Videodrome

1983, Horror, 1h 30m

52 Reviews 25,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Visually audacious, disorienting, and just plain weird, Videodrome's musings on technology, entertainment, and politics still feel fresh today. Read critic reviews

You might also like

Deep Red
The Tenant
The Brood
Audition
Suspiria

Where to watch

In Theaters Rent/buy from $3.99 Rent/buy from $3.99 Rent/buy from $3.99

Rate And Review

User image

Verified

  • User image

    Super Reviewer

    Rate this movie

    Oof, that was Rotten.

    Meh, it passed the time.

    It’s good – I’d recommend it.

    Awesome!

    So Fresh: Absolute Must See!

    What did you think of the movie? (optional)

  • You're almost there! Just confirm how you got your ticket.

  • User image

    Super Reviewer

    Step 2 of 2

    How did you buy your ticket?

    Let's get your review verified.

    • Fandango

    • AMCTheatres.com or AMC AppNew

    • Cinemark Coming Soon

      We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future.

    • Regal Coming Soon

      We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future.

    • Theater box office or somewhere else

    By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie.

    You're almost there! Just confirm how you got your ticket.

  • User image

    Super Reviewer

    Rate this movie

    Oof, that was Rotten.

    Meh, it passed the time.

    It’s good – I’d recommend it.

    Awesome!

    So Fresh: Absolute Must See!

    What did you think of the movie? (optional)

  • How did you buy your ticket?

    • Fandango

    • AMCTheatres.com or AMC AppNew

    • Cinemark Coming Soon

      We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future.

    • Regal Coming Soon

      We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future.

    • Theater box office or somewhere else

    By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie.

Videodrome Photos

View All Photos (14)

Movie Info

As the president of a trashy TV channel, Max Renn (James Woods) is desperate for new programming to attract viewers. When he happens upon "Videodrome," a TV show dedicated to gratuitous torture and punishment, Max sees a potential hit and broadcasts the show on his channel. However, after his girlfriend (Deborah Harry) auditions for the show and never returns, Max investigates the truth behind Videodrome and discovers that the graphic violence may not be as fake as he thought.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Horror
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    David Cronenberg
  • Producer:
    Claude Héroux
  • Writer:
    David Cronenberg
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Criterion Collection, Universal Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    Mono, Stereo
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Flat (1.85:1)

Cast & Crew

James Woods
Max Renn
Deborah Harry
Nicki Brand
Sonja Smits
Bianca O'Blivion
Peter Dvorsky
Harlan
Leslie Carlson
Barry Convex
Jack Creley
Brian O'Blivion
Lynne Gorman
Masha
Julie Khaner
Bridey
David Cronenberg
Director
David Cronenberg
Writer
Pierre David
Executive Producer
Victor Solnicki
Executive Producer
Claude Héroux
Producer
Howard Shore
Original Music
Mark Irwin
Cinematography
Ronald Sanders
Film Editing
Carol Spier
Art Director
Angelo Stea
Set Decoration
Delphine White
Costume Design
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Videodrome

All Critics (52) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (41) | Rotten (11)
Full Review… Gary Arnold Washington Post Full Review… Variety Staff Variety Full Review… Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Full Review… Chris Peachment Time Out Full Review… Janet Maslin New York Times Full Review… Michael Thomson BBC.com Full Review… Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Full Review… David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Full Review… Sergio Benítez Espinof Full Review… Asher Luberto culturevulture.net Full Review… C.H. Newell Father Son Holy Gore Full Review… Sean Fennessey The Ringer
View All Critic Reviews (52)

Audience Reviews for Videodrome

  • Jun 26, 2016
    I love the practical FX, I still don't know how David Cronenberg made it but I have to say, good acting, best animation sequences.
    Film C Super Reviewer
  • Jun 03, 2016
    "I don't get it..." "Don't worry about it." "So it's been a hallucination since the beginning?" "Don't worry about it." "I'm totally lost, can you explain it?" "Don't worry about it."
    Gimly M Super Reviewer
  • Jan 15, 2015
    Consider Videodrome to be the first cut of Existenz. A lot of the same themes are here and Cronenberg had more money and chops to do something better with that film. We have a lot here however that is memorable. I do realize that Cronenberg loves the gore but I do have to admit that a lot of it is unnecessary for telling this tale.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Jun 26, 2013
    A truly fascinatingly disturbing film. The idea of how humanity is so dependent on technology, its not just a necessity, its becoming part of us. Featuring some unsettling topics, such as hardcore snuff films and brain tumors, Videodrome will not be the most pleasant ride for anyone. As well as and superb effects, Videodrome is topped with a strong performance from James Woods, who I felt wasn't the most sympathetic character or someone you could connect with, but it was one performance that stood out regardless. David Cronenberg's Videodrome has a chilling message, which is rather relevant for today, on how technology is becoming more advanced, which then leads to the demand in explicit/graphic entertainment rise. This may not entertain everyone, however, its power and messages should be looked at in detail.
    Samuel R Super Reviewer
See all Audience reviews

Movie & TV guides