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The Doors

Play trailer Poster for The Doors R,  1991,  2h 15m,  Biography/ History/ Drama/ Music Play Trailer Watchlist
Stream Now Watchlist 58% 64 Reviews Tomatometer 79% 50,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
58% Tomatometer 64 Reviews 79% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
After a psychedelic experience in the California desert, Jim Morrison (Val Kilmer), lead singer of The Doors, and his bandmates begin performing in Los Angeles and quickly become a sensation. However, when Jim begins ditching his musical responsibilities and his girlfriend, Pamela (Meg Ryan), in favor of his dangerous addictions and the affections of the seductive, occult-obsessed Patricia (Kathleen Quinlan), the band starts to worry about their leader.
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The Doors

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Critics Consensus

Val Kilmer delivers a powerhouse performance as one of rock's most incendiary figures, but unfortunately, Oliver Stone is unable to shed much light on the circus surrounding the star.

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Critics Reviews

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Steve Murray Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sep 25, 2025
It's too long, too shallow, too exhausting. But you can't keep your eyes off it. Go to Full Review
Terrence Rafferty The New Yorker Jun 17, 2014
For a while, the obviousness and flat-out vulgarity are sort of entertaining, and it might be possible to enjoy the movie as a camp classic if you could ignore the mean-spiritedness that keeps breaking through. Go to Full Review
Dave Kehr Chicago Tribune Jun 17, 2014
2/4
Hysteria, however skillfully maintained, should never be mistaken for art -- a caution that applies equally to Stone and his subject. Go to Full Review
Sean Burns WBUR’s Arts & Culture Jul 22, 2026
‘The Doors’ probably seems pretty silly if you’re sober and an adult, but it’s ideal for someone first beginning to discover symbolism and drugs. Go to Full Review
Casey Chong Casey's Movie Mania Apr 2, 2025
3.5/5
[Val] Kilmer was no doubt the heart and soul of The Doors that holding the biopic together. Go to Full Review
Terry Francis Southern Voice (Atlanta) May 9, 2023
1/4
A bomb. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Draco S Apr 18, 2019 Oliver Stone's scathingly psychedelic and seducingly incendiary biographical picture about Jim Morrison of the titular band and the troubled psyche that ensouls his poetical songs and impels his towering heterodox onstage enigma. See more
Leia S Feb 6, 2019 How do you honor a rock god from a cinematic standpoint? Many filmmakers have tried to figure that out over the years and a few have come close to doing their subjects justice. However, none have come as close as Oliver Stone with his near mystical interpretation of Jim Morrison, front man for the titular band, "The Doors." This film traces Morrison's rise from the beaches of California in 1965 to his death in Paris, France in 1971. Six tumultuous years at a time when the world itself was drastically changing and the Doors were there to do their part. Stone's ability to capture cinematographic elegance had only grown since the days of "Salvador" and "Platoon," although "The Doors" could be considered the height of his visual mastery. Storyline wise, Stone lets the myth of Morrison stand on its own accord, examining Morrison's legacy only from the peripheral, which was probably the smartest choice Stone could make. Almost thirty years after the movie's release and it's still scary how well Val Kilmer stepped into Jim Morrison's shoes. The resemblance is uncanny, from the physical appearance to the voice to the mannerisms. This is as close as any actor could come to actually embodying the masterful Lizard King. Kyle MacLachlan's Ray Manzarek was a nice counterpoint to Kilmer's lead performance. He portrays the intense focus that guides Morrison's free spirit toward destiny. When I first saw this film upon its initial release, I found it remarkable that it didn't try to capture the Sixties. Instead, it felt like it could have taken place in any era. I think that helps to convey Morrison's genius. That it is eternal in its gift. That it defies the boundaries of generation and culture and becomes an epoch of its own. The ultimate predilection of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll in such excess that it doesn't merely elevate but destroys when there is no higher elevation to be obtained is a recurrent theme in the lives of musicians, particularly from the late Sixties. It raises interesting questions, especially in the case of Morrison. Was he a tragic figure or an unworthy icon? Did his fame and indulgence drive Jim insane or did it just turn him into an asshole? It's not a secret that Morrison could be abusive and irresponsible, but did that come naturally from within, amplified by the corrupting influence of celebrity status? Or did the weight of fame crush a sensitive genius until the burden was too much to bear and he had to lash out at those around him? Stone does his best to shine a light on these questions and I personally feel that ensures "The Doors" will remain one of the brightest spots in his own career. This is a movie that is as mind-expanding as the music that inspired its celluloid existence. See more
Nov 15, 2018 Incrível... se por um lado a veracidade biográfica se faz passível a deslizes, a direção de arte e interpretação dos atores nos faz sentir a presença das personagens icônicas que foram os Doors. Mr. Mojo! Mr. Mojo Risin! See more
Rey G Nov 14, 2018 Quite simply the best biography to date..Val kilmers jim' is immaculate!
Hermione G Nov 4, 2018 I think Val Kilmer is a great actor (in other movies) and I do love the Doors music, but this movie is absolutely terrible. Very slow and to much time spent on Jim Morrisons drug induced days instead of the music. this is over 2 hours of my life I would like back. See more
Poe R Oct 9, 2018 The Doors were a huge sensation back in the day and Jim Morrison- the lanky, good looking man was their mainstay. Oliver Stone's The Door's is a biographical take on Jim Morrison and you'd be hard pressed to find a lot of faults here- Kilmer is literally the photo copy of the real Jim and Meg Ryan is adorable as his girlfriend. The film itself wasn't such a hit because, well to be frank it is vague and goes off on many tangents but this is a valiant effort to show a true rock star in all his glory. Even if you aren't a fan of the Doors I suggest you check this one out. See more
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The Doors

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Movie Info

Synopsis After a psychedelic experience in the California desert, Jim Morrison (Val Kilmer), lead singer of The Doors, and his bandmates begin performing in Los Angeles and quickly become a sensation. However, when Jim begins ditching his musical responsibilities and his girlfriend, Pamela (Meg Ryan), in favor of his dangerous addictions and the affections of the seductive, occult-obsessed Patricia (Kathleen Quinlan), the band starts to worry about their leader.
Director
Oliver Stone
Producer
Bill Graham, Sasha Harari, A. Kitman Ho
Screenwriter
Oliver Stone, Randall Jahnson
Distributor
TriStar Pictures, Artisan Entertainment
Production Co
Imagine Entertainment, Bill Graham Films, Carolco Pictures Inc., Ixtlan Corporation, Carolco International N.V.
Rating
R
Genre
Biography, History, Drama, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 1, 1991, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$32.7M
Runtime
2h 15m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby SR, CDS, Magnetic Stereo 6 Track
Aspect Ratio
35mm
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