jr. had previously used similar methods in Tintorera (1977), and the sharks here serve as a brutal, visceral finale to the survivors' ordeal.
Where can you stream Cyclone (1978)?
You can catch Cyclone on several platforms. It's available free on Tubi TV, Plex, Plex Channel, and Fawesome. If you prefer a subscription service, Cultpix and FlixFling both carry it. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video and FlixFling.
Is Cyclone based on a true story?
Cyclone draws loose inspiration from real-life maritime survival disasters and the broader cultural fascination with cannibalism at sea — most famously the Andes plane crash of 1972. While not based on a single specific event, the film taps into very real fears about survival, starvation, and moral collapse in extreme circumstances.
Who are the main actors in Cyclone?
The cast is a fascinating mix of international talent. Arthur Kennedy plays a priest, Carroll Baker portrays Sheila, and Lionel Stander brings gruff energy as Taylor. Hugo Stiglitz plays the pilot, while Andrés García and Olga Karlatos round out the ensemble of desperate survivors.
Is Cyclone (1978) worth watching for horror fans?
For fans of 1970s exploitation and survival horror, Cyclone delivers exactly what it promises — grim tension, moral desperation, and a memorably bleak atmosphere. It's not a polished production, but René Cardona Jr.'s unflinching approach to its cannibalism and shark attack themes gives it a raw, cult-worthy edge.
What similar films would fans of Cyclone enjoy?
If Cyclone hits the spot, you'll likely enjoy Jaws (1975) for shark-driven dread, Open Water 2: Adrift (2006) for claustrophobic ocean survival, The Mist (2007) for desperate group dynamics under siege, and The Shallows (2016) for sleek modern shark terror. Underwater (2020) is another solid pick for deep-sea thrills.
Who directed Cyclone and what else did he make?
René Cardona Jr. directed Cyclone, and he was one of Mexico's most prolific genre filmmakers. He specialized in disaster and exploitation films, including Tintorera (1977) and Guyana: Crime of the Century (1979). His father, René Cardona, also appears in the film, making it something of a family affair.
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