Donnie Darko (2001)

85% of critics liked it
(108 reviews)
77% of users liked it
(29,532,807 ratings)

Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a bright and charming high-school student who also has a dark and willfully eccentric side; he does little to mask his contempt for many of his peers and enjoys challenging the authority of the adults around him. Donnie is also visited on occasion by Frank, a monstrous… More Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a bright and charming high-school student who also has a dark and willfully eccentric side; he does little to mask his contempt for many of his peers and enjoys challenging the authority of the adults around him. Donnie is also visited on occasion by Frank, a monstrous six-foot rabbit that only Donnie can see who often urges him to perform dangerous and destructive pranks. Late one night, Frank leads Donnie out of his home to inform him that the world will come to an end in less than a month; moments later, the engine of a jet aircraft comes crashing through the ceiling of Donnie's room, making him think there might be something to Frank's prophesies after all. The rest of Donnie's world is only marginally less bizarre, as he finds himself dealing with his confused parents (Mary McDonnell and Holmes Osborne), his college-age sister (Maggie Gyllenhaal), his perplexed analyst (Katherine Ross), a rebellious English teacher (Drew Barrymore), a sleazy self-help expert (Patrick Swayze), and the new girl at school who is attracted by Donnie's quirks (Jena Malone). Donnie Darko was the first feature film from writer and director Richard Kelly; Drew Barrymore, who plays teacher Karen Pomeroy, also lent her support to the project as executive producer. A director's cut played in select theaters on a limited basis in the summer of 2004, featuring original music cues and trimmed scenes originally in Kelly's first cut of the film. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 53 min.
Directed By: Richard Kelly (II), Richard Kelly
Written By: Richard Kelly
Genres: Romance, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 19, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Mar 19, 2002
Studio: Newmarket Film Group

Critic Reviews

Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader
Kelly is a supple and courageous storyteller, boldly free-associating as he mixes parody and satire with earnest psychodrama and coming up with plot points no one could anticipate.
Todd McCarthy, Variety
Donnie Darko has plenty of problems. But most stem from a young filmmaker overswinging on his first time up to the plate and hitting a deep fly out rather than a home run.
Loren King, Boston Globe
Shows plenty of promise, but it's somewhat self-involved and won't appeal to audiences who like a straightforward -- even if fantastical -- narrative.
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
Excitingly original indie vision.
Andrew O'Hehir, Salon.com
A stunning technical accomplishment that virtually bursts with noise, ideas and references.
Bob Graham, San Francisco Chronicle
If this movie ever figured out what it wanted to be when it grows up, it would be a terrific one.
R. L. Shaffer, IGN DVD
An incredibly fascinating, star-making film that never fails to intrigue.
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
Donnie Darko is a bit like a teenager: brooding, complex, rebellious, and difficult to comprehend.
Eric Melin, Scene-Stealers.com
The Director's Cut works too hard to explain the mystery behind what really happened to teenage misfit Donnie, while the theatrical one was more mysterious and ambiguous.
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness
Defines itself through sustained mood, otherworldly intrigue and deep, abiding humanism.
Jason Best, Movie Talk
A decidedly weird time-travel drama that puzzled viewers so much that many went back to see it again and again... Unfortunately, Kelly's extended version diminishes the film's impact.
Nick Rogers, Suite101.com
Maybe Richard Kelly's fate is to be the cult-film circuit's Michael Cimino. He has yet to match the mood or magnitude of his debut - a collision of time-travel sci-fi, commentary on '80s malaise and teen angst that's simultaneously witty and poignant.
Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media
Winningly edgy teen-angst sci-fi tragicomedy.
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
A brilliant and truly incredible piece of art that deserves to be watched...
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
The film...asks the question: what if the universe as we live it, not just as we theorize it, really isn't as we imagine it? In making the mundane as bottomless as the cosmic, Donnie Darko has the guts to remain a riddle itself.
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
The drowsy surrealism and elaborate inconclusiveness of Donnie Darko will simultaneously guarantee it a rabid cult and put it way off limits to the don't-get-its.
Moira Sullivan, Movie Magazine International
The directors cut of Donnie Darko by Richard Kelly was screened at the Venice Film Festivals a couple of years ago, a film I missed for sure when it was released in 2001 and one of those pearls like Blade Runner that just is haunting screening after scree
Beth Accomando, KPBS.org
Kelly captures, better than any film in recent memory other than Election, what it feels like to be in high school.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
In its metaphysical concerns and challenging notions about personal and social responsibility, the film aims much higher than most American youth pictures.
Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
Donnie Darko's flaws, though, are those of a young, talented filmmaker reaching beyond his current grasp. That's a more forgivable sin than soulless excess or hubris-fueled incompetence.

