Watchmen

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2:19

Watchmen

R

Released Mar 6, 2009

2h 42m

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

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Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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

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Paul S

This is one of the best superhero movies I've ever seen. It was so dark and edgy, and it was unlike any other project I've ever watched. The story was intense and gripping, and the movie had some incredible visuals. I definitely recommend it for superhero and action fans!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/15/25

Full Review

Muhammad A

My Fav R rated Comic book movie ever, probably my Top 5

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/02/25

Full Review

Jake B

Well ahead of it's time... One of the best 'superhero' movies on the 21st Century.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/10/25

Full Review

Ben W

No option to delete my review. Put the stars in the middle. sorry. Today was a Sunday 16.2.25ce Watched an hour and a bit, then read synopsis on Wikipedia.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/16/25

Full Review

Jose Pablo M

La daptación perfecta de un comic inadaptable.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/27/25

Full Review

Laze T

confusing movie.....

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/17/25

Full Review

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Zack Snyder

Director

Billy Crudup

Jon Osterman

Malin Akerman

Laurie Jupiter

Jackie Earle Haley

Walter Kovacs

Matthew Goode

Adrian Veidt

Patrick Wilson

Dan Dreiberg

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2:19

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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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