Altered States
Altered States Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Altered States
| Movie | Altered States |
| Release Year | 1980 |
| Director | Ken Russell |
| Genre | Horror / Science Fiction / Thriller |
| Runtime | 103 minutes (1h 43m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Altered States (1980) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Altered States are led by William Hurt . The supporting cast, including Blair Brown and Bob Balaban , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Altered States stands out as a strong entry in the Horror genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Horror narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Altered States has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Altered States
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1980, Altered States is a Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller film directed by Ken Russell, written by Paddy Chayefsky. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving William Hurt as Professor Eddie Jessup.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A research scientist explores the boundaries and frontiers of human consciousness. Using sensory deprivation and hallucinogenic mixtures from Native American shamans, he explores these altered states of cognizance and finds that memory, time, and reality itself are states of mind. Director Ken Russell uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone of Altered States, hinting at the terror to come. Ken Russell establishes the rules of this world before introducing William Hurt as Professor Eddie Jessup to its dangers.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. William Hurt's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing William Hurt to confront the source of horror directly. Ken Russell's resolution provides adequate resolution.
Ending Explained: Altered States
Altered States Ending Explained: Directed by Ken Russell, Altered States wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving William Hurt. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the horror themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Altered States reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Altered States?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of William Hurt or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: Altered States
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $19.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Altered States Budget
The estimated production budget for Altered States is $15.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Altered States Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeAltered States Parents Guide & Age Rating
1980 AdvisoryWondering about Altered States age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Altered States (1980) is 103 minutes (1h 43m). Directed by Ken Russell, the film runs for 103 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Altered States is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1980 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Altered States worth watching?
Altered States is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Altered States parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Altered States identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Altered States (1980)?
The runtime of Altered States (1980) is 103 minutes (approximately 1h 43m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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