Read all 20 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Joseph M

A beautiful, Complex, mind bending film. Donnie Darko is so different strange and fantastic it may require multiple viewings to really get behind this film. Jake Gyleenhall is yet again fantastic as "Donnie", the soundtrack is also fantastic. A near perfect directional debut… More
A beautiful, Complex, mind bending film. Donnie Darko is so different strange and fantastic it may require multiple viewings to really get behind this film. Jake Gyleenhall is yet again fantastic as "Donnie", the soundtrack is also fantastic. A near perfect directional debut from Richard Kelly. While it may off flopped at the box office even with it's hollywood cast, Donnie Darko is a film that will go down in cinematic history.
Jason S

excellent
Albert K

A lot of people praise this "underrated" movie, but the way I see it, it is way too confusing for even the most observant people. I looked up the meaning behind everything through multiple forums, and I saw that it was way too overcomplicated for a movie to portray some sort… More
A lot of people praise this "underrated" movie, but the way I see it, it is way too confusing for even the most observant people. I looked up the meaning behind everything through multiple forums, and I saw that it was way too overcomplicated for a movie to portray some sort of interesting idea. The follow-up to the ending is dreadfully meaningless at times and boring. Please stop praising this movie when you don't understand what the movie means.
Coxxie M

keep hearing its good
J P

This movie is gold. Pure genius. Total mindfuck. I had to think a little bit.
Joshua W

This film messed me up in the head... in the ood way. When you see a film that makes you question reality as much as this, it should go doen in history as the best cult film ever!
KJ P

The story, the acting by the entire cast (Jake Gyllenhaal in particular), and the dialogue is absolutely mesmerizing. The film is told through present time, past time, and a time that is left up to you to decipher. This is a story that follows a troubled young boy as he imagines… More
The story, the acting by the entire cast (Jake Gyllenhaal in particular), and the dialogue is absolutely mesmerizing. The film is told through present time, past time, and a time that is left up to you to decipher. This is a story that follows a troubled young boy as he imagines creatures and has a very two-sided perspective on life. There are moments that will have you chuckling, moments that will have you star-struck in fear, and moments that are just too strange and over-intense to handle. This psycological thriller is definately "THE" best of it's kind, and it will easily hold a spot in my top 10. I absolutely adore "Donnie Dark" and I wish more films were told in perspective such as this. This film is pure hollywood genius!
Paulo G

Remarkably brilliant and mind boggling but the intelligent premise of the plot itself would only strike interest to those who tend to do more than just watch the film itself. This movie is cleverly original full of random concepts that'll leave you thinking which is probably the… More
Remarkably brilliant and mind boggling but the intelligent premise of the plot itself would only strike interest to those who tend to do more than just watch the film itself. This movie is cleverly original full of random concepts that'll leave you thinking which is probably the problem to it. There's too much going on all at the same time, but nonetheless, this movie is worth watching and going the extra mile in researching.
John H

[new review coming soon] This film really spoke to me... or: at least it DID anyway. It showed me how someone's choices can affect our lives. It's use of foreshadow was quite a shock. So much was going on in this movie that you'd probably need to take a second glance… More
[new review coming soon] This film really spoke to me... or: at least it DID anyway. It showed me how someone's choices can affect our lives. It's use of foreshadow was quite a shock. So much was going on in this movie that you'd probably need to take a second glance at it to further understand it. I tend to avoid movies with this sort of plot style, but i made an exception after realizing what this movie was all about. The way it was shown and symbolized was beyond what i could have imagined. Unfortunately, the major flaw of this film - the acting - made me loose interest. I give this any such credit with the score provided by Michael Andres. His feel on cult , film-noir, mystery, horror, is all captured with a simple thread of notes. it's bone chilling and spine tingling - as an uproot scholar with minimal terms and an ruse for cliches might resort with. On the other hand, his lacking balance of either posture nor fitting heir made small infliction on the 'rounds. Still, to justify it's intent for dramatic them of sci-fi, He accomplished a beautiful score. The redone version of Mad World with vocals by Gary Jules revolutionized new ways of music critic. E for Effort: No A, no F; just exemplary
Joseph B

