Altered States
6.9
Altered States fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and scary
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension8
- Scare8
- Fast Pace8
Heart
Wondrous
- Wonder7
- Melancholy5
- Pathos4
Humor
Some dark humor and absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor7
- Absurdist Humor6
- Wit & Wordplay3
World
The mind, technology, and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Novelty9
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction9
- Intrigue9
- Acting8
Style
Standout cinematography, visual style, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography9
- Visual Stylization9
- Editing8
Energy
HighTense and scary
Fast from start to finish.
Altered States is tense, scary, and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare8Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
All heart traits
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Spiritual8Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
MediumSome dark humor and absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor and absurdist humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor6Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighThe mind, technology, and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind, technology, and faith and meaning. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Tech & Humanity8Human stories in a tech world.
- Spiritual8Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Surrealism8Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Fantasy7Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative5Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative3Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, visual style, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, visual style, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Psychedelic9Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque7Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
In the basement of a university medical school, Dr. Jessup floats naked in total darkness. The most terrifying experiment in the history of science is out of control... and the subject is himself.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Questions about Altered States
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Altered States worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes 85%, and Metacritic 58). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Altered States rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, nudity, disturbing imagery, and drug use.
How long is Altered States?
1 h 43 min
Altered States runs 1 h 43 min.
Is Altered States based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Altered States?
Yes. Critics average 72 and audiences 70 out of 100, so both groups see Altered States much the same way.
Was Altered States a box office hit?
Roughly broke even. It cost about $15 million to make and earned $20 million worldwide, 1.3 times its budget.
What language is Altered States in?
It was made in English, with some Spanish. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Altered States?
+19GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Altered States in 33 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Altered States use?
TV Tropes lists 31 storytelling tropes for Altered States, including Truth in Television, The '70s, Raging Stiffie.