From Hell (2001)

57% of critics liked it
(148 reviews)
70% of users liked it
(180,605 ratings)

The true-life horror story of Jack the Ripper gets a new spin in this screen adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell. In 1888, a ruthless and cold-blooded killer begins hunting prostitutes in East London, and while the murderer's work is savage, the mutilation of… More The true-life horror story of Jack the Ripper gets a new spin in this screen adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell. In 1888, a ruthless and cold-blooded killer begins hunting prostitutes in East London, and while the murderer's work is savage, the mutilation of his victims suggests the fiend has an extensive medical background. Amidst a background of political unrest and barely contained scandal among the royal family, the murderer's grisly exploits shock and frighten all of England, and one of Scotland Yard's top inspectors, Fred Abberline (Johnny Depp), is put on the case, along with his partner, Peter Godley (Robbie Coltrane). Abberline, depending on one's viewpoint, is either blessed or cursed with second sight, and while he blurs his ability to see future events with opium and other drugs, he still has an uncanny ability to ferret out dangerous criminals, which is put to the test as he and Godley search for the Ripper. As Abberline and Godley investigate the neighborhood where the crimes occur, they become acquainted with the prostitutes and street people who were friends and compatriots of the victims, and Abberline finds himself falling in love with Mary Kelly (Heather Graham), a beautiful Irish streetwalker. As Abberline tries to identify the killer before Mary Kelly can become the next victim, he and Godley have to contend with Sir Charles Warren (Ian Richardson), their superior who is keen to pin the murders on a culprit who isn't British, and Sir William Gull (Ian Holm), a respected physician who has his own ideas about the murders and the benefits of psychosurgery. From Hell marked a change of pace for Albert Hughes and Allen Hughes, the sibling directorial team best known for their gritty depictions of America's urban underground in such films as Menace II Society and Dead Presidents. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 17 min.
Directed By: Allen Hughes, Albert Hughes
Written By: Terry Hayes, Rafael Yglesias
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Horror

In Theaters: Oct 19, 2001 Wide
On DVD: May 14, 2002
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Critic Reviews

Derek Elley, Variety
Anyone expecting the combo of Allen and Albert Hughes and the famed Victorian serial-killer to result in a gritty, stygian, skin-crawling horror movie will be severely disappointed
Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader
This wry, atmospheric procedural spawned by a real mystery would be thorny enough without also being an adaptation.
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
The Hughes boys blow it by burying a fine cast ... in stock scares, sappy romance and cliches that really are from hell.
Peter Rainer, New York Magazine
The only thrill, if you can call it that, is waiting to see who gets sliced up next.
J. Hoberman, Village Voice
It has the lush decrepitude of an autumn compost heap or an old Hammer werewolf flick.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
What we have here is a perversion of the 'business as usual' recommendations we've been hearing lately.
Sarah Wenk, Common Sense Media
Gruesome, predictable Jack the Ripper retelling.
, Film4
Moore might not be merrier, but this is far from offal.
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
The problem with this film is that Jack the Ripper takes a backseat to the dull and terrible romance between Depp's policeman character and Heather Graham's prostitute character.
Stacie Hougland, Hollywood.com
See it for the stunning visuals and Depp's performance rather than a factual re-telling -- if you can stomach it.
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
Somehow, the movie taps into the book's uncanny implication that the very air is charged with malevolent ancient spirits...
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
"From Hell works mostly on the level of an atmospheric drama. As a mystery, and as a thriller, it's not as successful.
Joe Lozito, Big Picture Big Sound
Without a script on which to hang their vision, the brothers can only technically succeed. And, for better or worse, they do.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A disappointingly conventional thriller from the Hughes brothers (Menace II Society still their best film by far), neither chilling enough as a horror flick nor compelling as a character study; one of Johnny Depp's few mediocre performances
Kim Newman, Empire Magazine
A rare, clever, horror film.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Jack the Ripper has proven a far more durable movie baddie than Freddy, Jason and Hannibal combined.
, Time Out
Fitfully arresting late night entertainment.
Scott Nash, Three Movie Buffs
This movie is beautiful to look at, but has little substance. All Depp and no depth.
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
They want it to feel like one really bad dream ... and by the film's end we're too dizzy to think, to see if it all lines up.
Jordan Hiller, Bangitout.com
What the Hughes Brothers have done in making a lavish period piece complete ...... is nothing less than a revolutionary achievement.

