Hellraiser is a 1987 British supernatural horror film written and directed by Clive Barker, and produced by Christopher Figg, based on Barkers 1986 novella The Hellbound Heart. The film marked Barkers directorial debut. The plot involves a mystical puzzle box that summons the Cenobites, a group of extra-dimensional, sadomasochistic beings who cannot differentiate between pain and pleasure. The leader of the Cenobites is portrayed by Doug Bradley, and identified in the sequels as "Pinhead".

The film was originally made under the working title of Sadomasochists from Beyond the Grave. Barker also wanted to call the film Hellbound but producer Christopher Figg suggested Hellraiser instead. The film was well received by critics, with Variety stating that Hellraiser is "well made, well acted, and the visual effects are generally handled with skill".

The originality on display throughout Hellraiser is astounding, as is the atmosphere and the performances pulled out of the actors, along with the fact that this film has entertained many people and is still as good today as the first time it was seen. The film has been released multiple times on DVD, with the original 93-minute version being the only version to ever be released on DVD.

In summary, Hellraiser is a horror film about a mystical puzzle box that summons a group of extra-dimensional, sadomasochistic beings who cannot differentiate between pain and pleasure. The film was well received by critics and has been released multiple times on DVD.