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Misery
1990
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
1h 47m
A famous novelist is "rescued" from a car crash by an obsessed fan. (imdb)
Directed by:
Rob ReinerMisery
1990
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
1h 47m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 61.96% from 6580 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
(6628)
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Rated 15 Apr 2012
88
87th
This is exactly what happened to George Lucas and explains all the rewrites to a story that was already done.
Rated 15 Apr 2012
Rated 06 Oct 2019
75
69th
I'm finding myself appreciating Stephen King movies more these days Kathy Bates gives her best performance and what is scary about Misery besides the obvious hobbling scene The idea of a fan becoming obsessed with their celebrity idol
Rated 06 Oct 2019
Rated 01 Nov 2020
85
92nd
#TheBookWasBetter but this was great too, especially when you consider that all we have are Bates, Caan, and a cabin. A lesser movie would have tried to pad out the time with flashbacks with other characters or something. I haven't even watched this in a few years, but can remember the film well enough to write a late review. I wish they chopped Caan's feet off like in the books though. Fav scene: wheeling around in the kitchen and the basement.
Rated 01 Nov 2020
Rated 28 Apr 2009
75
59th
Incredibly tense, just nerve-wracking. Bates is sometimes sinister, sometimes funny, creating an absolutely terrifying presence. Needs some more trimming, but it still works. Good to see a horror film that doesn't rely on jump scares or gore.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
Rated 01 Feb 2007
75
50th
A perfect performance by Kathy Bates and James Caan isn't far behind. The chilling premise is both well thought out by Stephen King and well realized by Rob Reiner. The main problems with the movie are: A) many unnecessary scenes with the sheriff and his wife, which, while decent when viewed separately, detract from the story; and B) some hard-to-ignore implausibilites relating to the car wreck being found and the bizarre decision not to search the nearby area for Caan's character's body.
Rated 01 Feb 2007
Rated 11 Jan 2007
4
70th
One of the better Steven King adaptations. The tension between Bates and Caan is enormous; Bates in particular is impressive. It's also a great piece of camp when it wants to be.
Rated 11 Jan 2007
Rated 20 Feb 2019
8
78th
Becomes increasingly creepier and suspenseful to the point where you just embrace the fucked up nature of the situation. Bates and Caan are great, though had I been in his place, I would've probably been like Homer in that Simpsons episode where he is lying on the couch after injuring his back, ringing his handbell: Oh, Annie, I'm still hurt! ANNIE! GET THE DOOR!
Rated 20 Feb 2019
Rated 04 Apr 2011
95
96th
Kathy Bates is a revelation in this and I have never used revelation ever. EVER. Weird prequel to Elf.
Rated 04 Apr 2011
Rated 12 Feb 2010
70
83rd
Fun and thrilling movie. It's rare to see a horror thriller that actually goes beyond "ohhh... this is so stupid, but it's entertaining". Reiner made a genre movie that can be seriously considered a good movie, mostly due to the great cast and script. Misery really nails it... with a sledgehammer.
Rated 12 Feb 2010
Rated 21 Oct 2020
88
56th
Really good adaptation of a really great book. Bates knocks the part of Wilkes out of the park and Caan is really good as Sheldon. I even liked Farnsworth's added character. It does completely capture the absolute insanity of Wilkes like the book does, but the performance is so good it's forgivable. While I would have preferred a slight more accurate adaption story-wise, this was still very close to the book and a good film. Definitely check it out.
Rated 21 Oct 2020
Rated 19 Nov 2017
80
86th
Note to self: Make sure never to make Kathy Bates angry.
Rated 19 Nov 2017
Rated 19 Apr 2009
8
89th
What could have been a solid but ultimately forgettable thriller is single-handedly improved by Bates' performance. Perhaps one of the most frightening and suspenseful performances I've ever seen actually, second only to Jack Nicholson in the Shining.
Rated 19 Apr 2009
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
77th
Great thriller that features an inspired performance by Bates, who amazes in every single scene.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 22 Mar 2007
74
48th
An intense thriller with a remarkable performance by Kathy Bates. It's the kind of movie that is both disturbing and enchanting at the same time.