The only good movie Richard Kelly has ever made.
Martin S

I like this...It's a little wierd....but we all go a little mad sometimes..
Dead A

I watched this mainly for Jake :D My he was really good in here. Thought the movie was a bit messed up. It was a bit complicated for my taste. The sing at the end was very touching.
Jeff "

Donnie Darko is a stunning film. The film blends Sci Fi, mystery and horror very well. Director Richard Kelly creates a thrilling, scary and interesting film. I had heard many great things about this film, and never got around to watch it, until I saw it for five dollars at a… More
Donnie Darko is a stunning film. The film blends Sci Fi, mystery and horror very well. Director Richard Kelly creates a thrilling, scary and interesting film. I had heard many great things about this film, and never got around to watch it, until I saw it for five dollars at a Wal-Mart. Boy was I glad that I picked up this title because I thought it was genuinely creepy, well written with terrific directing from Richard Kelly's part. I thought that Donnie Darko was a fine horror sci fi film, coming off the many terrible teen horror films of the late 1990's. I thought it was great to see something scary like this again, and the genre needed something to rejuvenate the genre, and this was one of many films to bring back life to a genre that has lost any credibility of being a scary, creepy genre of cinema. Donnie Darko is quite possibly one of the best independent films to come out in the last ten years. Richard Kelly has assembled one terrific cast of actors and they all deliver great performances. Donnie Darko is a solid psychological horror film that has a solid story and acting. If you love these types of films, then give this one a shot, this is a very good film, and one that is very memorable. What you have here is a film that will make you want to watch it again and again, a truly unique psychological horror film.
Lorenzo v

"Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?" A troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes, after narrowly escaping a bizarre accident. <center>"Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?" A troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes, after narrowly escaping a bizarre accident. <center>REVIEW</center> Richard Kelly's flawed but utterly promising debut is one of the best things that could happen to post-2000 cinema. In fact, I use the word 'flawed' with caution because it isn't the most appropriate term to describe the slight imperfections featuring in Donnie Darko. It feels a little like Kelly wants to add too many ingenious elements and gimmicks and the screenplay often is a little messy. Nevertheless, it's a project that breathes its own personal atmosphere and the creativity nearly drips from the screen. What makes this film so unique and fresh is the half-apocalyptic, half depressing tone. We're welcomed in a bitter 80's setting and meet Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) who's living in a socially strict suburban town called Middlesex. Donnie is a not-so typical teenager who suffers from severe hallucinations and bizarre states of mind. It even gets worse when he has a near death experience, as he starts spotting a giant ugly bunny that tells him the world is coming to an end. What follows is a blend of almost-brilliant sequences, an outstanding 80's soundtrack and slightly too many digital effects. That's not a bad thing, though, because you especially remember the good sequences like Donnie rebelling against his superficial teachers and hilarious Smurf-speeches. Jake Gyllenhaal is great and there are sublime supporting roles for Mary McDowell, Patrick Swayze and Holmes Osborne (he's the coolest father one could have). Special mention goes out to the gorgeous Maggie Gyllenhaal in her (too small) role of Donnie's sister Elizabeth. Richard Kelly has talent. That's not an opinion, that's a fact and even those who dislike this film should reckon this. Just look at how he pans the camera over the high school playground while 'Head over Heals' by Tears for Fears is playing. That's pure class!
Dan S

