The Manitou
The Manitou Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Movie Overview: The Manitou
| Movie | The Manitou |
| Release Year | 1978 |
| Director | William Girdler |
| Genre | Horror / Science Fiction |
| Runtime | 104 minutes (1h 44m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Manitou (1978) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Manitou are led by Tony Curtis . The supporting cast, including Michael Ansara and Susan Strasberg , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Manitou does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Horror films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Manitou 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: The Manitou
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1978, The Manitou is a Horror, Science Fiction film directed by William Girdler, written by William Girdler. 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 Tony Curtis as Harry Erskine.
Ending Explained: The Manitou
The Manitou Ending Explained: Directed by William Girdler, The Manitou attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.
The final moments emphasize tension and lingering uncertainty, particularly in scenes involving Tony Curtis. 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 The Manitou reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The Manitou?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Where to Watch The Manitou Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Fandango At HomeThe Manitou Parents Guide & Age Rating
1978 AdvisoryWondering about The Manitou age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Manitou (1978) is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Directed by William Girdler, the film runs for 104 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Manitou is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1978 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Manitou worth watching?
The Manitou is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.4/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Manitou parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Manitou identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Manitou (1978)?
The runtime of The Manitou (1978) is 104 minutes (approximately 1h 44m).
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.




