The Shining | Rotten Tomatoes (original) (raw)

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Critics Consensus

Though it deviates from Stephen King's novel, Stanley Kubrick's The Shining is a chilling, often baroque journey into madness -- exemplified by an unforgettable turn from Jack Nicholson.

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Bernard Zuel Sydney Morning Herald Apr 23 With the classic scenario of the corruption of good, director Stanley Kubrick doesn't rush the pace, nor the evolution of Nicholson's character. Go to Full Review Wendy Ide The Times (UK) 10/20/2023 The supernatural joins forces with psychosis in Stanley Kubrick’s superb adaptation of a Stephen King bestseller. Go to Full Review Jay Scott Globe and Mail 08/16/2022 Kubrick sabotages his own thesis in the most knuckleheaded way conceivable: we can't be charged as accomplices in horror when there is no horror. Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Mar 19 ‘…one of the great cinematic spell-binders that’s somehow more than the sum of the various memorable parts…’ Go to Full Review Richard Freedman Newark Star-Ledger Jan 5 Nicholson gives the performance of his life here, subtly changing from a vaguely defeated family man to a maniacally leering American version of Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible. Go to Full Review Sebastian Zavala Kahn Cinencuentro Nov 3 'The Shining' is many things, but in the strictest sense, it is a highly disturbing and expertly crafted experience that, more than forty years after its original release, remains as relevant as ever. [Full review in Spanish]. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Victor O Apr 30 Always a good time at the Overlook. See more Cesar Feb 25 If you enjoy watching classic horror, movies, this is a must see!!😎👍 See more ALVN h Dec 14 Movie is outdated but seeing it on the premium format IMAX in 2025 brings back why we love movies originally from the 70s , 80s, and 90s decades. To truly enjoy Kubrick's masterclass directorial efforts to bring Stephen King's novel onto the big screen , you have to enjoy the way it was filmed , the actors' performances and the haunting score. If you like classic horror and want to experience in the biggest picture format.... GO SEE THIS FILM See more Sebastian Dec 14 Thank you for bringing a classic like The Shining back to the big screen! See more geminielsy U 10/27/2024 Still one of my favorites. See more Dominick 10/19/2024 The greatest horror film of all time See more Read all reviews

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The Shining (1980) Presented by TCM: Fathom Events Trailer The Shining (1980) Presented by TCM: Fathom Events Trailer 0:30 View more videos

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Synopsis Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) becomes winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado, hoping to cure his writer's block. He settles in along with his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and his son, Danny (Danny Lloyd), who is plagued by psychic premonitions. As Jack's writing goes nowhere and Danny's visions become more disturbing, Jack discovers the hotel's dark secrets and begins to unravel into a homicidal maniac hell-bent on terrorizing his family.

Director

Stanley Kubrick

Producer

Robert Fryer, Stanley Kubrick

Screenwriter

Stanley Kubrick, Diane Johnson

Distributor

Warner Bros. Pictures

Production Co

Producers Circle, Peregrine, Warner Brothers, Hawk Films

Rating

R

Genre

Horror, Mystery & Thriller

Original Language

English

Release Date (Theaters)

May 23, 1980, Wide

Rerelease Date (Theaters)

Dec 12, 2025

Release Date (Streaming)

Aug 15, 2008

Runtime

2h 23m

Sound Mix

Mono

Aspect Ratio

Flat (1.85:1)