What is Ben like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Ben as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Yes. Ember rates the violence in Ben as graphic.

Which films are like Ben?

Films with a similar feel include Willard, The Birds, and Jaws.

Where can I watch Ben?

In United States, Ben streams on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Philo, AMC+ Amazon Channel, Night Flight Plus, Shudder Amazon Channel, Screambox Amazon Channel, Midnight Pulp, Shudder Apple TV channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel, Cineverse Amazon Channel.

Ben

Name: Ben
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Released: 1972-06-23
Duration: 1 h 34 min
Rating: 6.099999904632568
Cast: Lee Montgomery, Joseph Campanella, Arthur O'Connell, Rosemary Murphy, Meredith Baxter

197294 min★ 6.1

A lonely boy’s friendship with a remarkable rat turns into a terrifying struggle when the animal’s swarm begins attacking the city.

Ember's analysis

Pacing: Brisk
Intensity: Strong
Complexity: Easy to follow
Violence: Graphic

suspenseful
disturbing
melancholic
vintage horror night
cult creature feature marathon

What critics said

Critics found the film suspenseful and emotionally grounded in Lee Montgomery's performance, but divided over its graphic rat attacks, uneven acting, and awkwardly comic tone.

What sets it apart

May contain story progression spoilers

Danny's friendship with Ben offers companionship and protection while the rat swarm becomes increasingly violent.
The rat pack marauds through the neighborhood, attacks residents, and creates fear of wider city disruption.
Critical discussion specifically highlights victims covered by clinging, scratching, and biting rats.
Danny sees Ben as a loyal friend even as the swarm's attacks reveal the threat surrounding him.

Films like Ben, and why

Willard
animal attack horror centered on a threatening swarm and escalating urban panic
The Birds
creature-feature suspense combining vulnerable human protagonists with increasingly violent animals
Jaws
1970s horror thriller using ordinary animals to create visceral dread and social disruption

Movie Details

Director: Phil Karlson
Release Date: 1972-06-23
Runtime: 94 min
Rating: 6.1 / 10 (145)

Cast

Lee Montgomery
Joseph Campanella
Arthur O'Connell
Rosemary Murphy
Meredith Baxter
Kaz Garas
Paul Carr
Richard Van Vleet
Kenneth Tobey
James Luisi

Where to watch in United States

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Philo, AMC+ Amazon Channel, Night Flight Plus, Shudder Amazon Channel, Screambox Amazon Channel, Midnight Pulp, Shudder Apple TV channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel, Cineverse Amazon Channel
Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.

Common questions

What is Ben about?: A lonely boy’s friendship with a remarkable rat turns into a terrifying struggle when the animal’s swarm begins attacking the city.
What is Ben like to watch?: Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Ben as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
Is Ben violent?: Yes. Ember rates the violence in Ben as graphic.
What did critics think of Ben?: Critics found the film suspenseful and emotionally grounded in Lee Montgomery's performance, but divided over its graphic rat attacks, uneven acting, and awkwardly comic tone.
Which films are like Ben?: Films with a similar feel include Willard, The Birds, and Jaws.
How long is Ben?: Ben runs 94 minutes.
Where can I watch Ben?: In United States, Ben streams on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Philo, AMC+ Amazon Channel, Night Flight Plus, Shudder Amazon Channel, Screambox Amazon Channel, Midnight Pulp, Shudder Apple TV channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel, Cineverse Amazon Channel.

In Ember's collections

Edge-of-Seat Suspense

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