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Ravenous
1999
Comedy
Suspense/Thriller
1h 41m
Captain John Boyd's promotion stations him at a fort where a rescued man tells a disturbing tale of cannibalism. (imdb)
Directed by:
Written by:
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Ravenous
1999
Comedy
Suspense/Thriller
1h 41m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 57.09% from 1086 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
(1091)
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Rated 17 Dec 2006
77
79th
Fun fun fun. The banjo soundtrack and the final fight are both incredible.
Rated 17 Dec 2006
Rated 26 Jun 2019
90
92nd
Cutting off the horse's head is the old time way of pulling out the engine cables so the car doesn't start. “Well it’s not the worst thing Jeffrey Jones has tried to put in his mouth.”
Rated 26 Jun 2019
Rated 12 Feb 2012
100
99th
It's far from perfect, but it is a lot of fun. The soundtrack is amazing. Calhoun is such a great name. David Arquette's end is...fitting.
Rated 12 Feb 2012
Rated 19 Jan 2021
81
86th
One of those rare schizoid genre mashups (existential post-colonial horror comedy western... thingy) where the disconnects between all the things it does actually work in the film's favour. History is a nightmare etc.
Rated 19 Jan 2021
Rated 02 Jun 2014
3
38th
A good movie that seems kind of aimless and has a really weird musical score.
Rated 02 Jun 2014
Rated 15 Dec 2008
80
76th
A neurotic and flirtatious film with an original, cartoon-like vibe and a refreshingly morbid plot treated both seriously and unseriously at the same time. Robert Carlyle is fantastic as the "bad guy", a charismatic cannibal with "superpowers", and Guy Pearce fittingly subdued as the "hero". The frantic editing and eccentric soundtrack fuel the film with a peculiar energy, and the considerate script offer alot of sly comedy with grave undercurrents... Why isn't this film more talked about?
Rated 15 Dec 2008
Rated 14 Apr 2012
75
74th
Slick and creepy tale of supernatural cannibalism set in a remote California military base in the 1800's. Great music and rapid editing contribute to the sustained atmosphere of heightened tension, and Robert Carlyle gives a deliciously evil performance as the suave and charming cannibal leader. Lots of quality gore to boot.
Rated 14 Apr 2012
Rated 04 Aug 2008
100
93rd
A quirky fucked up little film with awesome acting and a great score.
Rated 04 Aug 2008
Rated 04 Mar 2008
75
76th
Criminally overlooked.
Rated 04 Mar 2008
Rated 29 Sep 2014
10
99th
This might very well be the best movie I've ever seen. Why? I don't know. There's just something different about it. It seems completely out of place. The music, the images, the plot, the dialogue, they all seem like they don't even belong together. The serious tone is interlocked with odd comedy bits at the most random times, but not at all in a bad way. I have watched this movie too many times, and still can't find anything at all to dislike about it.
Rated 29 Sep 2014
Rated 14 Jun 2019
80
55th
The fact that this even exists is remarkable ('this' being a major studio comedy cannibal western scored by none other than Michael Nyman which went through 3 directors during production). The fact that it's actually good is nothing less than astounding.
Rated 14 Jun 2019
Rated 01 Oct 2018
4
60th
"Bon appétit." Cannibalism as blatant metaphor for manifest destiny, Carlyle even mentions it by name. It's kind of a weird movie, not at all subtle and tonally all over the place and I love it for that. Really a lot of fun and I didn't know that going in it was a nice time. The score is uneven and at times the worst part of the movie, but there are some really great pieces, specifically when they first get to the cave and then the ending. Robert Carlyle is fantastic
Rated 01 Oct 2018
Rated 01 Jan 2015
81
76th
I think a lot of the criticism for this movie comes from the black comedy elements, but if you're treating your 1860s wendigo movie seriously in the first place, you've already messed up. Ravenous could have very easily strayed off into boring-slasher-land, but the fact that it doesn't makes it pretty unique and fun to watch. Plus, Jeffrey Jones getting slaughtered is always fun.
Rated 01 Jan 2015
Rated 14 Jan 2010
79
89th
One of the most memorable, jarring soundtracks ever.
Rated 14 Jan 2010
Rated 21 Jul 2009
88
87th
Ravenous has this gritty, relentless charm about it. It's so dark and twisted, but it never takes itself too seriously. All the actors do an amazing job, especially Carlyle and Davies. The music is haunting and perfect, and the scenery is gorgeous. Easily my favorite cannibal movie.
Rated 21 Jul 2009
Rated 03 Sep 2014
72
42nd
Watchable, but doesn't live up to the hype. I do like the premise though, and Guy Pearce is satisfyingly over-the-top.
