Something Wicked This Way Comes
Something Wicked This Way Comes Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: Something Wicked This Way Comes
| Movie | Something Wicked This Way Comes |
| Release Year | 1983 |
| Director | Jack Clayton |
| Genre | Fantasy / Mystery / Thriller |
| Runtime | 95 minutes (1h 35m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Something Wicked This Way Comes are led by Jason Robards . The supporting cast, including Jonathan Pryce and Diane Ladd , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Something Wicked This Way Comes does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Fantasy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Something Wicked This Way Comes 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 Fantasy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Something Wicked This Way Comes
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1983, Something Wicked This Way Comes is a Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller film directed by Jack Clayton, written by Ray Bradbury. The narrative transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jason Robards as Charles Halloway.
Ending Explained: Something Wicked This Way Comes
Something Wicked This Way Comes Ending Explained: In a small American town, a diabolical circus arrives, granting wishes for the townsfolk, but twisted as only the esteemed Mr. Directed by Jack Clayton, this 1983 fantasy film stars Jason Robards (Charles Halloway), alongside Jonathan Pryce as Mr. Dark, Diane Ladd as Mrs. Nightshade, Royal Dano as Tom Fury. With a 6.4/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Something Wicked This Way Comes?
In a small American town, a diabolical circus arrives, granting wishes for the townsfolk, but twisted as only the esteemed Mr. Dark can make them. Can two young boys overcome the worst the devil himself can deal out?
Jack Clayton's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Jason Robards (Charles Halloway)'s journey. Dark can make them.
How Does Jason Robards (Charles Halloway)'s Story End?
- Jason Robards: Jason Robards's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Jonathan Pryce (Mr. Dark): Jonathan Pryce's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Diane Ladd (Mrs. Nightshade): Diane Ladd's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Something Wicked This Way Comes Mean?
Something Wicked This Way Comes's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Jason Robards may feel rushed. Jack Clayton's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Something Wicked This Way Comes Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Something Wicked This Way Comes Based on a True Story?
No, Something Wicked This Way Comes is a work of fiction. While the fantasy, mystery, thriller film directed by Jack Clayton and starring Jason Robards may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Something Wicked This Way Comes?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Fantasy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Jason Robards or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Something Wicked This Way Comes
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $8.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Something Wicked This Way Comes Budget
The estimated production budget for Something Wicked This Way Comes is $20.0M. 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 Something Wicked This Way Comes Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Disney Plus
History VaultSomething Wicked This Way Comes Parents Guide & Age Rating
1983 AdvisoryWondering about Something Wicked This Way Comes age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Directed by Jack Clayton, the film runs for 95 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Something Wicked This Way Comes is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1983 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Something Wicked This Way Comes worth watching?
Something Wicked This Way Comes is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Something Wicked This Way Comes parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Something Wicked This Way Comes identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)?
The runtime of Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) is 95 minutes (approximately 1h 35m).
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.
