Flatliners

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Flatliners

R

Released Aug 10, 1990

1h 51m

Sci-Fi

Drama

Horror

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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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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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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

Carlos I

Flatliners is a solid thriller built on a truly great premise: what happens when medical students intentionally stop their hearts to experience the afterlife? The film dives headfirst into the psychological and supernatural consequences of their experiments, delivering some genuinely unsettling moments. What also makes it stand out is its pretty insane cast, featuring an impressive ensemble of young stars who would go on to become major names, adding significant depth to the already intriguing story.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/05/25

Full Review

Larry K

Very cool concept! I liked the redemption for everyone

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/14/25

Full Review

Vik D

completely love this film and cast

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/11/25

Full Review

Jerod S

These med students find it fun to play with death and see what they'll experience on the other side. Limited by weird macho undertones, it could've been downright creepy.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/11/24

Full Review

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

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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

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: 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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