A loud and relentlessly overstated B-movie, and yet not entirely stupid.
Underworld (2003)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:153
Fresh:46
Rotten:107
Average Rating:4.7/10
Consensus: Though stylish to look at, Underworld is tedious and derivative.
Rated: R [See Full Rating] for strong violence/gore and some language
Runtime: 2 hrs 26 mins
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy
Theatrical Release:Sep 19, 2003 Wide
Box Office: $51,483,949
Synopsis: In UNDERWORLD, a dark and Gothic monster action movie, vampires and lycans--an ancient form of werewolf--are at war. While the vampires inhabit a gigantic castle that houses their ancestor's tombs,... In UNDERWORLD, a dark and Gothic monster action movie, vampires and lycans--an ancient form of werewolf--are at war. While the vampires inhabit a gigantic castle that houses their ancestor's tombs, the lycans live underground in a dilapidated sewer cave. Both teams are equipped with big guns, and they are constantly innovating deadlier bullets to gain advantage over each other. On the vampire side, the leather-clad death agent Selene (Kate Beckinsale) delegates teams of vamps to attack the lycans. But when she discovers that the lycans have kidnapped a human medical student, Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman), she knows the worst is on its way. Against the orders of her superior, Kraven (Shane Brolly), who is obsessively in love with Selene, she awakens the most powerful vampire of all time, Viktor (Bill Nighy) and prepares for a massive feud against lycan leader Lucian (Michael Sheen). Director Len Wiseman offers a tough, fast, and gory addition to the horror-fantasy genre with UNDERWORLD. Impressive special effects show the lycans transforming from humans to werewolves, and the lycans' ability to squeeze silver bullets out of their skin is also rudely fascinating. Beckinsale is captivating in the role of the lead vamp, with her leather corset, pouty expressions, and double-fisted pistols perfectly communicating the glam-action mood of the film. [More]
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Bill Nighy, Michael Sheen
Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Bill Nighy, Michael Sheen, Danny McBride, Shane Brolly, Erwin Leder, Robbie Gee, Sophia Myles, Kevin Grevioux
Director: Len Wiseman
Director: Len Wiseman
Screenwriter: Danny McBride
Producer: Richard S. Wright, Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, Robert Bernacchi
Composer: Paul Haslinger
Studio: Screen Gems
Get This Movie
Reviews for Underworld
A dark, Gothic romance set among lots of Matrix-style action, ably executed by first-time director Len Wiseman.
Gets itself totally mired down in the La Brea Tar Pit of Incomprehensible Plotlines.
For a movie about a centuries-old battle between vampires and werewolves, Underworld proves to be a surprisingly toothless affair.
Thick with mold-breaking potential...the picture fails to break away from clownishly Goth-fashioned bloodsuckers and sunken-eyed, greasy-haired, heavy-metal headbanger-styled (werewolves).
It engenders more comic-book comradeship than awe. (No rating: Neither 'Fresh' nor 'Rotten.')
A cross between Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Blade and The Matrix, directed by Ed Wood. This isn't one to rush out to on opening night, but it'd make for a decent Saturday matinee.
Perhaps it's the idea, the atmosphere, or the enthusiastic action, but it maintains a mysterious watchability which suggests it could become a cult classic.
It takes a premise that should have made for primo goth froth ... and renders it (forgive me) bloodless, even when the corn syrup flows by the gallon.
Keeps getting held back by an uncertain pace and a too-tight- lipped tone that elicits a few inadvertent snickers.
Latest News for Underworld
August 14, 2009:
Beckinsale Returning for Underworld 4? ![]()
Is Kate Beckinsale returning for the fourth installment of "Underworld"? According to Bloody Disgusting's sources, the answer is yes. More...
April 02, 2009:
Five Favourite Films with Bill Nighy
There can be few actors better suited to starring in a film about the golden age of British rock and roll than Bill Nighy. No wonder, then, that he's front and centre as part of... More...
January 21, 2009:
RT Interview: Bill Nighy talks Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
RT travels to New Zealand onto the set of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans to chat to star Bill Nighy about the complexities of fang wearing etiquette, wet, velvet, 'battle' skirt... More...
July 28, 2008:
New Underworld: Rise of the Lycans Stills Released ![]()
The first photos of Rhona Mitra in Underworld action have been released -- and Entertainment Weekly has posted them for your enjoyment. More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
| 53% 53% | David & Layla |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Around The Network
- Underworld at Rotten Tomatoes
- Underworld at IGN
- Underworld at AskMen
Fresh Links
Featured

The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox

Hollywood.com ponders whether or not an animated film could win Best Picture.

Richard Corliss previews the season's best offerings and hottest tickets.

The AV Club's Mike D'Angelo airs his beefs with Alfonso Cuaron's Children of Men.
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic



