"Donnie Darko" is a mind-bending psychological thriller that delves into the life of a troubled teenager named Donnie Darko. Set in the 1980s, the film follows Donnie as he navigates the challenges of adolescence while being plagued by visions of a mysterious figure in a rabbit suit named Frank.
Frank informs Donnie that the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds. As the days count down, Donnie's actions, influenced by Frank's prophecies, lead to a series of events that blur the lines between reality and imagination, challenging the concepts of time, fate, and free will.
Release Information
- Release Date: October 26, 2001
- Duration: 113 minutes
- Rating: R (for language, some drug use, and violence)
- Country of Origin: United States
Cast & Crew
- Main Cast:
- Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie Darko
- Jena Malone as Gretchen Ross
- Mary McDonnell as Rose Darko
- Holmes Osborne as Eddie Darko
- Maggie Gyllenhaal as Elizabeth Darko
- Director: Richard Kelly
- Producers: Adam Fields, Sean McKittrick, Nancy Juvonen
- Writers: Richard Kelly
Where to Watch
United States (US)
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
Stream: Available on Criterion Channel and DIRECTV.
Buy/Rent: Options include Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, and Alamo on Demand.
Australia (AU)
There are currently no streaming offers in the AU.
Stream: The movie can be streamed on Stan.
Buy/Rent: Available on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fetch TV, Telstra TV.
United Kingdom (GB)
There are currently no streaming offers in the GB.
Stream: Options include ARROW, Arrow Video Amazon Channel, and Shudder Amazon Channel.
Buy/Rent: You can purchase or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Rakuten TV, and Curzon Home Cinema.
Germany (DE)
There are currently no streaming offers in the DE.
Stream: Available on Paramount Plus, Amazon Arthaus Channel, Studiocanal Presents MOVIECULT Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, and Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel.
Buy/Rent: Options include Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and LaCinetek.
Brazil (BR)
There are currently no streaming offers in the BR.
Stream: The movie can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, Claro video, and Telecine Play.
Buy/Rent: Available on Google Play Movies.
Spain (ES)
There are currently no streaming offers in the ES.
Stream: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Buy/Rent: Currently, there are no buying or renting options available in Spain.
France (FR)
There are currently no streaming offers in the FR.
Stream: Currently, there are no streaming options available in France.
Buy/Rent: Options include Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Orange VOD, Microsoft Store, YouTube, FILMO, Canal VOD, and LaCinetek.
Canada (CA)
There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.
Stream: Available on Amazon Prime Video, Crave Starz, Criterion Channel, Shudder Amazon Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, and Starz Amazon Channel.
Buy/Rent: Options include Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, and YouTube.
Production Details
- Production Company: Flower Films, Pandora Cinema, Adam Fields Productions
- Filming Locations: Primarily in Long Beach, California, with some scenes shot in Los Angeles.
- Budget: Estimated at $4.5 million
- Box Office Collection: Approximately $7.5 million worldwide, though it gained a significant cult following upon its DVD release, making it much more successful in the home video market.
Awards & Nominations
"Donnie Darko" received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling, compelling characters, and atmospheric soundtrack. Some of the notable awards and nominations include:
- Awards Won:
- San Diego Film Critics Society Awards for Best Actor (Jake Gyllenhaal)
- Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature (Richard Kelly)
- Nominations:
- Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay (Richard Kelly)
- Saturn Award for Best DVD Release
Reviews & Reception
Critical Reception: Upon its initial release, "Donnie Darko" polarized critics, with some praising its originality, depth, and performances, especially that of Jake Gyllenhaal, while others found it confusing and overly ambitious. Over time, however, the film has been re-evaluated and is now considered a cult classic.
Rotten Tomatoes currently holds an approval rating of 86% based on reviews, with the consensus reading, "Richard Kelly's debut feature Donnie Darko is a daring, original vision, packed with jarring ideas and intelligence and featuring a remarkable performance from Jake Gyllenhaal."
Audience Reception: The film resonated deeply with audiences, especially with younger viewers who identified with its themes of alienation, existential angst, and the challenges of adolescence. Its intricate plot, filled with symbolism and open-ended questions, has led to numerous fan theories and discussions, further cementing its status as a cult favorite.
Box Office Performance: While "Donnie Darko" had a modest box office performance during its initial theatrical run, it found a second life on DVD, where it became a best-seller and garnered a massive cult following. Its enduring popularity led to the release of a "Director's Cut" in 2004, which included additional scenes and expanded on the film's intricate narrative.