Is Stigmata Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Stigmata is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 103 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Stigmata Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1999, Stigmata emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Thriller, Fantasy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A young woman with no strong religious beliefs, Frankie Paige begins having strange and violent experiences, showing signs of the wounds that Jesus received when crucified. Unlike standard genre fare, Stigmata attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Stigmata features a noteworthy lineup led by Patricia Arquette . Supported by the likes of Gabriel Byrne and Jonathan Pryce , 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 Stigmata (1999) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Stigmata Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Stigmata is a Horror, Thriller, Fantasy 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 young woman with no strong religious beliefs, Frankie Paige begins having strange and violent experiences, showing signs of the wounds that Jesus received when crucified. When the Vatican gets word of Frankie's situation, a high-ranking cardinal requests that the Rev. Andrew Kiernan investigate her case. Soon Kiernan realizes that very sinister forces are at work, and tries to rescue Frankie from the entity that is plaguing her. 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.
Stigmata Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Stigmata concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. 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 Stigmata reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Stigmata?
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
Stigmata Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $29.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $50.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Stigmata Budget
The estimated production budget for Stigmata is $29.0M. 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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Full Cast & Crew of Stigmata
- Patricia Arquette – Frankie Paige
- Gabriel Byrne – Father Andrew Kiernan
- Jonathan Pryce – Cardinal Daniel Houseman
- Nia Long – Donna Chadway
- Thomas Kopache – Father Durning
Top Highlights
Patricia ArquetteFrankie Paige
Gabriel ByrneFather Andrew Kiernan
Jonathan PryceCardinal Daniel Houseman
Nia LongDonna Chadway
Thomas KopacheFather Durning
Rade ŠerbedžijaMarion Petrocelli
Enrico ColantoniFather Dario
Dick LatessaFather Gianni Delmonico
Portia De RossiJennifer Kelliho
Patrick MuldoonSteven
Where to Watch Stigmata Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Stigmata is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, Stigmata stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1999 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stigmata movie hit or flop?
Stigmata has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Stigmata worth watching?
Stigmata is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Thriller, Fantasy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Stigmata online?
Stigmata is currently available for streaming on MGM Plus Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like MGM Plus Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Stigmata
***The Kingdom of God is within you and around you*** A hedonistic hair stylist in Pittsburgh (Patricia Arquette) experiences stigmata, the manifestations of the various wounds of Christ, which compels the Vatican to send an investigator (Gabriel Byrne). “Stigmata” (1999) is Christian-oriented mystery/horror, coming across as a meshing of the tone of “Eye of the Beholder” (1998) and the themes of “The Seventh Sign” (1988). But also brings to mind the contemporaneous “End of Days” (1999), albeit more rooted in drama than overblown action thrills. “The Mothman Prophecies” (2002) is another reference point, but the brilliance of the eerie “Mothman” was its confidence in understatement whereas “Stigmata” overdoes it in some sequences, I guess to appeal to those with ADHD. Nevertheless, director Rupert Wainwright knows how to make a flashy, good-looking flick. The simple-yet-profound moral at the end makes it even better and I agree with it wholeheartedly. The film runs 1 hour, 43 minutes. GRADE: B+/A
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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