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Flatliners

Play trailer Poster for Flatliners R Released Aug 10, 1990 1h 51m Sci-Fi Drama Horror Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
50% Tomatometer 54 Reviews 59% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Seeking answers about the afterlife, Chicago medical student Nelson (Kiefer Sutherland) persuades his fellow pupils to help him end his life, and then resuscitate him in the nick of time. Atheist David (Kevin Bacon), playboy Joe (William Baldwin) and troubled Rachel (Julia Roberts) also journey into the unknown, looking for meaning in their own lives. As the experiments become more perilous, each is forced to contend with the paranormal consequences of trespassing on the other side.
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Flatliners

Flatliners

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Critics Consensus

While it boasts an impressive cast, striking visuals, and an effective mood, Flatliners never quite jolts its story to life.

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Critics Reviews

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Anton Bitel Little White Lies a cheesily bombastic film, full of alpha male characters all constantly vying to get in the pants of the only woman in their midst, and endlessly alienating viewers with their masculine swagger and aggressive rivalry. Aug 1, 2022 Full Review John Hartl Seattle Times Julia Roberts, Kiefer Sutherland and Kevin Bacon all bring conviction to these scenes, and William Baldwin, as the most irresponsible of the students, continues to suggest an electric screen presence that rivals his brother Alec. Rated: 2.5/4 Jul 1, 2013 Full Review Carrie Rickey Philadelphia Inquirer Except for the performances by Roberts and Bacon, which occasionally redeem it, Flatliners is exasperating, a compelling concept unfulfilled. Rated: 2/4 Jul 1, 2013 Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) A film that fries your nerves as you watch it. [Full review in Spanish] Nov 11, 2022 Full Review Douglas Davidson Elements of Madness With six brand-new featurettes, a new feature-length audio commentary, and a restoration overseen by cinematographer Jan de Bont, today might just be a great day to die. Aug 23, 2022 Full Review Peter Canavese Celluloid Dreams Ready for a critical reappraisal? This 1990 neo-gothic psychological horror movie attempts to be a modern day version of Frankenstein. Great screenwriter Peter Filardi interview on this Arrow Video 4K that might turn around people who think it's silly. Rated: 3/4 Aug 7, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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G M Featuring outstanding actors like Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland, and Oliver Platt, this film starts off with a compelling neo-noir aesthetic that draws you in. However, it falls short by not delving deeper into its horror aspects; it should have leaned more into either gore or psychological horror to fully realize its potential. The second half of the movie unfortunately brings down the enjoyment, leaving you feeling it could have been better. Overall, it’s an okay film that hints at greatness but doesn’t quite deliver the thrilling experience it promises. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 10/07/24 Full Review Susie M Excellent score, lots of atmosphere and an intriguing story. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/21/24 Full Review patricia r An intriguing story with more potential than what it used. While not executed perfectly, it was a beautifully shot and well-rounded film. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/09/24 Full Review Killian M A high-concept horror movie from the 90s? Count me in Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/24 Full Review Edvard A Underrated 90s classic. No clue why anyone would be giving this movie a negative review. Great cast, cinematography, plot, direction... Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/16/23 Full Review Diane L I haven't seen the remake of 2017 but the 1990 movie was excellent (i was myself a medical student that year...) Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

Flatliners

Flatliners: Official Clip - See You Soon Flatliners: Official Clip - See You Soon 2:29 Flatliners: Official Clip - Clear! Flatliners: Official Clip - Clear! 3:07 Flatliners: Official Clip - The Bully Train Flatliners: Official Clip - The Bully Train 1:05 Flatliners: Official Clip - Flatlining Alone Flatliners: Official Clip - Flatlining Alone 2:08 Flatliners: Official Clip - Let It Go Flatliners: Official Clip - Let It Go 2:54 Flatliners: Official Clip - Flatline Flatliners: Official Clip - Flatline 3:45 Flatliners: Official Clip - We Are All Responsible For This Flatliners: Official Clip - We Are All Responsible For This 2:48 Flatliners: Official Clip - Nelson Lives Flatliners: Official Clip - Nelson Lives 3:01 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Seeking answers about the afterlife, Chicago medical student Nelson (Kiefer Sutherland) persuades his fellow pupils to help him end his life, and then resuscitate him in the nick of time. Atheist David (Kevin Bacon), playboy Joe (William Baldwin) and troubled Rachel (Julia Roberts) also journey into the unknown, looking for meaning in their own lives. As the experiments become more perilous, each is forced to contend with the paranormal consequences of trespassing on the other side.
Director
Joel Schumacher
Producer
Michael Douglas, Rick Bieber
Screenwriter
Peter Filardi
Distributor
Columbia Pictures, RCA/Columbia
Production Co
Columbia Pictures Corporation, Stonebridge Entertainment
Rating
R
Genre
Sci-Fi, Drama, Horror
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 10, 1990, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA)
$58.7M
Runtime
1h 51m
Sound Mix
Dolby, Magnetic Stereo 6 Track, CDS, Surround
Aspect Ratio
70mm
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