Reviews: Little Shop of Horrors (1986) Movie Review / Ending Explained / FAQs
Subgenres: Comedy, Campy, Critters
Where does Little Shop of Horrors (1986) stand among horror films? Our review examines the scares, pacing, and what makes it unique in the genre.
Little Shop of Horrors (1986) – Cult Horror Comedy with Killer Tunes and Biting Humor
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
Little Shop of Horrors (1986) masterfully blends horror, comedy, and catchy musical numbers into a twisted tale of ambition, romance, and temptation. Set in a grimy urban flower shop on Skid Row, the story follows Seymour Krelborn, a meek and lonely shop assistant who stumbles upon a mysterious plant he names Audrey II—after his sweet but timid co-worker and crush, Audrey. The plant, however, has a sinister appetite for something far darker than fertilizer.
As Audrey II grows, so does Seymour’s fame, fortune, and romantic prospects. But the cost of feeding the plant becomes increasingly dangerous, forcing Seymour to make moral choices that spiral into deadly consequences. The film explores themes like unchecked ambition, the illusion of success, and the price of compromising ethics for love and recognition.
Seymour’s character arc is tragic yet relatable—he’s an underdog pushed to extremes. Audrey, played with warmth and vulnerability, serves as the emotional anchor, contrasting with the chaos that surrounds her.
Acting, Cinematography, and Direction
The performances in Little Shop of Horrors strike the perfect balance between theatrical flair and grounded emotion. Rick Moranis brings Seymour to life with an awkward charm that makes his descent into desperation all the more compelling. Ellen Greene, reprising her stage role as Audrey, delivers a performance filled with vulnerability and heart, especially during the musical number “Somewhere That’s Green.”
Steve Martin adds manic energy as the sad**tic dentist, creating one of the film’s most memorably chaotic characters. But it’s the towering puppet work and voice acting for Audrey II—brought to life with jaw-dropping animatronics—that truly steals the show.
Visually, the film captures a heightened, stage-like aesthetic with shadowy alleys and neon-lit gloom. The practical effects, particularly the life-size, expressive Audrey II, still hold up remarkably well and give the movie a tactile, gritty edge.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Frank Oz directs with precision, crafting a musical horror comedy that never feels disjointed. The film embraces its theatrical roots, using set design and choreography to keep momentum tight. The pacing is snappy, with songs woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the story rather than halting it.
Strengths include:
Inventive practical effects and puppet animation
Well-balanced tone that delivers laughs and chills
Memorable musical numbers that add replay value
Distinct characters with strong emotional depth
A few weaknesses may lie in the tonal whiplash for some viewers, especially during the darker second half. While the humor is sharp, the violence—though stylized—might catch some audiences off-guard. Additionally, some side characters are underdeveloped, serving more as comic relief than fully fleshed-out personalities.
Final Verdict & Score (1–10)
7 out of 10
Little Shop of Horrors is a deliciously dark and tuneful blend of horror, humor, and heartfelt performances. With standout songs, brilliant practical effects, and a strong central duo, the film has rightfully earned its place as a cult classic. While not flawless, its charm and originality shine through every frame.
Who Will Enjoy It
Fans of horror-comedy musicals
Viewers who appreciate quirky, character-driven stories
Audiences nostalgic for ‘80s practical effects and puppetry
Those looking for a unique twist on romance and morality
Who Might Be Disappointed
Viewers uncomfortable with dark humor or stylized violence
Those expecting traditional horror without musical elements
Audiences seeking a more grounded, realistic tone
Most Searched Little Shop of Horrors (1986) FAQs Answered (Includes Minor Spoilers)
1. What is Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors?
Audrey II is a mysterious alien plant that Seymour discovers after a solar eclipse. It looks like a Venus flytrap but grows rapidly by feeding on human blood. As it gains intelligence and influence, Audrey II manipulates Seymour into doing its bidding, pushing the story into darker territory.
2. Is Little Shop of Horrors a horror or a comedy?
It’s a clever blend of both. The movie is a musical horror comedy with dark themes, twisted humor, and catchy songs. While it contains moments of suspense and stylized violence, it’s designed to be more entertaining than terrifying.
3. Is there a difference between the stage musical and the movie?
Yes. The original stage version has a darker ending, while the movie version released in theaters features a more upbeat conclusion. The theatrical cut changed the final scenes to appeal to wider audiences, but both versions explore the consequences of unchecked ambition.
4. What is the significance of the “Skid Row” song?
“Skid Row (Downtown)” reflects the hopelessness of the characters’ lives and their longing for escape. It sets the tone for the film’s underlying themes of desperation, longing for success, and moral compromise.
5. Who provides the voice for Audrey II?
Audrey II is voiced by a charismatic performer known for his powerful vocals. The voice gives the plant a commanding and mischievous personality, adding layers to its manipulative nature.
6. Why did Seymour feed people to the plant?
At first, Seymour only gives the plant small amounts of blood from his own finger. But as Audrey II demands more and threatens his future, Seymour begins sacrificing others out of fear, guilt, and ambition, leading to tragic consequences.
7. Is there a director’s cut of Little Shop of Horrors?
Yes. The director’s cut includes the original ending where Audrey II wins, and multiple copies of the plant take over the world. This version is closer to the stage musical but was considered too dark for mainstream viewers at the time.
8. What happens to Audrey in the movie?
In the theatrical cut, Audrey survives after a terrifying encounter with Audrey II. She and Seymour end up together, dreaming of a better life. In the alternate ending, Audrey dies and becomes part of the plant, emphasizing the story’s tragic tone.
9. Why does the plant sing?
The musical numbers are a core part of the film’s style. Audrey II’s songs give insight into its motivations and push the narrative forward. The singing also adds humor and charm to an otherwise chilling character.
10. Is Little Shop of Horrors appropriate for all ages?
While the film features musical fun, it includes mature themes, dark humor, and stylized violence. It’s best suited for older children, teens, and adults who enjoy horror comedy with an edge.
Little Shop of Horrors (1986) Ending Explained (Minor Spoilers)
In the theatrical ending, Seymour defeats Audrey II by electrocuting it with exposed wires inside the shop. The plant explodes, and Seymour and Audrey escape to live happily ever after in a peaceful suburban home. A final shot hints at a small Audrey II plant growing in their garden, subtly warning that the cycle may continue.
However, in the original ending (later restored in the director’s cut), the story takes a much darker turn. Audrey II devours Audrey, and Seymour, overcome with grief, sacrifices himself to be with her. The plant reproduces and spreads across cities, ultimately conquering the world in a dramatic musical sequence. Giant Audrey II clones destroy buildings and take over civilization, showcasing the devastating cost of giving in to greed and moral compromise.
The choice between the two endings reflects different tones—one hopeful, the other tragic. Both reinforce the core theme: when ambition blinds morality, the consequences can be monstrous.
Similar films like Little Shop of Horrors can be found in monster movies sub-genre(s), check them out for more movies like Little Shop of Horrors.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Little Shop of Horrors Rating Scores
- Our Score: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.72/10
- IMDB: 7.1/10
- MetaCritic: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 9.1/10
Look here for more movies starting with L and here you can find 1986 movies to watch on your favorite streaming service.
Browse: Monster Movies List