Rated 22 Mar 2007
Rated 15 Mar 2023
89
49th
Nice acting helped along by a tense score and the awkward kitschiness.
Rated 15 Mar 2023
Rated 03 Nov 2022
70
74th
Watched for the first time 30 years after release. Stephen King is obsessed with himself. The sheriff never stood a chance.
Rated 03 Nov 2022
Rated 08 Oct 2017
75
62nd
Misery is a great example of a film that is based on a very simple, plausible idea, but when fleshed out becomes riddled with plotholes and daft premises .... but is completely redeemed by superb acting performances, and great direction. Once again I call on actors to check that someone is actually dead before breathing a sigh of relief .... just a moment to check the pulse can save a lot of heartache later.
Rated 08 Oct 2017
Rated 17 Sep 2017
80
75th
Reiner directs this film somewhat plainly, but it really speaks to Bates' performance that this film still manages to be great. Caan is a superb foil for Bates.
Rated 17 Sep 2017
Rated 07 Nov 2016
70
36th
"You like Liberace, don't you?" "Y-Yes..." Caan's "can you believe this crazy bitch" facial expressions are hilarious.
Rated 07 Nov 2016
Rated 09 Nov 2015
75
64th
While it's not the best King film adaptation, it's still pretty damn good. Kathy Bates destroyed the role and Caan did a pretty good job with his. And the tension is amazing! Some of the best I have seen. Not that its a bad story, but its slow to start though, and doesn't always hit the mark as a screenplay. Still a really solid film, definitely worth a watch.
Rated 09 Nov 2015
Rated 29 Jun 2014
81
83rd
This is a well made horror and thriller film. James Caan is great playing a writer who is stuck with an obsessed fan. Kathy Bates is fantastic in her role and she got a well deserved Oscar for her performance. The script has a simple premise that is executed extremely well. I highly recommend this film.
Rated 29 Jun 2014
Rated 18 Nov 2013
68
55th
One of the few movies I can legitimately call scary. Probably deserves a re-watch since I saw it about 15 years ago
Rated 18 Nov 2013
Rated 17 Nov 2011
3
45th
There's a campiness to Kathy Bates' performance that enhances rather than undermines the tension. Claustrophobic and cringe-worthy. I could do without the silly old bickering couple, though.
Rated 17 Nov 2011
Rated 21 Aug 2011
8
80th
Kathy Bates' performance was beautiful, really made the film for me.
Rated 21 Aug 2011
Rated 21 Feb 2011
80
90th
Reiner does King again. And it's really good. Love the restraint and lack of typical horror gimmickry, Bates and Caan are great at pulling off suspense simply by interaction. I guess this is the ultimate horror-scenario for every artist. Being completely and utterly at the mercy of a dissatisfied, batshit crazy fan, loving you for all the wrong reasons. Creepy.
Rated 21 Feb 2011
Rated 21 Nov 2010
80
84th
Great performance by Kathy Bates and the film thankfully takes out some of the more exaggerated points in Stephen King's novel. The casting is perfect for this and maintains suspense throughout.
Rated 21 Nov 2010
Rated 22 Sep 2010
74
90th
One of the best King adaptions not directed by Frank Darabont. Bates is frightening.
Rated 22 Sep 2010
Rated 23 Aug 2010
7
64th
Nails the atmosphere and Kathy Bates is genuinely scary. Ultimately besides a certain sledgehammer, 'Misery' won't leave much of an impression on you.
Rated 23 Aug 2010
Rated 17 Aug 2010
90
66th
Another great adaptation of a wonderful Stephen King book. Kathy Bates is fabulous and utterly unforgettable as the deranged fan. Great suspense and a wonderful ending! A must see for King fans.
Rated 17 Aug 2010
Rated 01 Aug 2009
84
89th
Excellent, if not wholly accurate adaptation. If the film lacks the brutality of the book, it certainly makes up for it in terms of suspense and atmosphere. Bates and Cann are both excellent in this top class horror, that should be a lesson in how to make a character shocking and sadistic without resorting to the mindless gore of plotless bloodfests like "Saw" and "Hostel".