Rated 03 Sep 2014
Rated 30 Aug 2014
70
41st
This movie was great at setting up a beautiful, foreboding mood and then almost ruining itself with unintentionally funny schlock when it came time for an action sequence. I loved the first act, but I thought the movie had completely shit its pants when Robert Carlyle went crazy. And then it righted itself. And then it shit its pants again. And then righted itself again. It is tonally insane but in the end a pretty fascinating and bizarre experience. (I mean that as a compliment.) Amazing music.
Rated 30 Aug 2014
Rated 27 Sep 2011
70
66th
A fun film with a horrific topic matter handled with humour and wit. The soundtrack is really unique and stands out as notable for how bizarre yet fitting it is.
Rated 27 Sep 2011
Rated 09 Jun 2014
81
77th
Dear God do I love that score. It works best at the moments we don't notice, as in the big second-act action scene when it ratchets the tension up to a fever pitch. That and the editing team up to make a preternaturally engaging, unforgettable film.
Rated 09 Jun 2014
Rated 23 Mar 2014
89
93rd
What the hell is this mixed up film? The music doesn't make *any* sense, the storyline is absurd, the characters are absurd, the plot deviates giving parts of it absolutely no significance and yet it's brilliant. Love it, it's about 90 minutes long too so you can actually watch it without taking a week off work.
Rated 23 Mar 2014
Rated 19 Sep 2008
92
95th
How did this gem slip under the radar? Great quirky movie with a great soundtrack.
Rated 19 Sep 2008
Rated 22 Dec 2006
9
93rd
Really good overlooked movie. It's way over the top but in a good kind of way. Guy Pearce is the man.
Rated 22 Dec 2006
Rated 16 Mar 2007
78
70th
A twisted and unconventional horror film that remains consistently interesting. Great cast combination, as well.
Rated 16 Mar 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
95th
Completely fantastic, like nothing else out there in tone and setting, with a smart plot and darkly brilliant humor.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 01 Oct 2021
70
43rd
very nice mix of Western and horror, two genres you, well I at least, don't see mixed often. Think I would've like it even more if it had stayed ambiguous a bit longer the second half about if Guy Pearce's having or not having imagined Robert Carlyle's role in the first half.
Rated 01 Oct 2021
Rated 29 Oct 2017
52
11th
I don't have anything bad to say about this movie, but it didn't fit my tastes well. I have a hard time with period pieces, and this one didn't change that for me. I fought heavy eyes most of the time.
Rated 29 Oct 2017
Rated 16 Mar 2020
82
53rd
B+
Rated 16 Mar 2020
Rated 15 May 2014
6
30th
Unique atmosphere and a good soundtrack. Not much else positive to say. Really dragged in parts.
Rated 15 May 2014
Rated 02 Jun 2014
2
13th
This movie tries to do too many things at once and ends up failing at almost all of them.
Rated 02 Jun 2014
Rated 29 Jun 2020
43
24th
Mixed feelings on the tone and score. It ultimately fails at executing its thriller/horror/comedy ambitions.
Rated 29 Jun 2020
Rated 02 May 2024
70
57th
Ravenous is certainly an unexpected and different film from the norm. It does a pretty good job combining horror with a bit of comedy without losing the gruesome nature of the story. Sometimes it moved on a bit too aimlessly, but overall it still makes things work. Loved the snowy mountain feel, too. It added to the bleak mood and the need to make some rather unconventional choices. Didn't entirely always agree with the soundtrack. Some of the choices seemed... weird?
Rated 02 May 2024
Rated 27 Jun 2014
90
61st
Loved the music
Rated 27 Jun 2014
Rated 22 Oct 2023
20
7th
I hate everything about it. Musical choices throughout the film are distractingly awful. And it feels like half of the crew were told they were in a serious drama with the other half thinking it's the next "Scary Movie". Even starting titles come with kinda swoosh sound like it's a high school comedy. Also it's one of the lamest takes on cannibalism I've seen, making them into para-vampiric cult but stripping "vampires" of their only redeeming quality - that they're shapeshifting pervs.
Rated 22 Oct 2023
Rated 02 Aug 2014
95
53rd
Ravenous is an fascinating film that's got horror at it's core but also dark comedic strains running throughout. The film uses horror, particularly the horror surrounding cannibalism as a metaphor for American expansion westward. Has some beautiful wilderness shots and the music is atmospheric when it needs to be. Guy Pierce is decent and Robert Carlyle is great as the villain. Worth checking out if you're a horror fan.
Rated 02 Aug 2014
Rated 29 Jan 2018
96
99th
The score to this film (and its usage) is exemplary. The dark humour (and its pacing) is perfect. The scenery is stunning. The gore is rationed beautifully. There is no A-star cast. Just an ensemble of B-list actors who happened to make a near flawless film. I'll rewatch this till the day I die.
