Tremors (1990)

Kernel Score: 77% · 3,495 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Horror, Action, Science Fiction, Comedy

Released: 1990-01-19

Runtime: 96 minutes

Is Tremors worth watching?

Worth watching. Giant worms burrow under a tiny desert town, and two handymen try to survive. It's a fast, funny and very likeable creature feature that never takes itself seriously, and it holds up well.

Watch it if you

  • like monster movies with jokes
  • enjoy small-town survival stories
  • want a short, fun 90s throwback

Skip it if you

  • want serious horror
  • dislike practical-effects-era monsters

Best for: Popcorn night with friends

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Tremors

  • Stream: Peacock, Philo, AMC+
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Val McKee and Earl Bassett are in a fight for their lives when they discover that their desolate town has been infested with gigantic, man-eating creatures that live below the ground.

Tremors parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that Tremors is a PG-13 comedy-horror about giant underground creatures attacking a small desert town.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Giant man-eating creatures ('graboids') attack townspeople, with peril and creature-horror scares fitting the PG-13 rating.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Tremors

If you liked Tremors, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Gremlins (1984) — 80%: Another small-town monster movie that balances scares and laughs.
  • Men in Black (1997) — 80%: Fun sci-fi comedy with a creature-feature streak.
  • #Alive (2020) — 80%: Tense survival story of someone trapped and alone.
  • The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) — 84%: Cheerfully campy cult favorite.
  • Thor: Ragnarok (2017) — 87%: Big, funny and fast-paced adventure.
  • Kung Fury (2015) — 85%: Silly, affectionate throwback to 80s action.

Director

Ron Underwood

Cast

  • Kevin Bacon as Valentine McKee
  • Fred Ward as Earl Bassett
  • Finn Carter as Rhonda LeBeck
  • Michael Gross as Burt Gummer
  • Reba McEntire as Heather Gummer
  • Victor Wong as Walter Chang
  • Robert Jayne as Melvin Plug
  • Ariana Richards as Mindy Sterngood
  • Charlotte Stewart as Nancy Sterngood
  • Tony Genaro as Miguel

Tremors FAQ

Is Tremors worth watching?

Worth watching. Giant worms burrow under a tiny desert town, and two handymen try to survive. It's a fast, funny and very likeable creature feature that never takes itself seriously, and it holds up well.

Where can I watch Tremors?

In the US you can stream Tremors on Peacock, Philo and AMC+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.

Is Tremors OK for kids?

Tremors is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Tremors is a PG-13 comedy-horror about giant underground creatures attacking a small desert town.

What movies are like Tremors?

If you liked Tremors, try Gremlins, Men in Black, #Alive and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.