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Jeepers Creepers

Jeepers Creepers is a 2001 American horror film written and directed by Victor Salva.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jeepers Creepers is a 2001 American horror film written and directed by Victor Salva. It follows two siblings who are stalked by a monstrous creature known as the Creeper during a road trip home. The film became a commercial success and launched a horror film franchise.

Plot

The story centres on siblings Trish and Darry Jenner, who are driving home when they are pursued by a mysterious creature. The Creeper is portrayed as a flesh-eating monster with a ritual of feeding during a limited cycle.

Production

Jeepers Creepers was written and directed by Victor Salva. Sources describe it as a low-budget horror production that was shot in a short schedule, and its setting is rural Florida.

Release and reception

The film was released in 2001 and earned a strong box-office return. Critics were divided, but it developed a cult following among horror fans.

Franchise

The success of the first film led to additional entries in the Jeepers Creepers series. Later films continued the Creeper storyline with varying critical reception.

Key facts

  • The film was released in 2001 and is widely described as a horror film.
  • It stars Gina Philips and Justin Long as siblings who encounter the Creeper on a road trip.
  • Jonathan Breck plays the Creeper, the film’s main antagonist.
  • The title comes from the 1938 song "Jeepers Creepers," which is used in the film.
  • The film was a commercial success and led to sequels.

Frequently asked questions

What is Jeepers Creepers?
Jeepers Creepers is a 2001 American horror film about two siblings pursued by a monster called the Creeper.
Who directed Jeepers Creepers?
It was written and directed by Victor Salva.
Who stars in Jeepers Creepers?
The film stars Gina Philips, Justin Long, and Jonathan Breck.
What is the Creeper?
The Creeper is the film’s central monster, depicted as a flesh-eating creature that hunts on a recurring cycle.
Is Jeepers Creepers part of a series?
Yes. The film launched a horror franchise with later sequels and additional entries.

References

  1. Moviefone — https://www.moviefone.com/news/jeepers-creepers-facts/
    Supports: Release year, cast, box-office success, and franchise context.
  2. BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2001/09/19/jeepers_creepers_2001_review.shtml
    Supports: Plot description, genre, and critical assessment.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0263488/
    Supports: Basic film identification, plot synopsis, and genre labels.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jeepers_creepers
    Supports: Genre classification and release information.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepers_Creepers_(2001_film)
    Supports: Director, cast, title source, and general film details.
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepers_Creepers_(film_series)
    Supports: Franchise overview and later film entries.