Rated 29 Jan 2018
Rated 03 Oct 2015
90
57th
little logic mistakes. if you accept it, the movie will be great.
Rated 03 Oct 2015
Rated 28 Jul 2023
100
98th
An extremely memorable film, particularly the soundtrack. Edit: This has come to be one of my favorite films ever.
Rated 28 Jul 2023
Rated 31 Mar 2023
83
70th
Determinedly strange and eccentric spin on zombie/vampire tropes that is a lot to… digest? on the first viewing, but the power of the central conflict between Pearce and Carlyle, not to mention Carlyle’s exceptionally powerful, unpleasantly off-putting primal force make this compelling. Second half (with echoes of paranoia ala Carpenter) is even better, and twistedly funny, as even our narrator becomes incredibly unreliable. An oddly and profoundly unsettling horror film.
Rated 31 Mar 2023
Rated 14 Jan 2023
70
49th
This film is (after the plot starts to build) frantic, with banjo and violin playing giving it an eery, unsettled feel. The setting (or more surroundings) reminded me a little of 'The Deer Hunter'. It's spooky, creepy and corny, plus edgy and if you like depictions of bloodied corpses on the snow, then this may be up your street, as it were. Robert Carlyle gives a pretty decent performance, which is almost theatrical at times. He has a slight look of 'The Witchfinder General' about him.
Rated 14 Jan 2023
Rated 13 Oct 2014
75
62nd
Nothing amazing, but it is unique. Doesn't hurt to have Guy Pearce in it. I liked the score.
Rated 13 Oct 2014
Rated 02 Jan 2023
82
82nd
This is how they should teach Manifest Destiny in schools. "Eat or die."
Rated 02 Jan 2023
Rated 05 Nov 2014
22
5th
Who thought the music in this was a good choice? Couldnt get past the first 1/3 of the film it was just spiraling too fast into a horrible film that I couldn't bother to continue.
Rated 05 Nov 2014
Rated 23 Nov 2014
78
66th
It is quirky and entertains a wonderful soundtrack. Other than that, I'm not sure how to describe this bizarre little movie.
Rated 23 Nov 2014
Rated 07 Dec 2022
70
41st
Fun, odd little western/horror film set in the 1800s. Carlyle gives a really good, fun performance and the soundtrack is pretty good, reminding me of times of something that wouldn't feel out of place in a Carpenter or Argento movie. I think some have been a little too effusive in their praise for the soundtrack, but it is good. At times darkly funny, but it doesn't really work all that well as a comedy. Not special, but a fun diversion.
Rated 07 Dec 2022
Rated 23 Sep 2016
50
48th
Nyman & Albarn's unique off-beat score sets the scene perfectly, with the film itself tough to peg down. Weird in a good way, the claustrophobic snowy setting means there's something about The Thing with this one - particularly during the engrossing first half when we're still trying to figure out Carlyle's (who's excellent again) character and where the threat is really coming from. Unfortunately it peaks too soon, with the remainder eventually petering out rather disappointingly.
Rated 23 Sep 2016
Rated 07 Mar 2015
60
54th
A fun light horror movie cursed with a most distractingly silly musical soundtrack.
Rated 07 Mar 2015
Rated 17 Nov 2007
85
66th
Beautiful and dreamlike. The soundtrack is amazing and it looks phenomenal. I also love Guy Pearce.
Rated 17 Nov 2007
Rated 08 Jul 2009
60
62nd
a different kind of movie, kinda of a gore-fest
Rated 08 Jul 2009
Rated 08 Jun 2009
76
85th
Surprisingly enjoyable and funny. Well shot, great soundtrack and good cast. They did a very good job of not slipping into some crappy slapstick comedy, but instead maintaining a good balance of humour and horror. "Eat or die"
Rated 08 Jun 2009
Rated 18 Dec 2008
96
75th
This is a great tale based half and half on the real donner party story and the windego vampire myth. Guy pearce proved he can go from pussy to hero and sell his acting skills on both. Robert carlyle plays the perfect villain and almost resembles the real vlad dracula the impaler. it helped him in his performance.
Rated 18 Dec 2008
Rated 28 Apr 2008
42
24th
Good actors, disappointing film, abominable soundtrack.
Rated 28 Apr 2008
Rated 24 Apr 2008
79
46th
It looks and feels different than other movies. The plot is original and unfolds in interesting, unexpected ways. Overall a very unique film with a strong cast.
