The Invisible Man

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The Invisible Man

1933

1h 11m

Sci-Fi

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Popcornmeter

95%

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59 Reviews

85%

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10,000+ Ratings

While researching a new drug, Dr. Jack Griffin (Claude Rains) stumbles on a potion that can make him invisible. When he reveals his new ability to his old mentor (Henry Travers) and his fiancée (Gloria Stuart), it's clear that a side effect of the potion is insanity. Jack goes on a violent rampage, and the police struggle to hunt him down, unable to see their target, while his mentor and his former partner (William Harrigan) desperately try to devise a plan to capture him.

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Critics Consensus

James Whale's classic The Invisible Man features still-sharp special effects, loads of tension, a goofy sense of humor, and a memorable debut from Claude Rains.

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Lawrence O'Toole

Entertainment Weekly

Oct 15

A

Whale’s playful and innovative trick photography (using wires and mattes that have now become standard issues) and Rains’ virtuoso performance, nearly entirely vocal, turn his tragedy of transparency into something touching and timeless.

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Times (UK) Staff

The Times (UK)

10/08/2020

Mr. Wells's original idea had the element of humour as well as stark terror in it; in the film the humour misses all its glorious opportunities and the terror is robbed.

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SMH Staff

Sydney Morning Herald

10/08/2020

Under the supervision of James Whale, the director of "Frankenstein" and "The Old Dark House" the doings of the Invisible Man have been set forth with extraordinary realism.

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Mar 19

4/5

‘…sits up with the best of Whale’s 1930’s work…’

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Oct 26

3.5/4

After creating movie magic with Frankenstein and The Old Dark House, James Whale again demonstrated his proclivity for the genre with this exciting adaptation of the H.G. Wells chestnut.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

04/26/2025

It’s slow going even at 71 minutes but full of delightful touches and a terrific performance by the all but unseen Rains, whose rich, cultured voice envelopes the picture in a kind of omnipresent fog.

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Chris C

Oct 24

Given how old this movie is, quite good. and so interesting to see how things have progressed over the years!

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Garrett B.

@gmoney637 Jun 5

The Invisible Man features dazzling special effects and a clever comedic tone in this horror feature.

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Mar 8

Successful horror movie in 1 hour and 11 minutes.

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Teddy B

@RT90521672 Jan 30

H. G, Wells' original story is such a curious and riveting fusion of genres, and it feels like Whale perfectly understood how to translate the giddy-terrifying feel of 'The Invisible Man' to the silver screen. It is Whale at the top of his game in terms of finding his style: with gorgeous production design, a wonderfully witty and fancy-free screenplay, and a charming air of comedy that, through his deft direction, does not clash but syncs with the horror of his works. Claude Rains and Una O'Connor are delightful, and the special effects go without saying for their time. 'The Invisible Man' is a comedic, campy and subtly disturbing masterpiece worthy of its kooky source material.

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Mariana T

@M.Tezeta Jan 14

Although James Whale occasionally blurs the lines between comedy and horror (the scene where the police run in circles after the man becomes absurd), The Invisible Man is a Universal monster movie that shines on its own merits. If you watch it without demanding too much explanation, the plot and atmosphere are enough to hold your attention. Of course, while I would have preferred that "being invisible" wasn't entirely advantageous, the narrative is sufficient for the theme of "the insatiable pursuit of knowledge for power."

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Tyler S

@tylerking24 Oct 31

Very solid. Fascinating production for its time. Other than that, simple movie.

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James Whale

Director

Claude Rains

Jack Griffin

Gloria Stuart

Flora Cranley

Henry Travers

Dr. Cranley

William Harrigan

Dr. Arthur Kemp

Una O'Connor

Jenny Hall

The Invisible Man: Official Clip - Murder, Money, Madness

1:47

The Invisible Man: Official Clip - I'll Show You Who I Am

1:56

The Invisible Man: Official Clip - The Invisible Man Escapes

2:20

The Invisible Man: Official Clip - Visible at the End

1:56

The Invisible Man: Official Clip - Terrorizing the Village

2:50

The Invisible Man: Official Clip - A Visible Partner

2:32

The Invisible Man: Official Clip - Trapped in a Barn

2:01

The Invisible Man: Official Clip - Terrible Power

2:54

The Invisible Man: Official Clip - Killing Kemp

1:49

The Invisible Man: Official Clip - He's Here!

2:05

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Synopsis

While researching a new drug, Dr. Jack Griffin (Claude Rains) stumbles on a potion that can make him invisible. When he reveals his new ability to his old mentor (Henry Travers) and his fiancée (Gloria Stuart), it's clear that a side effect of the potion is insanity. Jack goes on a violent rampage, and the police struggle to hunt him down, unable to see their target, while his mentor and his former partner (William Harrigan) desperately try to devise a plan to capture him.

Director: James Whale
Producer: Carl Laemmle Jr.
Screenwriter: R.C. Sherriff, Preston Sturges, H.G. Wells, Philip Wylie
Distributor: Realart Pictures Inc., Universal Pictures, Screen Gems, Universal Home Entertainment, MCA/Universal Pictures [us]
Production Co: Universal Pictures
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 13, 1933, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Runtime: 1h 11m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)