Rated 01 Aug 2009
Rated 31 Jul 2009
80
55th
This was a creepy, solid entry into the horror genre.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
Rated 20 Oct 2008
78
82nd
Great performances all around!
Rated 20 Oct 2008
Rated 14 Oct 2008
80
54th
Im a stephen king and kathy bates fan. Absolutely love this movie. Has some heavy tense suspense and scary scenes.
Rated 14 Oct 2008
Rated 26 Jul 2008
85
55th
fantastic adaptation of the now classic stephen king novel with of the great female vilains of all time along with nurse ratched from one flew over the cuckoos nest.
Rated 26 Jul 2008
Rated 13 May 2008
7
68th
Kathy Bates is the shit. The ending should have been cut out though.
Rated 13 May 2008
Rated 30 Mar 2008
79
83rd
One of the best examples of non-supernatural, non-graphic suspense. Far exceeds anything achieved by the Saw movies. This is a must-watch, even though many parts are not for the faint of heart. Again, there are very few gory sequences in the movie, but the tension is palpable throughout. A true achievement in the suspense/horror/thriller genre.
Rated 30 Mar 2008
Rated 22 Feb 2008
90
73rd
One of the few Stephen King based movies watch seeing.
Rated 22 Feb 2008
Rated 05 Jan 2008
89
92nd
Coldy chilling in parts and never let this woman near a sledge hammer ! Packed with suspense and worryingly believable. Well judged pace and icy characters.
Rated 05 Jan 2008
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
97th
Fantastic. Not super scary, just really creepy. Bates and Caan are at the top of their game; I'll never look at Kathy Bates the same again.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
84th
Terrifying. When she tied his ankles to that wood block I wigged right the fuck out.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 11 Aug 2007
25
22nd
Ouch! That's gotta hurt! Well-made and well-acted, but mean-spirited and extremely unpleasant to watch.
Rated 11 Aug 2007
Rated 31 Mar 2007
100
95th
Brilliant. Kathy Bates is great, and William Goldman does an outstanding job of adapting what is basically a two-character novel into a motion picture
Rated 31 Mar 2007
Rated 22 Feb 2007
60
62nd
Great film.
Rated 22 Feb 2007
Rated 27 Oct 2024
60
33rd
baby reindeer'in halası
Rated 27 Oct 2024
Rated 24 Sep 2024
4
86th
A captivating story, but while the novel shines by putting us in Paul's head, the movie shines through the compelling performance by Kathy Bates.
Rated 24 Sep 2024
Rated 29 Aug 2024
80
44th
Had me at the edge of my seat. Thrilling and creepy.
Rated 29 Aug 2024
Rated 04 Jul 2024
60
69th
Good little thriller. It's no "Rear Window" though. Kathy Bates beat out a murderer's row of nominees to win her Oscar: Anjelica Huston, Joanne Woodward, Meryl Streep, and Julia Roberts in her "Pretty Woman" role!
Rated 04 Jul 2024
Rated 20 May 2024
83
32nd
The beginning of a great decade of Stephen King films.
Rated 20 May 2024
Rated 25 Mar 2024
83
74th
Feels very traditional, yet of its time for a horror movie. It's a bit too predictable in its beats to be truly startling, but it's still very tense due to its thrilling character dynamic and how much screenwriter Goldman mines out of it, as well as how Reiner keeps this limited set-up from never getting boring or repetitive. Both actors are excellent in their own ways in their roles, though I'd say I wish Caan's character had a bit more wit or some kind of author-esque quality to his dialogue.
Rated 25 Mar 2024
Rated 19 Feb 2024
30
11th
This is a good example of a chord striking ill, on account of personal preferences for less 'chilly' atmosphere.
Rated 19 Feb 2024
Rated 02 May 2023
60
73rd
Seen: 2. Bates and Caan kill it in this psychotic slow burn.
Rated 02 May 2023
Rated 17 Dec 2022
64
34th
Not old enough to remember but it’s absolutely insane that bates won an Oscar for this. Not because she didn’t deserve it (she’s great!) but this would be like giving collette an Oscar for hereditary or Moss one for the invisibility man. No matter how deserving it won’t happen anymore. A decent ride propped up by two fun performances
Rated 17 Dec 2022
Rated 01 Nov 2022
83
92nd
Caan and Bates give enormous performances, but what really makes the movie for me is its climax, perhaps one of the most cathartic moments ever put to screen. I had to rewatch that confrontation as soon as it was over.