Rated 24 Apr 2008
Rated 31 Mar 2008
50
39th
Pretty taught & creepy with lots of blood. Surprisingly interesting story idea
propels what looked like a dud to attentive wachfullness.
Rated 31 Mar 2008
Rated 11 Aug 2009
94
97th
This is a fantastic bit of pitch-black comedy that knows how to weave a tale. Performances here are pretty good, the score is off-the-wall amazing, and the crew manages to pull off the historical setting while still keeping its sense of fun. Thankfully, the comedy of the film manages to accentuate (rather than harm) its real strength: the story's penchant for honest-to-God unexpected twists and turns.
Rated 11 Aug 2009
Rated 16 Nov 2007
93
97th
it's a great comedy! people just don't get it.
Rated 16 Nov 2007
Rated 26 Oct 2007
65
51st
+ recommended
Rated 26 Oct 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
79th
Gory, and funny. More people need to see this.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
35th
Great cast and solid direction. Unfortunately, the studio scissors are apparent, and Griffin's cannibal-opportunist parallel doesn't get the attention it needs to form a cohesive whole.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 23 Feb 2007
50
35th
Not bad at all.
Rated 23 Feb 2007
Rated 01 Sep 2010
9
1st
I gathered later that this was supposed to be really really funny. I missed that - it just came off as really really bad.
Rated 01 Sep 2010
Rated 06 Oct 2012
25
6th
make sure you watch this with an empty stomach , and by the way whats with all this weird soundtracks??
Rated 06 Oct 2012
Rated 19 Jun 2012
80
78th
Fun movie. The soundtrack is great, it's straight-forward yet still has a few twists, and is humorous in a very twisted way. My only real problem was a few flip-flopping character motivations at different times throughout the film. It's still a movie I highly recommend that is both absurdly underrated and under seen.
Rated 19 Jun 2012
Rated 01 Jun 2012
50
12th
amerika-meksika savasi, magara, yamyamlik, insan eti yeme, kizilderili mitelojisi, asker, insan avi, tuzak, kale, sinir karakolu, alkolik, Weendigo (kizilderililerce insan eti yedikçe güclenen insan)
Rated 01 Jun 2012
Rated 05 Apr 2012
74
57th
With a good cast having a great time and bags gleeful dark humour, this is a highly enjoyable little treat marred only by some uneven pacing and poor lighting. A really evocative score too from Albarn and Nyman, fittingly odd and creepily funny.
Rated 05 Apr 2012
Rated 25 Oct 2010
90
85th
Some movies just give you a feeling that you just can find with images or music or words alone. This movie is one that is perfectly crafted to give you a creepy, unsettling vibe that stays with you. Between the precise use of blood and gore paired with the one of the best soundtracks and you have a great movie with impeccable style. Amazing.
Rated 25 Oct 2010
Rated 24 Sep 2010
68
65th
Decent little thriller with a good cast and fun script.
Rated 24 Sep 2010
Rated 30 Oct 2012
90
94th
Possibly some of the worst marketing ever, but a surprisingly effective horror-comedy. Great movie
Rated 30 Oct 2012
Rated 16 Jul 2010
85
68th
A pretty cool movie with great atmosphere throughout the entire thing. Great cast and great suspense.
Rated 16 Jul 2010
Rated 21 Feb 2010
10
98th
The characters and the story are both interesting plays on both the vampire and cannibal film genres, and the soundtrack is still one of my personal favorites. It packs a surprising attention to detail and some unexpected wit. Also, Ravenous does snow right: instead of a dreamy winter wonderland, as so many other icy settings so often convey, the cold in this movie is bleak and oppressive. See this movie!
Rated 21 Feb 2010
Rated 30 Dec 2009
3
68th
Acting is great and no actor has done bad. Plot is decent, although could do with some fine-tuning. Cannibalism is well presented, with good old black humor which R.Carlyle really does it well. The end left me dissatisfied. Soundtrack exceeded expectations for this kind of movie. Dilemma between morality and survival (or likelihood greed) throughout 2nd half of the movie was OK. One really annoying thing was blood sometimes, being too bright red.
Rated 30 Dec 2009
Rated 27 Sep 2009
78
59th
While my memory of this movie is pretty hazy, I remember some decent cinematography, an interesting story and above all else a soundtrack that's really the star.
Rated 27 Sep 2009
Rated 08 Sep 2009
95
94th
Ravenous combines good character actors and my favorite genre, the understated supernatural thriller. It's so underrated and little known, and I wish it wasn't. If you're squeamish, avoid it, but then you're also missing out on a dark, but amusing movie.
Rated 08 Sep 2009
Rated 16 Aug 2009
87
93rd
Totally genre-bending: black comedy, thriller, horror, historical...
Rated 16 Aug 2009
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