Knowing

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Knowing

PG-13

Released Mar 20, 2009

1h 55m

Sci-Fi

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

35%

Tomatometer

182 Reviews

42%

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250,000+ Ratings

Fifty years after it was buried in a time capsule, a schoolgirl's cryptic document falls into the hands of Caleb Koestler, the son of professor John Koestler (Nicolas Cage). John figures out that the encoded message accurately lists every major disaster from the past five decades, and predicts three future calamities -- one a global cataclysm. When his warnings fall on deaf ears, John enlists the help of the prophetic author's daughter and granddaughter to try to avert the ultimate disaster.

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Critics Consensus

Knowing has some interesting ideas and a couple good scenes, but it's weighted down by its absurd plot and over-seriousness.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

... I was dozing off...

Rated: F

Sep 12, 2017

Full Review

Jordan Hoffman

UGO

Knowing feels like a bunch of cool ideas that were strewn about a table, picked up, shoved together, tied up with duct tape and, somehow, managed to stay working for the ride.

Rated: B

Aug 14, 2009

Full Review

Sandra Hall

Sydney Morning Herald

Rather like watching an intricately arranged set of dominos starting to topple. That's neat. I didn't see that one coming, you think, as yet another train carriage joins the pile-up.

Rated: 2/5

Apr 3, 2009

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

The result should not be dismissed as an average thriller, and yet, seen in those terms, it still succeeds because Proyas is a superior director, and after several missteps, he has finally redeemed himself with another fine piece of science fiction.

Rated: 3.5/4

Dec 2, 2023

Full Review

Emiliano Basile

EscribiendoCine

Here, normality is affected by tragedy and reality acquires a mystical sheen where the inexplicable takes over what's rational. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 6/10

May 9, 2023

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

The plot is hinged around a predicament so overwhelming that its conclusion can't possibly resolve satisfactorily.

Rated: 6/10

Nov 29, 2020

Full Review

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Audience Member

Rewatched in 2025, Knowing (2009) remains a gripping sci-fi thriller. Nicolas Cage delivers a solid performance, supported by strong acting from the cast. The CGI effects hold up impressively, creating chilling apocalyptic visuals. The script is well-crafted, blending mystery and tension with a thought-provoking narrative. Despite some predictable moments, the film’s pacing and emotional depth keep you engaged. A compelling mix of science and fate, it’s a worthy revisit for fans of the genre. I'm gonna give solid 4.5/5. Kinda wanted woman to survive but it's not a issue. They've done pretty job.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

Full Review

Nicho T

Criminally underrated, literally better then interstellar

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/08/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Nice movie, I liked it...

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/03/25

Full Review

Robert W

A good idea that was edited wrong and too long with a disappointing finish.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

04/20/25

Full Review

Paul S

The plot and dialogue were poorly written, but overall, it was really fun to watch and had an incredibly intense story. I definitely recommend it for fans of suspense!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/08/25

Full Review

Andy M

Knowing is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant sci-fi thriller that blends mystery, action, and philosophical depth. Cage delivers a strong performance as a father unraveling a cryptic numerical prophecy that points to global disasters. The film balances suspense with existential questions about fate, determinism, and humanity's place in the universe. Its visuals and haunting score amplify the sense of urgency and wonder. I think that Knowing is an underrated gem that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/25

Full Review

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Alex Proyas

Director

Nicolas Cage

John

Rose Byrne

Diana

Chandler Canterbury

Caleb

Lara Robinson

Abby

Ben Mendelsohn

Phil

Knowing: Official Clip - A New Beginning

3:16

Knowing: Official Clip - Solar Flare

2:00

Knowing: Official Clip - The Whisper People

2:03

Knowing: Official Clip - Kidnapping

2:15

Knowing: Official Clip - I Need to Know

2:15

Knowing: Official Clip - Aerial Cataclysm

2:24

Knowing: Official Clip - The Stranger

2:29

Knowing: Official Clip - Subway Hell

2:41

Knowing: Official Clip - Disaster Codes

2:26

Knowing: Official Clip - At Earth's End

2:01

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Synopsis

Fifty years after it was buried in a time capsule, a schoolgirl's cryptic document falls into the hands of Caleb Koestler, the son of professor John Koestler (Nicolas Cage). John figures out that the encoded message accurately lists every major disaster from the past five decades, and predicts three future calamities -- one a global cataclysm. When his warnings fall on deaf ears, John enlists the help of the prophetic author's daughter and granddaughter to try to avert the ultimate disaster.

Director: Alex Proyas
Producer: Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch
Screenwriter: Alex Proyas, Stuart Hazeldine, Ryne Douglas Pearson, Juliet Snowden, Stiles White
Distributor: Summit Entertainment
Production Co: Escape Artists, Summit Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Disaster Sequences|Brief Strong Language|Disturbing Images)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 20, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 31, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $79.9M
Runtime: 1h 55m

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