Determining the exact number of “Blob” movies depends heavily on the criteria used. However, focusing on films where a blob-like, amorphous creature is the primary antagonist, we can definitively say there are three core feature films universally recognized as “Blob” movies: The Blob (1958), Beware! The Blob (1972), and The Blob (1988). This article delves deeper into the cinematic history of this fascinating monster, explores its imitators, and answers frequently asked questions to provide a complete picture of the “Blob” filmography.
The Core Three: A Close Look at the Official “Blob” Films
These are the films that explicitly bear the “Blob” name and feature a creature matching the established concept: an amorphous, gelatinous mass that consumes organic matter and grows exponentially.
The Blob (1958): The Original Fear
This black and white classic is the progenitor of the entire subgenre. It features a young Steve McQueen in his breakout role as a teenager trying to convince adults about a horrifying creature that crashed to Earth. The film’s low-budget effects are surprisingly effective, contributing to its enduring charm and iconic status.
Beware! The Blob (1972): Larry Hagman’s Sequel
Directed by Larry Hagman (best known for his role as J.R. Ewing in Dallas), this sequel took a more comedic approach. While featuring the titular blob, it is generally considered inferior to the original due to its lower budget, inconsistent tone, and reliance on camp. However, it remains a recognized entry in the “Blob” series, cementing the creature’s place in pop culture.
The Blob (1988): A Gruesome Remake
This remake offered a significant upgrade in special effects, delivering a much more graphic and disturbing portrayal of the Blob’s destructive capabilities. While initially divisive, the 1988 The Blob has garnered a cult following for its practical effects, intense horror, and surprisingly clever social commentary. It serves as a cautionary tale about government cover-ups and the dangers of unchecked power.
Beyond the Blob: Imitators and Influences
While only three films bear the explicit “Blob” title, many other films feature similar creatures or concepts. These films, while not officially part of the “Blob” canon, deserve mention for their thematic similarities and contributions to the broader subgenre of amorphous monster movies. For example, X: The Unknown (1956), while predating The Blob, features a similar energy-based entity that consumes life. Films like The Stuff (1985) and Color Out of Space (2019) also explore similar themes of alien organisms that consume and transform their environment, exhibiting traits reminiscent of the Blob. These films demonstrate the lasting impact and influence of The Blob on subsequent science fiction and horror cinema.
Blob-Adjacent Media: Comics, Games, and More
The Blob’s influence extends beyond film. Comic books have featured the creature in various storylines, expanding its lore and introducing new interpretations. Video games have also incorporated Blob-like enemies, challenging players to devise strategies to defeat these seemingly unstoppable threats. These appearances further solidify the Blob’s position as a recognizable and enduring monster in popular culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Blob
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Blob, addressing common misconceptions and providing deeper insights into its history and impact.
1. What is the Blob made of?
The composition of the Blob varies across the three films. In the original 1958 film, its origin is ambiguous, implied to be an extraterrestrial organism that arrived on a meteorite. The 1972 sequel suggests the Blob is a biological weapon created accidentally. The 1988 remake depicts it as an experimental bioweapon created by the US government during the Cold War. The specific composition is never fully explained, adding to its mysterious and terrifying nature.
2. How does the Blob grow?
The Blob grows by consuming organic matter. It absorbs and assimilates any living tissue it encounters, increasing its size and mass. This constant consumption is what makes it such a formidable and unstoppable threat. The more it eats, the bigger it gets, and the more difficult it becomes to contain.
3. What are the Blob’s weaknesses?
Across all iterations, extreme cold has proven to be the Blob’s primary weakness. In the original film, it is frozen solid by a fire extinguisher. In the remake, liquid nitrogen is used to contain it. This vulnerability to cold offers the only viable means of stopping its rampage, albeit temporarily.
4. Is the Blob sentient?
The level of sentience attributed to the Blob is debatable. In the original film, it appears to be driven by instinct, simply consuming anything in its path. In the remake, there are hints that it may possess a rudimentary form of intelligence, as it seems to learn and adapt. However, it is generally portrayed as a mindless force of nature, rather than a conscious being.
5. Is there a “Blob 2”?
While Beware! The Blob (1972) is sometimes referred to as “Blob 2”, it is more accurately titled Son of Blob or Beware! The Blob. There is no officially titled “Blob 2.”
6. Which Blob movie is considered the best?
Critical and audience reception varies, but the 1958 original is generally considered the most iconic and influential. The 1988 remake is often praised for its special effects and horror elements. Beware! The Blob is the least well-regarded, although it holds a certain camp appeal.
7. What inspired The Blob (1958)?
While no single source is definitively cited, many believe The Blob was inspired by reports of “falling jelly” or “star jelly” – mysterious gelatinous substances found after meteor showers or other atmospheric events. These reports, combined with Cold War anxieties about unknown threats, likely contributed to the film’s concept.
8. What is the significance of the Blob’s color?
The Blob’s color has varied across the films. In the original, it is a deep red. The remake depicts it as a brighter, more vibrant pink. This color variation may reflect advancements in special effects technology, or simply represent different interpretations of the creature’s appearance. Regardless, the Blob’s distinct coloration contributes to its visual impact and memorability.
9. Were there any sequels planned after the 1988 remake?
Despite the 1988 The Blob‘s cult following, no direct sequels were ever produced. Rumors of potential reboots or sequels have circulated over the years, but none have materialized. The high production costs and challenges associated with creating compelling Blob effects may have contributed to the lack of further films.
10. Who owns the rights to The Blob?
The ownership of the Blob franchise has changed hands several times over the years. Pinewood Studios currently possesses the rights, acquiring them in 2015 with the intention of developing a new remake. However, the status of that project remains unclear.
11. Is the Blob a metaphor for anything?
The Blob has been interpreted as a metaphor for various societal anxieties. During the Cold War, it was seen as a representation of the unstoppable, invisible threat of communism. It can also be interpreted as a commentary on consumerism, environmental destruction, or the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. Its ambiguous nature allows for multiple interpretations.
12. Where can I watch the Blob movies?
The Blob movies are available for streaming and purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube. Physical copies of the films can also be found on Blu-ray and DVD. Availability may vary depending on your region.
In conclusion, while the core “Blob” filmography consists of three distinct entries, the creature’s influence extends far beyond these official titles. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, its terrifying power, and its ability to reflect our deepest fears. From the low-budget charm of the original to the gruesome spectacle of the remake, the Blob continues to fascinate and terrify audiences, solidifying its place as one of cinema’s most memorable monsters.