Donnie Darko

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Donnie Darko

R

Released Oct 26, 2001

1h 53m

Drama

Sci-Fi

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

124 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

In a funny, moving and distinctly mind-bending journey through suburban America, one extraordinary but disenchanted teenager is about to take Time's Arrow for a ride. After surviving a freak accident, Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins to explore what it means to be alive, and in short order to be in love, he uncovers secrets of the universe that give him a tempting power to alter time and destiny.

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Critics Consensus

Richard Kelly's debut feature Donnie Darko is a daring, original vision, packed with jarring ideas and intelligence and featuring a remarkable performance from Jake Gyllenhaal as the troubled title character.

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Justin Chang

Los Angeles Times

The movie feels perfectly timed to coincide with our nation's latest flirtation with the apocalypse.

Mar 31, 2017

Full Review

Tara Brady

Irish Times

Donnie Darko rightly made a star of Gyllenhaal.

Rated: 5/5

Jan 10, 2017

Full Review

Nigel Andrews

Financial Times

The script makes variable sense, but so does life.

Dec 29, 2016

Full Review

Paul Kanieski

KSQD Community Radio

Jake Gyllenhaal, with an impish grin that exudes boyish charm, gives a breakout performance as Donnie Darko.

Jul 21, 2023

Full Review

Erick Estrada

Cinegarage

One of the best homages to Back to the Future. [Full review in Spanish]

Mar 29, 2023

Full Review

Stephen Silver

Tilt Magazine

Rewatching it now it's shocking how much it anticipated about life today. (20th anniversary)

Rated: 4/5

Oct 29, 2021

Full Review

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Logan Bushaw

MORE RE-RELEASES PLEASE

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/27/25

Full Review

rylee

i love this movie so much. 🤍

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/23/25

Full Review

Adzz S.

Donnie Darko stands as a true classic, blending nostalgia with a subtle sense of darkness. It’s a film I frequently revisit, as its impact never fades with time. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers an outstanding performance, and his thoughtful approach to selecting roles makes it clear why this project was such a perfect fit for him.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/06/25

Full Review

Caleb L.

On a second watch, this movie is such a fantastic commentary and satire on the late 80’s America. The tail end of the movie does a really good job wrapping everything together and this is an overall fantastic thriller

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/29/25

Full Review

John W

This movie is art. Why haven't I heard of it before? It's far too unknown. A masterpiece that has instantly become one of my all time favorites.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/22/25

Full Review

V01d N

Complex with a deep message

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/18/25

Full Review

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Richard Kelly

Director

Jake Gyllenhaal

Donnie Darko

Jena Malone

Gretchen Ross

Drew Barrymore

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Synopsis

In a funny, moving and distinctly mind-bending journey through suburban America, one extraordinary but disenchanted teenager is about to take Time's Arrow for a ride. After surviving a freak accident, Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins to explore what it means to be alive, and in short order to be in love, he uncovers secrets of the universe that give him a tempting power to alter time and destiny.

Director: Richard Kelly
Producer: Sean McKittrick, Nancy Juvonen
Screenwriter: Richard Kelly
Distributor: Newmarket Film Group
Production Co: Adam Fields Productions, Flower Films, Pandora Cinema, Gaylord Films
Rating: R (Some Drug Use|Language|Violence)
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 26, 2001, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Mar 31, 2017
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 25, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $205.8K
Runtime: 1h 53m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital, Dolby SR, Surround, Dolby Stereo, Dolby A
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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