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Watchmen

Play trailer 2:19 Poster for Watchmen R Released Mar 6, 2009 2h 42m Action Adventure Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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65% Tomatometer 305 Reviews 71% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
In an alternate 1985 America, costumed superheroes are part of everyday life. When one of his former comrades is murdered, masked vigilante Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) uncovers a plot to kill and discredit all past and present superheroes. As he reconnects with his retired associates, only one of which has true powers, Rorschach glimpses a far-reaching conspiracy involving their shared past and catastrophic consequences for the world's future.
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Critics Consensus

Gritty and visually striking, Watchmen is a faithful adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel, but its complex narrative structure may make it difficult for it to appeal to viewers not already familiar with the source material.

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Critics Reviews

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Matthew Rozsa Salon.com When given a great story and told that his job is to simply adapt it, Snyder more than rises to the occasion. Rated: 3.5/4 Jul 23, 2019 Full Review Matt Singer The Rumpus The only way to truly adhere to Alan Moore's vision of Watchmen would be to not make the movie in the first place. Sep 18, 2017 Full Review Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online Watchmen isn't your typical caper flick filled with kickass effects and gunfire and no premise. Rated: B+ Sep 12, 2017 Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand The story of costumed superheroes into the real world offers a visual spectacle to be sure, but it emphasizes the “novel” in graphic novel: narrative complexity, character dynamism, the density of fiction and history and commentary swirling together. Oct 28, 2023 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Ambitious films like this are generally either glorious artistic successes or utter failures; Watchmen uniquely falls somewhere in the middle. Rated: 2.5/4 Sep 5, 2023 Full Review Manuel São Bento MSB Reviews Technically sublime, with a distinct style, brilliant production design, and gorgeous cinematography. As it stands, as one and only film, it’s really impressive even with its flaws. Rated: B Jul 24, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Forty P My all-time favorite superhero movie! Perfectly captures the feeling of the graphic novel. Great plot with mystery, crime, politics, history, action, fantasy and relationships. And also, amazing perfomances by all actors, especially Jackie Earl Hayley as Rorschach. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/06/25 Full Review Audience Member Incredibly underrated movie, easily one of the best DC live action movies ever Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/06/25 Full Review Elijah D This is a really cool DC street level movie. The Watchmen superheroes were the coolest team ever. DC can cook when it comes to street level superhero movies. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/06/25 Full Review Ken W Hands down the best picture of the year. Rorschach is the Number 1 super hero of all time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/02/25 Full Review Haroldo d Esse filme é perfeito ... pena que não deu o retorno esperado Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/01/25 Full Review elvi s putting aside the comic book. The watchmen as a movie is phenomenal. it explored themes of loss, compromise, fate, the difference between love and lust, better than any movie I've ever seen. Stunning visuals, great actors and writings. 9/10 at least Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/25/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis In an alternate 1985 America, costumed superheroes are part of everyday life. When one of his former comrades is murdered, masked vigilante Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) uncovers a plot to kill and discredit all past and present superheroes. As he reconnects with his retired associates, only one of which has true powers, Rorschach glimpses a far-reaching conspiracy involving their shared past and catastrophic consequences for the world's future.
Director
Zack Snyder
Producer
Lawrence Gordon, Lloyd Levin, Deborah Snyder
Screenwriter
David Hayter, Alex Tse
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Production Co
Lawrence Gordon Productions, Lloyd Levin
Rating
R (Nudity|Language|Sexuality|Strong Graphic Violence)
Genre
Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 6, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 31, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA)
$107.5M
Runtime
2h 42m
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