Read all 23 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Eric S

In Victorian era London, troubled, absinthe addicted police detective Fred Abberline portrayed by Johnny Depp investigates gruesome murders in a slum known as Whitechapel. The victims are prostitutes who are easily targeted due to their lifestyle of walking the streets at night.… More
In Victorian era London, troubled, absinthe addicted police detective Fred Abberline portrayed by Johnny Depp investigates gruesome murders in a slum known as Whitechapel. The victims are prostitutes who are easily targeted due to their lifestyle of walking the streets at night. Since the suspect known as "Jack the Ripper" was never caught, the story is quite fictionalized with the exception of Fred Abberline who was indeed an actual inspector in 1888 London and an authority on this particular series of murders. We've heard it all about "Jack the Ripper" from being a freemason to royalty, but since no one was ever arrested and tried, "Jack the Ripper" could be just about any twisted individual with superior knowledge of the human anatomy.
Spencer S

The most convulted, abysmal, and pathetic portrait you could muster under the stoyline's circumstances. Heather Graham's fake English accent almost made me scream.
Richard C

B-
Jeff "

This film is based on the Jack The Ripper Whitechapel 1888 murders of 6 prostitutes. Based on Alan Moore's graphic Novel of the same, From Hell is a thrill a minute murder Horror/Thriller. The Hughes Brothers have directed this adaptations with flair. The film is a real nail… More
This film is based on the Jack The Ripper Whitechapel 1888 murders of 6 prostitutes. Based on Alan Moore's graphic Novel of the same, From Hell is a thrill a minute murder Horror/Thriller. The Hughes Brothers have directed this adaptations with flair. The film is a real nail bitter and when the killer strikes, you can't help but jump out of your seat. Johnny Depp is as usual, excellent in this role of inspector Aberline. The movie as a whole should is a new type of "slasher" film. Or maybe is Slasher film to harsh a word to describe this film. From Hell is a violent and gory ride from start to finish, it will definitely twist you're senses from the inside out, but you'll definitely remember this film for it's shear realistic power.
MisterYoda ?

I had always been fascinated by the story of Jack the Ripper, but surprisingly this was my first film based on the story. From Hell is an outstanding mystery and a dark, moody film. This is the type of film that sticks in your mind days after seeing it. You'll have the image of… More
I had always been fascinated by the story of Jack the Ripper, but surprisingly this was my first film based on the story. From Hell is an outstanding mystery and a dark, moody film. This is the type of film that sticks in your mind days after seeing it. You'll have the image of old Whitechaple in your head. You'll have the terrific murder scenes stuck in your head, but most of all you'll have the image of Jack the Ripper in your head. From Hell will disturb you. It might scare you, and it might even bore you (action fans will not enjoy this film). From Hell is certainly not for everyone, but it certainly was for me. Johnny Depp is fantastic. He is one of my favorite actors, and certainly delivers the goods in From Hell. His performance is perfect, and one of his bests yet. Heather Graham also does a fine job in From Hell. I was surprised with her performance. I'll admit, when I heard she was going to be in the film, I was worried. I mean who doesn't get worried when they find out the same actress who was in Austin Powers 2 is going to be in a Jack the Ripper film. But she did surprise me, although I still think she could have done better. The Hughes brothers direct this film with such style. The use of colors in the film is beautiful, as is the use of lighting. The camera angles are crazy, and the film turns out a beauty. Trevor Jones' score is great (As a matter of fact, I'm listening to it now), and fits the film perfectly. The music is eerie, creepy, and scary. It's flawless. The murder mystery is also great. It keeps you guessing the whole way through (I was not successful in guessing who Jack was), and when the killer is revealed, it all makes sense. And let me tell you, From Hell is violent! Although not as gory as I expected it to be, it'll still make you cringe (that throat slash!). A lot of the violence takes place off screen, which lets your imagination run wild, and mine did just that(My head was filled with tons of gory images). A lot of people call From Hell boring. I can see how they think that, but I disagree completely with that. Sure the film is slow moving, but how fast can a murder mystery movie be? I didn't get bored with the film at all... I was completely absorbed in the film. Another problem people found with this film was the love story, which I have to agree with. Had the love story been more developed, the ending would have been much more depressing, as we would have felt for the characters more (This could be what kept the film from an A+ rating). As I said before From Hell is great. It is my 3rd favorite film of the year, and my second favorite horror film (this year). It's a dark, compelling film, that is NOT FUN! There is no comic relief, it's all horror. Had it been a little more scary, and had the love story been more developed this film would be an A+. I highly recommend fans stay away, because you'll hate it.this film to fans of Jack the Ripper, and horror fans with patience. Action
Nicki M

Not bad, though Heather Graham is a little miscast here.
Conner R

A good, though not very accurate, adaption of Alan Moore's vision of Jack the Ripper. Johnny Depp really played an interesting role that kept you entertained and intrigued. The film has a great style, pace and tone. I love the look of London, it is extremely eerie and haunting.
Anthony L

Another case of the comic being much better than the film. This really is nothing special, it?s got loads of mistakes in it and some of the great cast members are totally wasted.
Dean M

