Flatliners poster

1990·115 min·Released

Flatliners

“Some lines shouldn't be crossed.”

Drama
Science Fiction
Horror

Five medical students experiment with "near death" experiences, until the dark consequences of past tragedies begin to jeopardize their lives.

6.5(1,748 votes)

Popularity3

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Original Trailer

Cast & Crew

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland

Nelson Wright

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts

Rachel Mannus

Kevin Bacon

Kevin Bacon

David Labraccio

William Baldwin

William Baldwin

Joe Hurley

Oliver Platt

Oliver Platt

Randy Steckle

Kimberly Scott

Kimberly Scott

Winnie Hicks

Joshua Rudoy

Joshua Rudoy

Billy Mahoney

Benjamin Mouton

Benjamin Mouton

Rachel's Father

Aeryk Egan

Aeryk Egan

Young Nelson

Kesha Reed

Kesha Reed

Young Winnie

Hope Davis

Hope Davis

Anne Coldren

Jim Ortlieb

Jim Ortlieb

Uncle Dave

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John Chard

Written on 11/23/2014

The arrogance of medicinally inclined youth! I remember coming out the theatre after having seen Flatliners in 1990 and being really annoyed. The premise of the story is so superb and was ripe for a terrifying horror film, but Flatliners then, and now, is not terrifying, but that actually doesn't matter. In 1990 some of the more bright young acting prospects were off making Memphis Belle, the other half that was made up of potential Brat Packers like Kiefer Sutherland, Julia Roberts, William Baldwin, Oliver Platt and Kevin Bacon, were joining director Joel Schumacher for this delve into life after death experiments. The tyro medical students, led by a darkly egotistical Sutherland, begin inducing their own deaths to see what awaits once the flatline has been reached. Seems great at first, but as the students push the time limits of being dead still further, what comes into their real worlds is actually not welcome. Pic is never close to being frightening, but the thematics involved are chilling and the big message at its heart is loud and clear. At times it's an uneasy blend of supernatural dalliances and medical science, but the breezy cast hold engagement, while cinematographer Jan de Bont's misty lenses are perfectly in the realm of the ethereal. 7/10

GenerationofSwine

Written on 1/12/2023

Stop for a minute and contemplate the fact that Joel Schumacher made this when he was channeling Joel Schumacher and it actually turned out to be a good, compelling, and frightening film. How the heck did that happen? I mean, sure, the story was good for a horror flick and it was pretty compelling. And, to be fair, it did have a great case and the acting was beyond par. So you know, there was a lot working for it despite it being Joel Schumacher in the 90s being Joel Schumacher in the 90s. I guess what I am saying is that you should give it a shot, despite the director.

Alunauwie

Written on 9/30/2025

Flatliners presents a compelling concept about exploring life after death through risky medical experiments conducted by five ambitious students. The film unfolds with a strong character build-up and escalating tension as supernatural consequences begin haunting them. Emotional depth is explored through personal guilt and unresolved trauma, making each character's journey unique. With impressive acting, effective use of visuals, and a strong moral message, the film remains engaging and thought-provoking. Despite its age, Flatliners delivers a powerful reminder that death—and guilt—should never be taken lightly. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) and (English version : uwiepuspita.com)

kevin2019

Written on 2/13/2026

"Flatliners" makes for incredibly atmospheric viewing and it has a superb central idea, but like so many other films with superb central ideas it struggles with the challenge of doing something innovative or significant with it. After all, death is the last great mystery which we must all face. What actually happens after you die? This film takes that fascinating conundrum and it follows the familiar religious dictum which tells us after we die we must each atone for our many misdemeanors committed during the course of our lifetime and then be punished accordingly. This is the only consequential achievement of the entire disappointing film and by the time the end credits begin to roll you are left with a feeling that the possiblity of redemption is perhaps the best the afterlife has to offer.

Media

Flatliners ≣ 1990 ≣ Trailer ≣ Remastered

Flatliners ≣ 1990 ≣ Trailer ≣ Remastered

Original Trailer

Original Trailer