Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- brooding
- eerie
- sardonic
- late night viewing
- halloween season
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film stylish and atmospheric but meandering, underpowered as horror, and weakened by a ludicrous or unsatisfying resolution.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Corso is hired to authenticate The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows and locate the genuine exemplar among three copies.
Corso's assignment as a rare-books dealer gradually turns into a personal compulsion to decode the book's engravings and truth.
The film combines a cynical investigator, European pursuit narrative, shadowy interiors, and satanic imagery with polished gothic production design.
Corso begins as a money-driven, skeptical expert while the book's legend, murders, and mysterious protector challenge his assumptions.
Films like The Ninth Gate, and why
Angel Heart
Shares occult investigation, neo-noir atmosphere, cynical protagonists, and supernatural conspiracy.
The Devil Rides Out
Shares satanic mystery, European travel, ominous religious imagery, and paranoid thriller tension.
The Name of the Rose
Shares rare-book obsession, labyrinthine clues, gothic atmosphere, and an ambiguous supernatural mystery.
Chinatown
Shares Roman Polanski's controlled paranoia, morally compromised investigators, and brooding neo-noir style.
Movie Details
- Director
- Roman Polanski
- Release Date
- 1999-08-25
- Runtime
- 133 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (3480)
Cast
- Johnny Depp
- Frank Langella
- Lena Olin
- Emmanuelle Seigner
- Barbara Jefford
- Jack Taylor
- José López Rodero
- Tony Amoni
- James Russo
- Willy Holt
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Howdy Amazon Channel
- 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 Ninth Gate about?
- A cynical rare-book dealer crosses Europe decoding a satanic manuscript while murder, secret societies, and an uncanny protector close in around him.
- What is The Ninth Gate like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Ninth Gate as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Ninth Gate violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Ninth Gate as moderate.
- What did critics think of The Ninth Gate?
- Critics broadly found the film stylish and atmospheric but meandering, underpowered as horror, and weakened by a ludicrous or unsatisfying resolution.
- Which films are like The Ninth Gate?
- Films with a similar feel include Angel Heart, The Devil Rides Out, The Name of the Rose, and Chinatown.
- How long is The Ninth Gate?
- The Ninth Gate runs 133 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Ninth Gate?
- In United States, The Ninth Gate streams on Amazon Prime Video, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Howdy Amazon Channel.
