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The Shining

The Shining

A masterpiece of modern horror.

1980146 minRMidcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
Stanley Kubrick
Starring
Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers

Jack Torrance accepts a caretaker job at the Overlook Hotel, where he, along with his wife Wendy and their son Danny, must live isolated from the rest of the world for the winter. But they aren't prepared for the madness that lurks within.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Shining?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Shining streaming on HBO Max and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Shining?

The Shining earns 15 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Stood the test of time.

Show 7 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is The Shining worth watching?

The Shining's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 4.7M ratings across 6 sources. 91% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)98th
Approval (how many liked it)98th

83 /100

98th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1980s

Critics 68 · Audience 83

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

91% liked it

98th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1980s
91% rated it 7–109% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 6 wins / 9 noms overall

99th percentile

4.7M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama99th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 4% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$19M
Opening weekend$622K
Domestic gross$47M
Worldwide gross$50M

Returned 2.6× its budget — 95th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A visually stunning, atmospheric horror film with a slowly building sense of dread, though its story coherence divides viewers.

Fans praised

  • masterful Kubrick direction and meticulous visual craft
  • eerie, oppressive atmosphere and unsettling tone throughout
  • iconic, endlessly analyzable imagery and set pieces

Detractors panned

  • diffuse, poorly structured narrative with unexplained plot threads
  • pacing drags and momentum falters, undermining tension
  • performances, especially Nicholson's, veer into overacting and camp

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive95

dazzling tracking shots, use of Steadicam, and meticulous framing

AtmosphereDivisive92

creepy, claustrophobic Overlook Hotel setting; some find it not scary

Sound and musicDivisive90

unsettling score and sound design build dread; some call it overreliant

ActingDivisive78

Nicholson's manic performance praised by fans, derided as cartoonish by detractors

TensionDivisive75

builds slowly, but many detractors argue the unengaging plot kills suspense

Plot and story40

loose, ambiguous narrative leaves many plot threads dangling; fans admire the ambiguity, detractors see sloppiness

EndingDivisive40

ambiguous, iconic finale leaves many frustrated due to lack of closure

Pacing35

slow burn that fails to ignite; detractors call it tedious, some fans also note pacing issues

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is The Shining like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be scared.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseCold
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Cold and cerebral · 4% of films: Detached and precise; keeps the viewer at arm's length.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneKubrick treats the supernatural horror and psychological descent with a cold, unflinching seriousness, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe mood is a sustained, rising dread that peaks in the final chase and confrontation in the maze.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from Jack's arrival at the Overlook Hotel through the family's isolation and the escalating horror.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

Haunting · 14% of filmsUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's iconic imagery and lingering sense of dread stay with you long after the credits roll.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% (this title) · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Obsession: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeJack Torrance's obsessive fixation on writing and the hotel's supernatural influence drives his descent into madness and violence.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% (this title) · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Redemption · 6% of filmsIsolation · 5% of filmsFamily bonds
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeJack's attempt to redeem his past failures through isolation and work is twisted into violence; the film explores the failure of redemption when haunted by personal demons.
StanceThe film questions whether redemption is possible for someone haunted by their own failures, presenting a bleak view of personal demons.

The world

ContemporaryDomesticWildernessHorror supernatural
Orchestral modernExperimentalForeground music · original score · Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind
SettingThe isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies, cut off by winter snow
MusicThe score uses eerie, minimalist synth motifs and distorted classical pieces to amplify the sense of dread.

Content guide

Is The Shining okay for kids?

R

The Shining is rated R: “Rated R for disturbing violent content and behavior, bloody images, graphic nudity, and strong language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (83/100), sexual content at intense (72/100), language at intense (70/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (41/100) and frightening material at severe (92/100). Overall it is heavier than 87% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 30 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaR
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland18
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil16
  • Argentina+18
  • Belgium18
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-18
  • Hong KongIII
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyVM14
  • LTN-16
  • MexicoC
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway18
  • PhilippinesR-16
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/16
  • PRR
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeM18
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
  • Taiwan15+
  • Türkiye18+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 92% of all filmsHeavier than 87% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 69%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 90%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 56%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 51%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 96%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Heavy almost across the board: frightening material, violence, sexual content, and language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Shining have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Shining?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Jack Nicholson
as Jack Torrance
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Shelley Duvall
as Wendy Torrance
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Danny Lloyd
as Danny
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Scatman Crothers
as Hallorann
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Barry Nelson
as Ullman
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Philip Stone
as Grady
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Joe Turkel
as Lloyd
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Anne Jackson
as Doctor
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tony Burton
as Durkin
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Lia Beldam
as Young Woman in Bath
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Shining?

Movies like The Shining include The Wind (2018), Burnt Offerings (1976) and The Haunting (1963). Of the 12 closest matches, most are psychological horror films, and several are films that feel cold.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its story type: haunted house. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Shining?

947 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: haunted house. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.