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The Dead Zone

Play trailer Poster for The Dead Zone R 1983 1h 43m Mystery & Thriller Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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The Dead Zone

The Dead Zone

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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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Critics Reviews

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Adam Nayman The Ringer 09/05/2019
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. Go to Full Review Variety Staff Variety 10/07/2008
An accomplished psychological thriller. Go to Full Review Kim Newman Empire Magazine 09/25/2007
4/5
Cronenberg attempting a little mainstream with this Stephen King yarn and really pulling it off. Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Jun 11
4/5
...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... Go to Full Review Joe Lipsett Anatomy of a Scream Podcast Network 11/21/2023
3/5
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 Go to Full Review Farah Cheded A Good Movie To Watch 09/16/2023
Walken’s layered performance and Cronenberg’s sensitive direction [give] The Dead Zone an acutely bittersweet edge. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Tim B. @SlimTim0707 Nov 12 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. See more Richard G. @Richardicus Nov 10 Great adaptation of the Stephen King novel. See more Hans D Oct 31 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. See more Julian C. @juliancooper_12 Oct 14 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 See more Arthur H Oct 10 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. See more Craig W. @CJWolfe27 Oct 7 This is a really good movie See more Read all reviews
The Dead Zone

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Cast & Crew

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David Cronenberg

Director

Christopher Walken

Johnny Smith

Brooke Adams

Sarah Bracknell

Tom Skerritt

Sheriff Bannerman

Herbert Lom

Dr. Sam Weizak

Anthony Zerbe

Roger Stuart

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The Dead Zone

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Movie Info

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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