Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- theatrical
- shadowy
- nostalgic
- comic book movie marathon
- retro action night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film visually impressive and atmospherically faithful to pulp noir, but faulted its cardboard dialogue, unfocused story, and emotionally cold execution.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Lamont Cranston operates as a masked crime-fighter who uses invisibility and mind-clouding powers against Shiwan Khan.
The story adapts Walter B. Gibson's pulp and radio character while emphasizing 1930s atmosphere and serial-style plotting.
Cranston's transformation from a predatory criminal into The Shadow structures the character's heroic mission.
The film foregrounds dark streets, scarlet lips, large vintage automobiles, elaborate sets, and impressive visual effects.
Films like The Shadow, and why
Batman
stylized neo-noir superhero action, comic-book spectacle, and a conflicted masked vigilante
The Rocketeer
period pulp adventure, flamboyant villains, colorful production design, and supernatural heroics
Dick Tracy
stylized comic-book action, heightened villains, and elaborate visual effects
The Phantom
mystical crime-fighting, occult powers, and a darkly theatrical superhero tone
Movie Details
- Director
- Russell Mulcahy
- Release Date
- 1994-07-01
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (592)
Cast
- Alec Baldwin
- John Lone
- Penelope Ann Miller
- Peter Boyle
- Ian McKellen
- Tim Curry
- Jonathan Winters
- Sab Shimono
- Brady Tsurutani
- James Hong
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Shadow about?
- A reformed underworld predator becomes an invisible, mind-clouding vigilante defending 1930s New York from a world-conquering rival.
- What is The Shadow like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Shadow as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Shadow violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Shadow as moderate.
- What did critics think of The Shadow?
- Critics broadly found the film visually impressive and atmospherically faithful to pulp noir, but faulted its cardboard dialogue, unfocused story, and emotionally cold execution.
- Which films are like The Shadow?
- Films with a similar feel include Batman, The Rocketeer, Dick Tracy, and The Phantom.
- How long is The Shadow?
- The Shadow runs 108 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Shadow?
- In United States, The Shadow is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
