Lake Placid

  • 1999
  • R
  • 82m
movieMx RATING
5.9/101.2K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Lake Placid Review

Last updated: January 26, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 26, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Lake Placid (1999) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Lake Placid features a noteworthy lineup led by Bill Pullman . Supported by the likes of Bridget Fonda and Oliver Platt , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Lake Placid (1999) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.

Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Lake Placid stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Lake Placid

Quick Plot Summary: Lake Placid is a Horror, Comedy, Action, Science Fiction, Thriller film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. When a man is eaten alive by an unknown creature, the local Game Warden teams up with a paleontologist from New York to find the beast. Add to the mix an eccentric philanthropist with a penchant for "Crocs", and here we go! This quiet, remote lake is suddenly the focus of an intense search for a crocodile with a taste for live animals...and people! The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
  • Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.

Ending Explained: Lake Placid

Ending Breakdown: Lake Placid attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Lake Placid reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Lake Placid?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Horror films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: Lake Placid

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $27.0M
Worldwide Gross $56.9M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Lake Placid Budget

The estimated production budget for Lake Placid is $27.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Lake Placid

All Cast & Crew →
Bill Pullman
Bill PullmanJack Wells
Bridget Fonda
Bridget FondaKelly Scott
Oliver Platt
Oliver PlattHector Cyr
Brendan Gleeson
Brendan GleesonSheriff Hank Keough
Betty White
Betty WhiteMrs. Delores Bickerman
Tim Dixon
Tim DixonStephen Daniels
Meredith Salenger
Meredith SalengerDeputy Sharon Gare
Jed Rees
Jed ReesDeputy Burke
Richard Leacock
Richard LeacockDeputy Stevens
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Where to Watch Lake Placid Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

Sony Pictures Amazon ChannelSony Pictures Amazon Channel

Lake Placid Parents Guide & Age Rating

1999 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Lake Placid age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Lake Placid is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Lake Placid is 82 minutes (1h 22m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, Lake Placid is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1999 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Lake Placid. Rating: 5.9/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lake Placid worth watching?

Lake Placid is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Lake Placid parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Lake Placid identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Lake Placid?

The total duration of Lake Placid is 82 minutes, which is approximately 1h 22m long.

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Critic Reviews for Lake Placid

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.9
Lake Placid
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