The Dark Crystal

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The Dark Crystal

PG

1982

1h 35m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

51 Reviews

81%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Jen, raised by the noble race called the Mystics, has been told that he is the last survivor of his own race, the Gelflings. He sets out to try to find a shard of the dark crystal, a powerful gem that once provided balance to the universe. After the crystal was broken, the evil Skeksis used sinister means to gain control. Jen believes that he can repair the dark crystal and bring peace back to the world, if he can only find the remaining shard.

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Critics Consensus

The Dark Crystal's narrative never quite lives up to the movie's visual splendor, but it remains an admirably inventive and uniquely intense entry in the Jim Henson canon.

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Richard Corliss

TIME Magazine

May 2, 2019

As narrative, the incidents in The Dark Crystal are unremarkable; as the excuse for special effects, fanciful decor and eccentric characters, they do nicely enough.

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

May 2, 2019

Jim Henson and Frank Oz... designed and directed this 1983 film, in which no human actors appear (except as crude long-shot doubles for the animated figures); it's a cute gimmick, but the puppets are so stiff and inexpressive that the film drops dead.

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Ian Nathan

Empire Magazine

May 2, 2019

4/5

The Dark Crystal has an ethereal alien quality to its startling visions, far removed from the Earth-bound contours of traditional fairy tales.

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Katie Hogan

FILMHOUNDS Magazine

Jun 23, 2026

4/5

From the world-building to the design and the characters that inhabit this world in an age of wonder, it’s fantasy at its most whimsical, enchanting and dark.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Feb 17, 2024

3/4

An epic tale in the tradition of The Lord of the Rings.

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Kevin Carr

Fat Guys at the Movies

Feb 10, 2024

3.5/4

Dark and visionary, this compelling fantasy film uses amazing puppetry to tell its story.

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Paul T

Apr 12, 2026

One of the great fantasy movies of all time🔥

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Ethan

Dec 2, 2025

Seeing this film on the big screen made me appreciate just how much care, thought, and love Jim Henson poured into this film.

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Athena Fields

Nov 27, 2025

My all time favorite from my childhood!

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Google

Nov 24, 2025

Always neat to see a movie not seen in over 40 years. It is dated compared to what we see today but it was not bad by any means

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Meghan

Nov 12, 2025

Forever a favorite—the lengths Jim and his team went to create this world are a gift to this planet

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James H

Oct 15, 2025

I always wanted to see it, but never got to. It is very metaphysical!

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Director

Frank Oz

Director

John Baddeley

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Synopsis

Jen, raised by the noble race called the Mystics, has been told that he is the last survivor of his own race, the Gelflings. He sets out to try to find a shard of the dark crystal, a powerful gem that once provided balance to the universe. After the crystal was broken, the evil Skeksis used sinister means to gain control. Jen believes that he can repair the dark crystal and bring peace back to the world, if he can only find the remaining shard.

Director: Jim Henson, Frank Oz
Producer: Gary Kurtz, Jim Henson
Screenwriter: David Odell, Jim Henson
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Jim Henson Productions, Incorporated Television Company
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 17, 1982, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Oct 12, 2025
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 9, 2011
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Surround

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