The Abominable Dr. Phibes

The Abominable Dr. Phibes, does something a lot of comedies forget to: it's consistently funny. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Vincent Price's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight and see for yourself.

There is a reason The Abominable Dr. Phibes keeps coming up in conversation. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate The Abominable Dr. Phibes from the crowd. After a team of surgeons botches his beloved wife's operation, the distraught Dr. Phibes unleashes a score of Old-Testament atrocities on his enemies. Vincent Price and Joseph Cotten lead a cast with the timing to make it work. It was released in 1971. What keeps The Abominable Dr. Phibes from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, The Abominable Dr. Phibes respects your intelligence. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Vincent Price sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.

The Abominable Dr. Phibes was released in 1971, directed by Robert Fuest. The full 95-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.