The Doors

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The Doors

R

1991

2h 15m

Biography

History

Drama

Music

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Tomatometer

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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Terry Francis

Southern Voice (Atlanta)

May 9, 2023

1/4

A bomb.

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Robert P

@Superbad 6 days ago

The Doors = a *4* star Movie

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Ava W

@EvadneSea Sep 19, 2026

Insightful. Read biography book first.

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Mark B

@Burrellius Aug 5, 2026

Saw this at the cinema when it came out and have watched it several times over the years, including recently on Blue-ray at home. I have a soft spot for music related biopics and love this movie. Val Kimour is outstanding as is the music. I can see why the sexism, alcoholism and debauchery is not to everyone's taste but cannot get past the fact that I never fail to enjoy this film.

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Bryan M

@RT97114384 Apr 27, 2026

I read a few of the so-called "critics" reviews. I disagree big time to those who say it's too long or too vulgar. they sound like just the people who probably thought they were too good to listen to the doors and Morrison. If nothing else, this film is worth a watch just for Val Kilmer and Meg Ryan. Great story, seemed very authentic to me. If the dessert trip scene is a little long for you just wait it comes back after that with another 1.5 hours of rock n roll life in your face.

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Jerod S

@jeroduptown Jan 16, 2026

Starts out strong and Val kills his role - but it ends up a flash in the pan (kinda like the Doors)

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Alexander S

@RT61935749 Oct 20, 2025

The Doors is quite the trip that catapults you into the tumultuous world of Jim Morrison as the true definition of a ‘rockstar’. With Val Kilmer's phenomenal performance, the film brings to life the highs and lows of Morrison's lifestyle, creative genius, and addiction struggles. The film can be hazy at times but It's an overall mesmerizing tribute to the iconic musician and the era that defined him. Grading: B+

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Oliver Stone

Director

Val Kilmer

James Douglas 'Jim' Morrison

Meg Ryan

Pamela Courson

Kevin Dillon

John Densmore

Kyle MacLachlan

Ray Manzarek

Frank Whaley

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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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