Scanners
6.7
Scanners fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking and scary
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension9
- Scare8
- Violence8
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Catharsis6
- Pathos5
- Melancholy4
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor6
- Absurdist Humor4
- Satire & Parody4
World
The mind, technology, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Novelty8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
- Visual Stylization8
Energy
HighNerve-racking and scary
Fast from start to finish.
Scanners is nerve-racking, scary, and violent.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare8Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque8Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics1Relationships and generational ties.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
HighThe mind, technology, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind, technology, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Tech & Humanity9Human stories in a tech world.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Futuristic6Speculative tech and future worlds.
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
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- 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 Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Grotesque8Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Psychedelic7Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
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About
10 Seconds: The Pain Begins. 15 Seconds: You Can’t Breathe. 20 Seconds: You Explode.
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Overall: Similar vibe.
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Questions about Scanners
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Scanners worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 66/100 (IMDb 6.7, Rotten Tomatoes 69%, and Metacritic 60). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Scanners rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Scanners?
1 h 43 min
Scanners runs 1 h 43 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Scanners?
Yes. Critics average 65 and audiences 67 out of 100, so both groups see Scanners much the same way.
Was Scanners a box office hit?
Yes. It cost about $4 million to make and earned $14 million worldwide, 3.5 times its budget.
What language is Scanners in?
It was made in English. Produced in Canada.
In how many countries can I watch Scanners?
+34GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Scanners in 48 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Scanners use?
TV Tropes lists 87 storytelling tropes for Scanners, including Gangland Drive-By, Psychic Glimpse of Death, The Reveal.