Cronos

R

Released Sep 12, 1993

1 hr. 32 min.

Horror

List

90%

58 Reviews

Tomatometer

69%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Antique dealer Jesus Gris (Federico Luppi) stumbles across Cronos, a 400-year-old scarab that, when it latches onto him, grants him youth and eternal life -- but also a thirst for blood. As Jesus enjoys his newfound vitality, he's unaware that a dying old man, Dieter de la Guardia (Claudio Brook), has sent his nephew, Angel (Ron Perlman), to find the scarab and bring it back to him. But Jesus will not give immortality up easily, even risking the life of his orphan granddaughter (Tamara Shanath).

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Critics Consensus

Guillermo del Toro's unique feature debut is not only gory and stylish, but also charming and intelligent.

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Mario M

Muy buena pelicula, la primer opera prima de Guillermo del Toro, excelente!!!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/27/23

Full Review

William D

Even though the film starts well, it collapses during the second half. It morphs into a predictable narrative that doesn't offer any interesting idea. I have the feeling it would have worked so much better as a short film. Ron Pearlman's performance doesn't help either.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

07/04/23

Full Review

Bill T

Guillermo del Toro's absolutely crazy debut finds an old antique dealer in possession of a strange spider-like device, that, when activiated, gives the gift of eternal life! Pretty awesome premise combined with just the total dedication of it's lead actor, Federico Tippi, in a part that is made for you to care about this aged old man at first, and then marvel at all this weird stuff he does in the movie. It's truly wild, and a must see for anyone interested in vampire movies.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/05/23

Full Review

s r

Started with promise, but it fell apart with the oddities surrounding the cronos device and its effects on its users. Very bizarre, culturally different and a bit cheaply done towards the end. Saw on TCM.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

georgan g

An alternative to the standard vampire flicks. Clever & philosophical with del Toro's (now, well-known) colorful & eye-catching cinematography.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Morgan D

A bloody, heartfelt, and unique take on the vampire genre.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/28/22

Full Review

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Guillermo del Toro

Director

Federico Luppi

Jesús Gris

Ron Perlman

Angel de la Guardian

Claudio Brook

Dieter de la Guardian

Margarita Isabel

Mercedes Gris

Tamara Shanath

Aurora Gris

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Steven Rea

Philadelphia Inquirer

Guillermo del Toro's feature debut is an arch twist on the vampire tale.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 5, 2013

Full Review

Kenneth Turan

Los Angeles Times

Cronos surprises with its sophisticated and spirited look at a tale straight from the crypt.

Oct 5, 2013

Full Review

Achy Obejas

Chicago Tribune

While the film's first half entices with its secrets, the second half falls into a predictable narrative that refuses to even suggest possibilities.

Rated: 2.5/4

Oct 5, 2013

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Rightly acclaimed, the film boasts more than enough transcendent moments to secure its status as a modern horror classic.

Rated: A-

Aug 31, 2022

Full Review

Amanda Mazzillo

Film Joy

Cronos is a haunting and heartwarming film in equal measure. This is a film about the importance of family and needing to make a choice to protect your family or live a longer yet forever changed life.

Mar 8, 2022

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a striking debut that feels long even at 94 minutes and would've worked a whole lot better as a short.

Rated: 1.5/4

Dec 17, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

Antique dealer Jesus Gris (Federico Luppi) stumbles across Cronos, a 400-year-old scarab that, when it latches onto him, grants him youth and eternal life -- but also a thirst for blood. As Jesus enjoys his newfound vitality, he's unaware that a dying old man, Dieter de la Guardia (Claudio Brook), has sent his nephew, Angel (Ron Perlman), to find the scarab and bring it back to him. But Jesus will not give immortality up easily, even risking the life of his orphan granddaughter (Tamara Shanath).

Director: Guillermo del Toro
Screenwriter: Guillermo del Toro
Distributor: October Films
Production Co: Ventana Films
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 12, 1993, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 2, 2017
Sound Mix: Stereo

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