Rated 01 Nov 2022
Rated 17 Oct 2022
65
68th
The most gut-wrenching scene for me, as someone who dabbles with writing, was watching the manuscript arson. That is why I prefer the book ending. As twisted as it might sound, I find it more plausible that Paul would’ve wanted to spare Misery’s Return and burn blank papers in stead.
Rated 17 Oct 2022
Rated 11 Jun 2022
85
90th
A lot less "miserable" than I expected. Not that it isn't a miserable situation for our helpless protagonist, but I guess I had built the film up in my mind (on no real basis) as being more intense, with more of a continual stream of torture... perfectly fine for that not to be the case. I'm not seeking schadenfreude. I just didn't think I'd be laughing as much as I was, that the palette would be this colourful, or the tone so playful.
Rated 11 Jun 2022
Rated 29 Sep 2021
87
79th
Simple, tense, dispenses with cliches.
Rated 29 Sep 2021
Rated 30 May 2021
81
69th
A lot of comedy points for everyone.
Rated 30 May 2021
Rated 20 Mar 2021
3
2nd
Mental illness played for laughs, a story about captivity, unsubtle music that tells you exactly what to feel. This has "Boomer" written all over it.
Rated 20 Mar 2021
Rated 27 Jan 2021
80
85th
Great film, Kathy Bates puts on the best performance of her career.
Rated 27 Jan 2021
Rated 08 Jan 2021
75
49th
08.01.2021 Kartal
Rated 08 Jan 2021
Rated 26 Oct 2020
70
82nd
An iconic performance by Kathy Bates is largely what defines this one, but beyond that it's still a highly entertaining slow-burn thriller with excellent sprinkles of black comedy. Bates & Caan have fabulous chemistry, the pacing is just right, & the script is laced with clever moments & effective twists. The subplot with the sheriff is honestly a bit ridiculous, but it's easy to forgive. This is probably the best King adaptation ever. A true 90's classic that deserves to be seen.
Rated 26 Oct 2020
Rated 16 Oct 2020
69
53rd
This movie would be nothing without Kathy Bates.
Rated 16 Oct 2020
Rated 30 Aug 2020
78
78th
The suspense, the tension. The best parts of this movie. Some great acting, but the mood was what made the movie for me.
Rated 30 Aug 2020
Rated 01 May 2019
90
84th
Misery is filled with creepiness. There is a sense of horror and uneasiness from the first moment that Kathy Bates says, "I'm your number one fan." Bates does a fantastic job of slowly unraveling during this film. Caan, who doesn't really play anything but himself in any of his roles, is believable as a famous novelist. This movie is a classic thriller movie and something that could be watched multiple times. Reiner did a good job shooting this movie that largely takes place in one room.
Rated 01 May 2019
Rated 21 Apr 2019
55
7th
James Caan gives a sympathetic performance in this hide behind the chair tale of cruelty and obsession.
Rated 21 Apr 2019
Rated 12 Mar 2019
74
62nd
Rob Reiner's direction is a bit too on the nose at times and it's frustrating that all of Annie Wilkes' best character development comes towards the end, but if much of the weight of the movie rests on Kathy Bates' shoulders, that's fine because she's phenomenal. By using its consistently high tension and its location so adequately, Misery joins... perhaps the Elite Few... of the great King adaptations in existence.
Rated 12 Mar 2019
Rated 19 Feb 2019
97
83rd
Kathy Bates is terrifying and perfect.
Rated 19 Feb 2019
Rated 17 Dec 2018
72
51st
This lost some effect on me, because its story has been copied and parodied so much even seeing the film the first time now I knew the plot already. And it isn't excellent made enough to completely compensate for this predictability.
Rated 17 Dec 2018
Rated 07 Nov 2018
80
87th
Just great suspense, it is really amazing what you can do with good source material and here it shows, a great story is told effortlessly and lets the actors show their best performances.
