Near Dark
Performance & Direction: Near Dark Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Near Dark (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. 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 Near Dark features a noteworthy lineup led by Adrian Pasdar . Supported by the likes of Jenny Wright and Lance Henriksen , 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 Near Dark (1987) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Near Dark
Quick Plot Summary: Near Dark is a Horror 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. A farm boy reluctantly becomes a member of the undead when a girl he meets turns out to be part of a band of vampires who roam the highways in stolen cars. 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: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: Near Dark
Ending Breakdown: Near Dark concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 Near Dark reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Near Dark?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: Near Dark
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Near Dark Budget
The estimated production budget for Near Dark is $5.0M. 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.
Top Cast: Near Dark
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Where to Watch Near Dark Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
ShudderNear Dark Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about Near Dark age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Near Dark is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Near Dark is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Near Dark worth watching?
Near Dark is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Near Dark parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Near Dark identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Near Dark?
The total duration of Near Dark is 94 minutes, which is approximately 1h 34m long.
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Critic Reviews for Near Dark
Thirty years on, and _Near Dark_ still holds up. A young Bill Paxton steals the show as a Texas vampire who's equal parts bikie and cowboy, even amongst such stars as Lance Henriksen and Adrian Pasdar. One of the most influential vampire films of all time, it's vibrations can still be felt in the monster movies of today, and while that's not always a good thing, it's noteworthy, and _Near Dark_ in and of itself is a great Southern Gothic tale for the modern world. _Final rating:★★★½ - I really liked it. Would strongly recommend you give it your time._
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.
