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It

Play trailer Poster for It TV-14 1990 3h 12m Drama Fantasy Horror Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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67% Tomatometer 24 Reviews 64% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
In 1960, seven preteen outcasts fight an evil demon that poses as a child-killing clown. Thirty years later, they reunite to stop the demon once and for all when it returns to their hometown.

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Critics Consensus

Though hampered by an uneven second half, It supplies a wealth of funhouse thrills and an idelible turn from Tim Curry as Pennywise.

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Critics Reviews

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John J. O'Connor New York Times The result, featuring a strong cast, is far better than any adaptation so far of a King book. Jan 16, 2020 Full Review Howard Rosenberg Los Angeles Times There is something very poignant and warming about these kids, branded as losers, closely bonding and banding together in "It" to battle not only the town bullies, but also the demonic Pennywise. Jan 16, 2020 Full Review Rick Kogan Chicago Tribune The four-hour package makes an eerie supernatural tale, spiced with substantial good-versus-evil subtext and musings on the power of friendship. Jan 16, 2020 Full Review Kristy Strouse Wonderfully Weird and Horrifying A story of fighting our personal fears and the enduring power of friendship, It is more than just a scary story, it's a vestibule into our psyche, and maybe, a little, into our hearts. Oct 14, 2021 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins The thrills are psychological rather than visually graphic, while the production value is limited. Rated: 4/10 Sep 14, 2020 Full Review Michael Hill Baltimore Sun This is a good, at times brilliant, always solid and well-done example of the horror/suspense genre. But be forewarned, the superb setup is better than the slightly disappointing payoff. Jan 16, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Gordo L Classic but kinda corny 7 out 10 Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/20/25 Full Review Josh A As someone who has yet to see It Chapter 1, or Chapter 2 for that matter, this was a pretty good film. I'd say the first half with the kids was way better than the second half with the adults, but it was all around a pretty good film, or miniseries, whatever you want to call it. Let's just get into it. The actual story is split into two halves: one that focuses on the characters as kids, one that focuses on them as adults. They're both quite different in general. The kid half is the one I prefer, as it's more horror-esque and has a lot more action to it, but the adult section is pretty good too, albeit boring at times. So it's all around a pretty good story, and the nostalgic vibe is cool. But what really brings this up is Pennywise. Pennywise, at least in the kid section, feels like an actual person, like a predator in a sense. He feels creepy but in a natural way, and you worry for the kids whenever he's around. You feel less scared in the adult half, which fits in a sense when you consider that the adults are less scared of Pennywise in the second half, and I didn't mind the spider form he had, as I thought the practical effects for it were quite charming. That's what this film has: charm. That's why I like it so much. Overall, a great film and while the first half was way better than the second half, it's all around fun. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/19/25 Full Review Daniel C This movie should have better score than the remake cause this movie unlike the remake was very good. Tim Curry as Pennywise is legendary. The story is great and I really enjoyed the acting. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/25/25 Full Review Tommy D A very boring and at times embarrassing adaptation. Only Adam Curry's interpretation is remarkable but the rest can be thrown away Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 03/11/25 Full Review Yash B The 1990 version of Stephen King's "It" is pretty decent overall. I do feel the newest movie versions were better than this with updated special effects and more expanded storytelling. Similar to the movies, the first half of this story where it really shines, and I do feel the pacing is a bit more off in this miniseries version. I also don't think this one is really that scary but there has always been an element of dark comedy in this story. Overall, I do think the movies render this version a bit obsolete, but it's an interesting watch for those who are curious about a different adaptation. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/03/25 Full Review Kalin D Very boring and overrated. Too dull to be a kids movie and not enough interest to be for adults. Also, King leans very heavily on Nightmare on Elm Street in his writing. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/24/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis In 1960, seven preteen outcasts fight an evil demon that poses as a child-killing clown. Thirty years later, they reunite to stop the demon once and for all when it returns to their hometown.
Director
Tommy Lee Wallace
Screenwriter
Lawrence D. Cohen, Tommy Lee Wallace, Stephen King
Production Co
Lorimar Productions
Rating
TV-14
Genre
Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 20, 2016
Runtime
3h 12m
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