Jacob's Ladder

1990, Horror/Drama, 1h 53m

67 Reviews 50,000+ Ratings

critics consensus

Even with its disorienting leaps of logic and structure, Jacob's Ladder is an engrossing, nerve-shattering experience. Read critic reviews

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Jacob's Ladder Photos

Jacob's Ladder (1990)

Jacob's Ladder (1990)

Jacob's Ladder (1990)

Jacob's Ladder (1990)

Jacob's Ladder (1990)

Jacob's Ladder (1990)

Jacob's Ladder (1990)

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Movie Info

After returning home from the Vietnam War, veteran Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins) struggles to maintain his sanity. Plagued by hallucinations and flashbacks, Singer rapidly falls apart as the world and people around him morph and twist into disturbing images. His girlfriend, Jezzie (Elizabeth Peña), and ex-wife, Sarah (Patricia Kalember), try to help, but to little avail. Even Singer's chiropractor friend, Louis (Danny Aiello), fails to reach him as he descends into madness.

Rating:

R
Genre:

Horror, Drama, Mystery & thriller
Original Language:

English
Director:

Adrian Lyne
Producer:

Alan Marshall
Writer:

Bruce Joel Rubin
Release Date (Theaters):

Nov 2, 1990 wide
Release Date (Streaming):

Aug 21, 2001
Box Office (Gross USA):

$24.8M
Runtime:

1h 53m
Distributor:

Image Entertainment Inc., TriStar Pictures
Sound Mix:

Surround, Dolby SR

Cast & Crew

Tim Robbins
Jacob Singer

Elizabeth Peña
Jezebel

Danny Aiello
Louis

Matt Craven
Michael

Pruitt Taylor Vince
Paul

Jason Alexander
Geary

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Critic Reviews for Jacob's Ladder

All Critics (67) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (49) | Rotten (18)

Full Review… James Berardinelli ReelViews

Full Review… John Hartl Seattle Times

Full Review… Dave Kehr Chicago Tribune

Full Review… Peter Rainer Los Angeles Times

Full Review… Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel

Full Review… Christopher Null Austin Chronicle

Full Review… Graeme Tuckett Stuff.co.nz

Full Review… Emma Wolfe SpookyAstronauts

Full Review… Ed Travis Hollywood Jesus

Full Review… Manuela Lazic The Ringer

Full Review… Jeffrey M. Anderson Combustible Celluloid

Full Review… Brian Costello Common Sense Media

View All Critic Reviews (67)

Audience Reviews for Jacob's Ladder

Sep 17, 2015

One of the most beautiful films ever put to print. Jacob's Ladder is American surrealism in motion, but the aesthetic is not quite supported by its story. There is so much potential here for a true masterpiece, but what we're given, though wholly entertaining, comes just shy of striking distance. The cast is very consistent as is the direction, but the plot offers so much unfulfilled brilliance that what we're left comes out as slightly underwhelming.

Paris S Super Reviewer
Feb 23, 2014

A great take on the Psychological Horror genre, Jacob's Ladder does almost everything right asides from a mild confusing second act and an unnecessary preachy drug twist at the end. Has great visual madness to spook you, touching moments, great presence by Tim Robbins and an interesting story that grabs your attention right from the start.

Francisco G Super Reviewer
Oct 29, 2013

One word: mindfuck. This movie is fantastic, though disturbing at times. There are very few movies that made need to know what happens next. I was hooked less than 10 minutes in. I couldn't stop watching. Awesome.

Stephen S Super Reviewer
Oct 03, 2013

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