Rated 07 Nov 2018
Rated 16 Jan 2018
80
35th
Creepy as fuck
Rated 16 Jan 2018
Rated 04 Jan 2018
90
75th
Misery can be slow at times. It can also be a little difficult to get into at first considering the minimal cast. James Caan does an admirable job. However, the entire film is brought to a new level by Kathy Bates' Oscar winning role as the disturbing Annie Wilks.
Rated 04 Jan 2018
Rated 11 Sep 2017
17
87th
8/8
Rated 11 Sep 2017
Rated 22 Jul 2017
82
87th
This story is taut as a ____'s ________. Kathy Bates is to Misery what Ned Beatty is to The Deliverance-- a disturbed mutation of gender so gruesome & memorable that it memorializes the actor's career. One of the best horror movies ever made. If you watch it on TV, they will show an appendage breaking off in nightmarish detail . . . but don't worry, they'll also bleep the word "dago", which I had to look up. It's a slur for an Italian, so your precious ears mustn't be allowed to hear that.
Rated 22 Jul 2017
Rated 21 Nov 2016
91
87th
step 1 break your ankle as a 15 year old. step 2 your mom shows you this movie with no warning
Rated 21 Nov 2016
Rated 25 Aug 2016
65
46th
Haven't seen for years. Placeholder score until I can rewatch
Rated 25 Aug 2016
Rated 08 Apr 2016
20
18th
10 for the music, 10 for un-intentional depiction of love's true nature.
Rated 08 Apr 2016
Rated 01 Mar 2016
83
94th
Plot 16/20 Fiction 16/20 Casting/Acting 19/20 Worldbuilding 15/20 Entertainment 17/20
Rated 01 Mar 2016
Rated 04 Dec 2015
97
95th
A
Rated 04 Dec 2015
Rated 22 Nov 2015
55
61st
A pretty straightforward narrative, well written and acted, especially by Bates obviously, but nonetheless very simple.
Rated 22 Nov 2015
Rated 10 Sep 2015
75
53rd
He didn't get out of the cockadoodie car!
Rated 10 Sep 2015
Rated 24 Jun 2015
65
81st
Unlikely in parts but great suspense throughout.Dirty Birdy!
Rated 24 Jun 2015
Rated 10 Feb 2015
90
92nd
Kathy Bates and James Caan give career-best performances in this terrifying Rob Reiner adaptation that leaps right out of Stephen King's novel. Subtle and freaky, this movie manages to accurately depict the mental anguish of the main character stuck in a room alone, without making it seem lonely or slow.
Rated 10 Feb 2015
Rated 15 Nov 2014
77
72nd
Saw this in my early teens and it didn't scare me too much though I loved many aspects of it. Need to rewatch this sometime.
Rated 15 Nov 2014
Rated 26 Oct 2014
90
69th
One of the best King adaptations ever.
Rated 26 Oct 2014
Rated 04 May 2014
80
42nd
Personally I'm not a horror fan, but I'm a sucker for a classic. I'm not sure there's a bad word to really say about this film. The performances are stellar (to the extent I can't really see Kathy Bates without thinking of Wilkes) and they have to be, largely being set in a house with only the two leads knocking about.
Like a lot of King adaptations, this film is suitably chilling in the right circumstances, but can end up comical if viewed in the wrong ones.
A great film all the same.
Rated 04 May 2014
Rated 15 Feb 2014
82
80th
Kathy Bates, Kathy Bates, Kathy Ba-
Don't say this name 3 times in a mirror after watching this movie. That face is haunting enough.
Rated 15 Feb 2014
Rated 11 Nov 2013
8
80th
Misery is a good nail biter because Stephen King likes to be an asshole and fuck with your sense of plot-direction. The minute you think James Caan's plot for escape is making progress, a wrench is thrown in the works, and he's back to the drawing board. I also liked the comedic elements of the film, most of which stem from Kathy Bates' hilarious role as a, uh, "psycho bitch".
Rated 11 Nov 2013
Rated 27 Oct 2013
72
65th
Shit is fucked up yo! Pretty horrific and disgusting scenes in here. And also very creepy. Brr
Rated 27 Oct 2013
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