Brain Damage
Added Updated How We Rate
- Directed by
- Frank Henenlotter
- Written by
- Frank Henenlotter
- Produced by
- Edgar Ievins, Al Eicher, Andre Blay, Ray Sundlin, Charles C. Bennett
Why it’s HorroRated
Frank Henenlotter made Basket Case on no budget and Brain Damage on almost no budget, and somehow this one might be the better film. It works as a horror movie, a dark comedy, and a surprisingly effective addiction metaphor all at once. Aylmer is one of the great creature characters in 80s horror. Grimy, weird, and hard to shake.
Synopsis
Brian is hooked on what Aylmer gives him, but the transaction requires finding appropriate hosts for Aylmer to feed on. Frank Henenlotter uses the arrangement as a drug addiction metaphor that's more effective than it has any right to be. The creature work is inventive and the downtown New York energy grounds the whole thing.
Filed under
Where to watch Brain Damage
- Subscription
- Night Flight Plus
- Free
- Kanopy
- Rent or buy
- Fandango at Home
Streaming in the US changes often. Listings from JustWatch via TMDB, checked November 10, 2026.See every option
Quick facts
- Release date
- April 15, 1988
- Runtime
- 1 hour 26 mins
- Country
- United States of America
- Language
- English
- Content rating
- R
- Entry type
- Movie
