Alligator
Lewis Teague
(1980)
A baby alligator is flushed down a toilet and survives by eating discarded lab animals that have been injected with growth hormones. The now gigantic animal escapes the city sewers and goes on a rampage, pursued by a cop and a big-game hunter.
Cast
Crew
Overview and Horror Legacy
It performed well at the box office and has since become a cult favorite, often cited as one of the better creature features of its era. The screenplay was written by John Sayles, who infused the film with satirical commentary on corporate negligence and urban decay.
Collector Market and Memorabilia
Slasher credentials rest on the specificity of the threat and period production atmosphere — both translate directly into collector value for theatrical materials, home video releases, and any props or production documentation.
Cult Status
Directed by Lewis Teague, Alligator was produced on a moderate budget and aimed to elevate the creature-feature genre with stronger writing and character development. Alligator received generally positive reviews for its blend of horror, humor, and satire. It performed well at the box office and has since become a cult favorite, often cited as one of the better creature features of its era.