This visually sumptuous horror thriller makes an excellent companion piece to <i>Sleepy Hollow,</i> with Johnny Depp starring as a tormented London police inspector whose opium habit produces (he believes) a glimpse into the depraved forces driving a serial killer dubbed… More
This visually sumptuous horror thriller makes an excellent companion piece to <i>Sleepy Hollow,</i> with Johnny Depp starring as a tormented London police inspector whose opium habit produces (he believes) a glimpse into the depraved forces driving a serial killer dubbed Jack the Ripper, in the autumn of 1888. The fascinating, detail-laden screenplay is adapted from the equally dense Alan Moore/Eddie Campbell graphic novel, and Martin Childs's superlative production design drags the viewer through the heart of London's slums. Although frequently gruesome, this is a gorgeous example of pure cinema, and a treat for fans of razor-sharp suspense.
Josh L

A stylish and entertaining thriller.
Lady D

Jack the Ripper; one of the most infamous serial killers of all time is still very much an unsolved enigma to this day. ?From Hell? tells the story through partial fact and partial theory, which opens the suggestion to a high level conspiracy surrounding the murders, which at least… More
Jack the Ripper; one of the most infamous serial killers of all time is still very much an unsolved enigma to this day. ?From Hell? tells the story through partial fact and partial theory, which opens the suggestion to a high level conspiracy surrounding the murders, which at least leaves you pondering the possiblity. The set build was accurately constructed to represent the dark streets of Whitechapple, with the alleyways providing the murder sites of the women who were killed, which was shown with great effects by the flashes of the steel of the blade along with an almost subliminal images, which were effective. Possibly an equally frightening thought was the surgery carried out on perfectly healthy people to render them catatonic, where they carried out out the rest of their days in a mental institution. The sub-plot of Johnny Depp?s character, was to reveal a dark, fearless character who seemed to have given up on his own life, this goes on to show an addiction to ?chasing the dragon? along with drinking ?absinthe?, which we probably think of more as a modern day issue and so was a revealing factor of that time. The acting was far from perfect, with Robbie Coltrane coming across very much as the humour of his tv character ?Cracker?. Many of the accents weren?t entirely convincing (even Johnny Depp) but they weren?t unbearably bad either. This film still remains to be a favourite of mine though and Ripperologists and Serial Killer film fans will certainly enjoy, if they have not already managed to have watched this. As an extra the Special Features include a vast amount of information on the original case and a lot of behind the scenes footage and certainly worth the watch.
E.J. B

A formula slasher flick masked as a beautiful period piece.
familiar s

A gripping thriller. While the very ending was a bit disappointing for me, there's much more in the movie that makes it up.
Dan S

A dissapointment. Depp and Graham are fine, but the talkfest gets old after a while, and the killings are excessive and almost glorifying violence. With more editing and less talk, this could've been alright, but instead its just another forgettable slasher movie that uses a… More
A dissapointment. Depp and Graham are fine, but the talkfest gets old after a while, and the killings are excessive and almost glorifying violence. With more editing and less talk, this could've been alright, but instead its just another forgettable slasher movie that uses a backdrop of beautiful 19th century London in a failed attempt to blot out its formulaic nature.
Bannan i

This is certainly a grim retelling of the story of Jack the Ripper.
Curtis L

It's a chopped up prostitute extravaganza! Ian Holm is awesome with his black devil eyes. P.S. old prostitutes are gross.
Tim S

Heather Graham is atrocious.
xGary X

Based on a graphic novel, this pseudo-gothic serial killer movie based on the case of Jack The Ripper would probably have been ignored if it weren't for Johnny Depp's presence in the lead role. "Whitechapel" is populated by "corlummeluvvaduck" cockernee… More
Based on a graphic novel, this pseudo-gothic serial killer movie based on the case of Jack The Ripper would probably have been ignored if it weren't for Johnny Depp's presence in the lead role. "Whitechapel" is populated by "corlummeluvvaduck" cockernee extras wandering dark cobbled streets in a way that reminded me of The Comic Strip Presents...Strike!, a fact not helped by Robbie Coltrane's appearance as Depp's literary cliche-spouting sergeant. But the biggest problem is that it's all so half-baked...all of the characters are superficially realized cliches, and the mysticism angle that seemed so interesting, particularly Depp's drug-fuelled "visions", are completely irrelevant. The plot will probably be interesting to those not familiar with the whole Ripper conspiracy theory, but anyone with the discovery channel will have heard it all before. It does have it's moments, notably when Depp and Holm are together on the screen, but they are a little too few and far between.
Dean !

A dark, gritty, bloody and violent film following the crimes of Jack the ripper and persues the theory that has been claimed for many years. Great performances all round, with huge attention to detail. Very graphic you have been warned!
Wildaly M

As always, Johnny Deep was impressive in this one.