A smart, savvy supernatural thriller from the mind of one-hit wonderkid Richard Kelly about a mentally disturbed boy (Jake Gyllenhaal) who is harrassed by demonic bunny rabit who says the end of the world is coming in 28 days. While this has been heralded by many as a phenomenal film,… More
A smart, savvy supernatural thriller from the mind of one-hit wonderkid Richard Kelly about a mentally disturbed boy (Jake Gyllenhaal) who is harrassed by demonic bunny rabit who says the end of the world is coming in 28 days. While this has been heralded by many as a phenomenal film, attaining a cult following over the years, this remains a solid, well-acted melodrama which overdoses a little on the atmosphere (even David Lynch would be saying "Woh, that's enough" with this film) but still remains a treat throughout its duration. Gyllenhaal's perfect performance in the major driving force behind this film, being that his character is brutally honest in addition to being severely troubled and confused. The end of the film is a head-scratcher to be sure, but once you figure it out, it is hard not to be in awe of how creative it is. As said though, it isn't as great as many people would have you believe, sometimes it truly is weird for the sake of being weird, but mostly it is an utterly hypnotizing experience.
Brad W

Donnie Darko is one of a kind, and one of the most original films ever. This movie creeped me out, it was beautifully acted with an all star cast. Donnie Darko begins with smart and charming Donnie (Jake Gyllenhal) being told by a demon rabbit named Frank that only Donnie can see… More
Donnie Darko is one of a kind, and one of the most original films ever. This movie creeped me out, it was beautifully acted with an all star cast. Donnie Darko begins with smart and charming Donnie (Jake Gyllenhal) being told by a demon rabbit named Frank that only Donnie can see that the world will soon end. Jake Gyllenhal oozes creepiness and insanity, he was the perfect choice. The ending was really strange, but after a few viewings its start to make more sense. I really enjoyed Donnie Darko, a great film.
Sophie B

A brilliant cast really helps this film. It's very interesting and had me gripped right from the beginning until the end. I'm confused as to what was supposed to have happened. Maybe another few watches will explain for me.If I understood it would have been a 5 star.
Jameson W

One of the oddest and weirdest movies I have ever seen. But I love every second of it! Definitely one of my favorites. The best scene of the entire film and one of my favorite movie scenes ever, the dinner scene.... "You are such a fuckass."… More
One of the oddest and weirdest movies I have ever seen. But I love every second of it! Definitely one of my favorites. The best scene of the entire film and one of my favorite movie scenes ever, the dinner scene.... "You are such a fuckass." Did you really just call me a fuckass? You can go suck a fuck." .......What's a fuckass?" Funniest thing I have ever seen!
Melvin W

"Donnie Darko. What the hell kind of name is that? It sounds like a superhero or something?" Donnie Darko is a strange, funny, emotional, touching, exciting, and challenging film. The first time… More
"Donnie Darko. What the hell kind of name is that? It sounds like a superhero or something?" Donnie Darko is a strange, funny, emotional, touching, exciting, and challenging film. The first time you watch it, you will have absolutely no idea what is going on, but it will hook you. The movie is so complex and challenging that it does turn a certain type of person off it. If you are one of those people that don't like a movie that makes you think then this isn't your typeof movie. The majority of the negative reviews I've read from people complain about how hard it is to understand. It is hard to understand, but that is what makes it so great. The movie features one of the greatest cast ever. Jack and Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, and Jena Malone, just to name a few. From beginning to end Donnie Darko is a great and original movie. There is nothing else like it. Also, on a different not, the directors cut is essential viewing if you like the theatrical cut. On the directors cut there is an awesome audio commentary with director Richard Kelly and Kevin Smith.
Zach B

As I am sure a lot of people have said about this film, you will either love it, or hate it with very little in between to go around with. For me, it is hard to decide. While this film is original, does post some very interesting ideas, the only main problem is that it leaves… More
As I am sure a lot of people have said about this film, you will either love it, or hate it with very little in between to go around with. For me, it is hard to decide. While this film is original, does post some very interesting ideas, the only main problem is that it leaves questions that are not that easy to understand unless you happen to know about the context inwhich this film is based around. The only other thing I can say about this film is that if you take spiritual and religious matters seriously, than you must be open minded to how this film deals with those matters in relation to time travailing. Now, I would give this film a perfect five star rating, but the main reason why I can't in relation to the Big Four of films, it would have to be the direction. This film is slow a good percentage of the film and there are moments that I did wish that the film would just hurry up. Ignore that one detail while watching this and you will find yourself in for a treat. Recommend to your non-average film viewer.