Endangered Species Poster

Endangered Species 1982

★ 4.824 votes97 min📅 1982-09-10

"What you don't know can kill you."

Alan Rudolph's *Endangered Species (1982)* blends gritty thriller tension with the eerie allure of the American West, where a retired New York City detective on holiday stumbles into a sinister scheme tied to a series of unexplainable cattle mutilations.

Director: Alan Rudolph

Cast

Robert Urich
Robert Urich
Ruben Castle
JoBeth Williams
JoBeth Williams
Harriet Purdue
Paul Dooley
Paul Dooley
Joe Hiatt
Hoyt Axton
Hoyt Axton
Ben Morgan
Peter Coyote
Peter Coyote
Steele
Marin Kanter
Marin Kanter
Mackenzie Castle
Gailard Sartain
Gailard Sartain
Mayor
Dan Hedaya
Dan Hedaya
Peck
Harry Carey, Jr.
Harry Carey, Jr.
Dr. Emmer
John Considine
John Considine
Burnside

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Endangered Species (1982) about?

After retiring from the NYPD, a former detective on vacation in the American West gets pulled into a sheriff's probe after a string of bizarre cattle deaths. What begins as a local mystery spirals into a shadowy conspiracy that challenges everything he knows about justice and the natural world.

Who directed Endangered Species?

Alan Rudolph, known for his atmospheric and offbeat storytelling, directed *Endangered Species (1982)* with a style that blends thriller tension with eerie sci-fi elements.

Who stars in Endangered Species?

Robert Urich leads the cast as the retired detective, joined by JoBeth Williams, Paul Dooley, Hoyt Axton, and Peter Coyote in pivotal roles.

Is Endangered Species (1982) worth watching?

While it lacks an IMDb rating, *Endangered Species (1982)* delivers a unique blend of thriller suspense and sci-fi mystery that rewards fans of atmospheric, character-driven mysteries. Its moody setting and offbeat premise make it a cult curiosity worth tracking down.

How long is Endangered Species?

The runtime of *Endangered Species (1982)* is 97 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Endangered Species (1982) — A Gripping Western Thriller with Sci-Fi Mystery Twists

Alan Rudolph's *Endangered Species (1982)* blends gritty thriller tension with the eerie allure of the American West, where a retired New York City detective on holiday stumbles into a sinister scheme tied to a series of unexplainable cattle mutilations. As the investigation unfolds, the retired cop — drawn deeper into a web of secrets — confronts forces far stranger than typical lawlessness, uncovering a mystery that defies logic. The film's moody atmosphere, rich with mystery and a touch of sci-fi intrigue, makes it a standout entry in Rudolph's filmography, where every clue feels like a step closer to danger. Starring Robert Urich, JoBeth Williams, and Peter Coyote, the movie thrives on suspense and atmospheric storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll.

Set against sunbaked landscapes and quiet rural towns, *Endangered Species (1982)* explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the unknown dangers lurking beneath the surface of everyday life. The tagline — *What you don't know can kill you* — perfectly encapsulates the film's chilling premise: a retired cop's serene vacation turns into a high-stakes chase against forces that defy explanation. With its unusual mix of crime drama, sci-fi undertones, and haunting visuals, this thriller offers a unique viewing experience for fans of offbeat, atmospheric cinema.