Overview
A young hero embarks on a quest to restore balance to a chaotic world ruled by evil.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- uncanny
- foreboding
- awe-inspiring
- family fantasy night
- classic film evening
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a visually groundbreaking and enchanting practical-effects fantasy whose simple story and limited character depth divide opinion.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The Skeksis, Mystics, Gelflings, Fizzgig, and other inhabitants are realized through Jim Henson-associated puppetry rather than conventional human performers.
Jen must recover the missing shard of the Dark Crystal and restore it at the appointed conjunction to end the Skeksis' domination.
The grotesque Skeksis, alien planet, mystical orders, and cavernous environments emphasize wonder mixed with menace.
Jen is raised in solitude by the Mystics before undertaking the mission that can free the Gelflings and rebalance the universe.
Films like The Dark Crystal, and why
Labyrinth
Shares mythic fantasy world-building, youthful quest narrative, practical creature effects, and a morally clear struggle against tyranny.
The NeverEnding Story
Shares family-oriented high fantasy, a perilous coming-of-age quest, fantastical creatures, and elaborate practical production design.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Shares epic fantasy adventure, an orphaned young protagonist, ancient mystical forces, and a mission to restore cosmic balance.
Movie Details
- Directors
- Jim Henson, Frank Oz
- Release Date
- 1982-12-17
- Runtime
- 93 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (1317)
Cast
- Jim Henson
- Kathryn Mullen
- Frank Oz
- Dave Goelz
- Steve Whitmire
- Louise Gold
- Brian Meehl
- Stephen Garlick
- Lisa Maxwell
- Billie Whitelaw
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, Peacock Premium, Night Flight Plus, Peacock Premium Plus, Shout! Factory 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 Dark Crystal about?
- An orphaned Gelfling crosses an uncanny puppet-built world to recover a crystal shard and challenge the grotesque rulers who control its destiny.
- What is The Dark Crystal like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Dark Crystal as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Dark Crystal violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Dark Crystal as mild.
- What did critics think of The Dark Crystal?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a visually groundbreaking and enchanting practical-effects fantasy whose simple story and limited character depth divide opinion.
- Which films are like The Dark Crystal?
- Films with a similar feel include Labyrinth, The NeverEnding Story, and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
- How long is The Dark Crystal?
- The Dark Crystal runs 93 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Dark Crystal?
- In United States, The Dark Crystal streams on fuboTV, Peacock Premium, Night Flight Plus, Peacock Premium Plus, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel.
