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The Dark Crystal

Play trailer 1:19 Poster for The Dark Crystal PG In Theaters Sun Oct 12 1h 35m Kids & Family Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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78% Tomatometer 50 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Jen (Stephen Garlick), raised by the noble race called the Mystics, has been told that he is the last survivor of his own race, the Gelflings. He sets out to try to find a shard of the dark crystal, a powerful gem that once provided balance to the universe. After the crystal was broken, the evil Skeksis used sinister means to gain control. Jen believes that he can repair the dark crystal and bring peace back to the world, if he can only find the remaining shard.
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The Dark Crystal

What to Know

Critics Consensus

The Dark Crystal's narrative never quite lives up to the movie's visual splendor, but it remains an admirably inventive and uniquely intense entry in the Jim Henson canon.

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Cast & Crew

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Jim Henson

Director

Frank Oz

Director

John Baddeley

Historian

Stephen Garlick

Jen

David Buck

Slave Master

Barry Dennen

Chamberlain

Critics Reviews

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Richard Corliss TIME Magazine As narrative, the incidents in The Dark Crystal are unremarkable; as the excuse for special effects, fanciful decor and eccentric characters, they do nicely enough. May 2, 2019 Full Review Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Jim Henson and Frank Oz... designed and directed this 1983 film, in which no human actors appear (except as crude long-shot doubles for the animated figures); it's a cute gimmick, but the puppets are so stiff and inexpressive that the film drops dead. May 2, 2019 Full Review Ian Nathan Empire Magazine The Dark Crystal has an ethereal alien quality to its startling visions, far removed from the Earth-bound contours of traditional fairy tales. Rated: 4/5 May 2, 2019 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy An epic tale in the tradition of The Lord of the Rings. Rated: 3/4 Feb 17, 2024 Full Review Kevin Carr Fat Guys at the Movies Dark and visionary, this compelling fantasy film uses amazing puppetry to tell its story. Rated: 3.5/4 Feb 10, 2024 Full Review Phil Edwards Starburst The Dark Crystal is such a dud... it's dull. Jul 29, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Adam N A truly underrated gem from the 80s. The fact that Jim Henson was able to pull off such magnificent special effects before CGI is astonishing. The plot is straight to the point, without any unnecessary twists and turns. The world building is on a scale only rivaled by "The Lord of the Rings". It is a shame many are unable to appreciate it because of seeing the prequel series. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/03/25 Full Review Michael M. Scared as child, loved when older Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/17/25 Full Review Austin C Best movie I've watched this year. Amazing for a movie from 1982! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/16/25 Full Review Stephen G As every, corporate America ruins everything. Greedy billionaires steal everything Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/03/25 Full Review Is W. As a Henson cult classic, this is not a movie for everyone to “get.” There are no dancing chickens or ukulele-playing frogs here. This film is appropriate for children, but it is not a children’s film. It’s in the same vein as Henson’s Labyrinth but even more divisive. The Dark Crystal is a weird little fantasy rabbit hole better suited for your geeky friend’s Halloween party than for your geeky kid’s 11th birthday party (unless they have really cool geeky friends too). While some may find the movie boring or confusing, others such as myself are completely charmed by the quaint yet intricate sets and skillful puppetry. In a world inundated with CGI and played-out, moderate political messages, The Dark Crystal is a sip of fresh gelfling essence. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/24/25 Full Review Garrett B The stellar sets and well crafted puppetry help this feature from its uncanny setting Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/31/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The Dark Crystal

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The Dark Crystal

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The Dark Crystal

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Movie Info

Synopsis Jen (Stephen Garlick), raised by the noble race called the Mystics, has been told that he is the last survivor of his own race, the Gelflings. He sets out to try to find a shard of the dark crystal, a powerful gem that once provided balance to the universe. After the crystal was broken, the evil Skeksis used sinister means to gain control. Jen believes that he can repair the dark crystal and bring peace back to the world, if he can only find the remaining shard.
Director
Jim Henson, Frank Oz
Producer
Gary Kurtz, Jim Henson
Screenwriter
David Odell, Jim Henson
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
Jim Henson Productions, Incorporated Television Company
Rating
PG
Genre
Kids & Family, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 17, 1982, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Oct 12, 2025
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 9, 2011
Runtime
1h 35m
Sound Mix
Surround
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