The Dark Crystal

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The Dark Crystal

PG

1982

1h 35m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

50 Reviews

81%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Jen (Stephen Garlick), raised by the noble race called the Mystics, has been told that he is the last survivor of his own race, the Gelflings. He sets out to try to find a shard of the dark crystal, a powerful gem that once provided balance to the universe. After the crystal was broken, the evil Skeksis used sinister means to gain control. Jen believes that he can repair the dark crystal and bring peace back to the world, if he can only find the remaining shard.

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Critics Consensus

The Dark Crystal's narrative never quite lives up to the movie's visual splendor, but it remains an admirably inventive and uniquely intense entry in the Jim Henson canon.

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Richard Corliss

TIME Magazine

As narrative, the incidents in The Dark Crystal are unremarkable; as the excuse for special effects, fanciful decor and eccentric characters, they do nicely enough.

May 2, 2019

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Jim Henson and Frank Oz... designed and directed this 1983 film, in which no human actors appear (except as crude long-shot doubles for the animated figures); it's a cute gimmick, but the puppets are so stiff and inexpressive that the film drops dead.

May 2, 2019

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Ian Nathan

Empire Magazine

The Dark Crystal has an ethereal alien quality to its startling visions, far removed from the Earth-bound contours of traditional fairy tales.

Rated: 4/5

May 2, 2019

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

An epic tale in the tradition of The Lord of the Rings.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 17, 2024

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Kevin Carr

Fat Guys at the Movies

Dark and visionary, this compelling fantasy film uses amazing puppetry to tell its story.

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 10, 2024

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Phil Edwards

Starburst

The Dark Crystal is such a dud... it's dull.

Jul 29, 2022

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Meghan

Forever a favorite—the lengths Jim and his team went to create this world are a gift to this planet

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/12/25

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James H

I always wanted to see it, but never got to. It is very metaphysical!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/15/25

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J H

This is one of my wife's and my favorite movies from childhood. Was incredible to finally see it on the big screen as part of the anniversary celebration of the Jim Henson Company!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/15/25

Full Review

Ed A

I had no idea they were doing this screening and just stumbled on it. Top 10 movie for me and despite some aging effects, it still delivers a great story and a sense of Wonder that few movies have achieved in the decades since its release.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/15/25

Full Review

Josey T

Classic film. Wild to think about all the work that went into the puppetry.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/14/25

Full Review

Tom Danahy

The Dark Crystal is back, and better than ever. This pioneering all-puppetry feature film just received a 4D update, and Jim Henson and Brian Frouds mystical world of Tra has never looked or sounded better. Follow along with the Gelfling, Jen, as he encounters a rich landscape full of always fascinating (and sometimes frightening) creatures on his fearless quest to find the shard, and heal the crystal. I was lucky to see The Dark Crystal in a theater featuring Dolby Cinema audio and visual enhancements, which I recommend for the most immersive viewing experience, but once made available at home, put it on the biggest screen in the darkest room with surround sound in order to be similarly impressed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/14/25

Full Review

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Director

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Jen

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The Dark Crystal: Trailer 1

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The Dark Crystal: Fathom Events Trailer

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Synopsis

Jen (Stephen Garlick), raised by the noble race called the Mystics, has been told that he is the last survivor of his own race, the Gelflings. He sets out to try to find a shard of the dark crystal, a powerful gem that once provided balance to the universe. After the crystal was broken, the evil Skeksis used sinister means to gain control. Jen believes that he can repair the dark crystal and bring peace back to the world, if he can only find the remaining shard.

Director: Jim Henson, Frank Oz
Producer: Gary Kurtz, Jim Henson
Screenwriter: David Odell, Jim Henson
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Jim Henson Productions, Incorporated Television Company
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 17, 1982, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Oct 12, 2025
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 9, 2011
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Surround

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