Flatliners

R

Released Aug 10, 1990

1h 51m

Sci-Fi

Drama

Horror

List

50%

Tomatometer

54 Reviews

59%

Audience Score

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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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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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

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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

Mattheos A

A decent movie where "succesfull" bullies get what they deserve!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/19/23

Full Review

Steve D

Might be better than the remake but it sure isn't good.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

Full Review

brad p

Flatliners is solidly directed, well written, and beautifully shot.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Joel Schumacher

Director

Kiefer Sutherland

Nelson

Julia Roberts

Rachel Mannus

Kevin Bacon

David Labraccio

William Baldwin

Joe Hurley

Oliver Platt

Randy Steckle

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Flatliners: Official Clip - See You Soon

2:29

Flatliners: Official Clip - Clear!

3:07

Flatliners: Official Clip - The Bully Train

1:05

Flatliners: Official Clip - Flatlining Alone

2:08

Flatliners: Official Clip - Let It Go

2:54

Flatliners: Official Clip - Flatline

3:45

Flatliners: Official Clip - We Are All Responsible For This

2:48

Flatliners: Official Clip - Nelson Lives

3:01

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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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