The Dead Zone

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The Dead Zone

R

1983

1h 43m

Mystery & Thriller

Sci-Fi

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Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

54 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

When Johnny Smith (Christopher Walken) awakens from a coma caused by a car accident, he finds that years have passed, and he now has psychic abilities. Heartbroken that his girlfriend (Brooke Adams) has moved on with her life, Johnny also must contend with his unsettling powers, which allow him to see a person's future with a mere touch. After shaking the hand of aspiring politician Greg Stillson (Martin Sheen), Johnny sees the danger presented by the candidate's rise and resolves to kill him.

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Critics Consensus

The Dead Zone combines taut direction from David Cronenberg and and a rich performance from Christopher Walken to create one of the strongest Stephen King adaptations.

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Adam Nayman

The Ringer

What makes the The Dead Zone so frightening-and finally deeply moving-is how it commits to the psychology of a guy whose destiny is destroyed and fulfilled by the way he's slipping through the cracks.

Sep 5, 2019

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Variety Staff

Variety

An accomplished psychological thriller.

Oct 7, 2008

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Kim Newman

Empire Magazine

Cronenberg attempting a little mainstream with this Stephen King yarn and really pulling it off.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 25, 2007

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

...The Dead Zone has a few nasty details, but it’s generally a classy, accessible horror film that’s gained in richness over the years...the film has an effective, wintry feel, bolstered by Chris Walken’s wonderfully off-beat characterisation of Johnny...

Rated: 4/5

Jun 11, 2025

Full Review

Joe Lipsett

Anatomy of a Scream Podcast Network

The Dead Zone is a better Stephen King film than a David Cronenberg film. There's some great imagery here, but the best storylines (the murders) are speedily wrapped up to get to the hastily developed battle between Johnny and Stilson

Rated: 3/5

Nov 21, 2023

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Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

Walken’s layered performance and Cronenberg’s sensitive direction [give] The Dead Zone an acutely bittersweet edge.

Sep 16, 2023

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Tim B.

Superb performances from Walken and Sheen assist this brilliant Stephen King adaption that has many elements and themes beneath the suspense. This movie touches several genres; horror, drama, and coming of age, and blends them together seamlessly.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/12/25

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Richard G.

Great adaptation of the Stephen King novel.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/10/25

Full Review

Hans D

One of the very best film adaptations of a Stephen King novel. The entire cast is remarkable, but Christopher Walken's magnificent performance leaves an indelible impression on the viewer. And no cowbells were rung in the making of this film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/31/25

Full Review

Julian C.

With a great performance by Christopher Walken, I really like how the movie dives into the question, “If you knew who Hitler would become before the Holocaust, would you kill him?” This movie really emphasizes “with great power comes great responsibility.”This is one of my favorite Stephen King adaptations

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/14/25

Full Review

Arthur H

I can't remember when I watched this movie. It was after I read the book. I think it's the best adaptation of a Stephen King novel, with terrific acting, directing and cinematography. One of my favorite movies.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/10/25

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Craig W.

This is a really good movie

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/07/25

Full Review

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David Cronenberg

Director

Christopher Walken

Johnny Smith

Brooke Adams

Sarah Bracknell

Tom Skerritt

Sheriff Bannerman

Herbert Lom

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Synopsis

When Johnny Smith (Christopher Walken) awakens from a coma caused by a car accident, he finds that years have passed, and he now has psychic abilities. Heartbroken that his girlfriend (Brooke Adams) has moved on with her life, Johnny also must contend with his unsettling powers, which allow him to see a person's future with a mere touch. After shaking the hand of aspiring politician Greg Stillson (Martin Sheen), Johnny sees the danger presented by the candidate's rise and resolves to kill him.

Director: David Cronenberg
Producer: Debra Hill
Screenwriter: Stephen King, Jeffrey Boam
Distributor: Video Classics, Paramount Pictures, VTI Home Video
Production Co: Lorimar Film Entertainment, Dino De Laurentiis Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 21, 1983, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Runtime: 1h 43m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital

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