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Flatliners

Play trailer Poster for Flatliners R Released Aug 10, 1990 1h 51m Sci-Fi Drama Horror Play Trailer Watchlist
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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

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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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Melissa L This movie has many well-known stars, is eerie, and a classic. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/03/25 Full Review Aluna U Flatliners presents a compelling concept about exploring life after death through risky medical experiments conducted by five ambitious students. The film unfolds with a strong character build-up and escalating tension as supernatural consequences begin haunting them. Emotional depth is explored through personal guilt and unresolved trauma, making each character's journey unique. With impressive acting, effective use of visuals, and a strong moral message, the film remains engaging and thought-provoking. Despite its age, Flatliners delivers a powerful reminder that death—and guilt—should never be taken lightly. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) and (English version : uwiepuspita.com) Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/30/25 Full Review Amelia A The dark, poetic 90's mood is in full swing with this one, and the casting is unparalleled. Keifer Sutherland in particular brings magic to this kind of roles. One could get lost in the intense, moody vibes and the gothic aesthetics alone, the director is Joel Schumacher at his best. There's an authenticity here, an unapologetic commitment to its in-world objectives, to its somewhat larger-than-life characters and its world-building rules, in this atmospheric sci-fi/horror set to explore the idea of near-death experiences, that makes its somewhat uncomplicated plot-line very rewarding to watch. Great stuff, and a far cry from the plasticky, sanitised, corporate-safe bilge too often distributed today. That period's "have a fun, weird idea and run with it" is the reason we're drowning in bad remakes of great 80's and 90's movies today. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/30/25 Full Review A.L.Jude P Somewhat original and sure to follow similar efforts. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/06/25 Full Review Stephen C Success in 1 hour and 51 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $58,700,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/23/25 Full Review Gina R Flatliners script written by Peter Filardi (The Craft), could have fallen apart in less capable hands but Schumacher handles the source material beautifully creating an intriguing visual to a fascinating concept. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/19/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Flatliners

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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
RCA/Columbia, Columbia Pictures
Production Co
Stonebridge Entertainment, Columbia Pictures Corporation
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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