Child's Play (1988)
The 1988 horror classic that introduced the world to Chucky — a killer doll whose reign of terror has never really ended.
Child's Play - Movie Information
- Original Title: Child's Play
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: Tom Holland
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 9, 1988 (Australia - MA 15+), November 9, 1988 (United States - R), November 9, 1988 (Canada - 14A), June 2, 1989 (United Kingdom - 15), June 15, 1989 (Germany - 16), April 5, 1989 (France - 12), April 20, 1989 (Brazil - 16), April 28, 1989 (Spain - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Blood Brother (US), I koukla tou satana (GR), Child Play (JP), Dziecieca zabawa (PL), Дитяча гра (UA), Muñeco diabólico (ES), Die Mörder-Puppe (AT), Brinquedo Assassino (BR)
- Production Companies: United Artists, David Kirschner Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Child's Play - Plot
After being shot in a toy store, a serial killer transfers his soul into a Good Guy doll. A mother then gifts it to her 6-year old son Andy, which unleashes terror upon the city.
Child's Play - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see where the legend of Chucky began:
You'll wish it was only make-believe.
Where to Watch Child's Play
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Child's Play - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tom Holland
Main Cast
- Alex Vincent
- Brad Dourif
- Catherine Hicks
- Chris Sarandon
- Dinah Manoff
- Tommy Swerdlow
- Jack Colvin
- Neil Giuntoli
- Juan Ramírez
- Alan Wilder
Writers
- Don Mancini
- John Lafia
- Tom Holland
Producers
- David Kirschner
Child's Play - FAQs
Who is the voice of Chucky in Child's Play?
Brad Dourif provides the iconic voice of Chucky in Child's Play. His menacing, unpredictable vocal performance is widely credited as the secret weapon behind the character's lasting cultural impact, turning a plastic doll into one of horror's most recognizable and genuinely unsettling villains.
Where can you stream Child's Play (1988)?
You can stream Child's Play on Peacock Premium. If you'd prefer to own or rent it, the film is available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Plex.
Is Child's Play based on a true story?
Child's Play is not based on a true story, though screenwriter Don Mancini drew loose inspiration from the real-life Robert the Doll — a reportedly haunted toy in Key West, Florida. The film's serial killer Chucky is entirely fictional, rooted in voodoo mythology and 1980s slasher horror conventions.
What is Child's Play (1988) about?
Child's Play follows Karen Barclay, a single mother who gifts her young son Andy a Good Guy doll — unaware that it's possessed by the soul of serial killer Charles Lee Ray. As Andy becomes the prime suspect in a string of murders, the horror of what's really inside the doll slowly comes to light.
How scary is Child's Play compared to other 1980s horror?
Child's Play stands out among 1980s horror for blending genuine suspense with dark, almost absurdist humor. It's less relentlessly gory than contemporaries like Friday the 13th, but its unsettling premise — a child's beloved toy as the killer — taps into a primal fear that still resonates with audiences today.
Who are the main actors in Child's Play?
The film stars Alex Vincent as young Andy Barclay, Catherine Hicks as his mother Karen, and Chris Sarandon as detective Mike Norris. Brad Dourif delivers the voice of Chucky, while Dinah Manoff plays Karen's friend Maggie. It's a tight ensemble that keeps the tension grounded and believable.
What is the age rating for Child's Play?
Child's Play is rated R in the United States, meaning it's intended for audiences 17 and older. The film contains violence, strong language, and horror content. Other countries apply their own ratings: MA 15+ in Australia, 15 in the UK, 16 in Germany, and 18 in Spain.
What movies are similar to Child's Play (1988)?
If Child's Play hit the spot, you might enjoy Halloween (1978), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), or Poltergeist (1982) for classic horror thrills. For more Chucky, Curse of Chucky (2013) and Cult of Chucky (2017) are solid follow-ups. Rosemary's Baby (1968) and Angel Heart (1987) also share that creeping dread.
More About Child's Play
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