Is The Black Hole Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Black Hole is likely a skip if you enjoy Adventure movies.
It features a runtime of 98 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Black Hole Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1979, The Black Hole emerges as a significant entry in the Adventure, Science Fiction, Action domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The explorer craft USS Palomino is returning to Earth after a fruitless 18-month search for extra-terrestrial life when the crew comes upon a supposedly lost ship, the USS Cygnus, hovering near a black hole. Unlike standard genre fare, The Black Hole attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Black Hole features a noteworthy lineup led by Maximilian Schell . Supported by the likes of Anthony Perkins and Robert Forster , 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 The Black Hole (1979) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Black Hole Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Black Hole is a Adventure, Science Fiction, Action film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. The explorer craft USS Palomino is returning to Earth after a fruitless 18-month search for extra-terrestrial life when the crew comes upon a supposedly lost ship, the USS Cygnus, hovering near a black hole. The ship is controlled by Dr. Hans Reinhardt and his monstrous robot companion, but the initial wonderment and awe the Palomino crew feel for the ship and its resistance to the power of the black hole turn to horror as they uncover Reinhardt's plans. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
The Black Hole Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Black Hole attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to adventure resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, 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 adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Black Hole reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Black Hole?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Adventure films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Black Hole Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $35.8M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Black Hole Budget
The estimated production budget for The Black Hole is $20.0M. 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 The Black Hole
- Maximilian Schell – Dr. Hans Reinhardt
- Anthony Perkins – Dr. Alex Durant
- Robert Forster – Captain Dan Holland
- Joseph Bottoms – Lieutenant Charles Pizer
- Yvette Mimieux – Dr. Kate McCrae
Top Highlights
Maximilian SchellDr. Hans Reinhardt
Anthony PerkinsDr. Alex Durant
Robert ForsterCaptain Dan Holland
Joseph BottomsLieutenant Charles Pizer
Yvette MimieuxDr. Kate McCrae
Ernest BorgnineHarry Booth
Tom McLoughlinCaptain S.T.A.R.
Roddy McDowallV.I.N.CENT. (voice) (uncredited)
Slim PickensB.O.B. (voice) (uncredited)
Gary NelsonDrone with Mask Removed (uncredited)
Where to Watch The Black Hole Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Disney Plus🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Black Hole is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Black Hole stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1979 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Black Hole movie hit or flop?
The Black Hole has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Black Hole worth watching?
The Black Hole is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Adventure, Science Fiction, Action movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Black Hole online?
The Black Hole is currently available for streaming on Disney Plus. You can also check for it on platforms like Disney Plus depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for The Black Hole
A little like the "Godi" in "Island at the Top of the World" I vividly recall the first time that I set eyes on "Maximilian" the menacing robot in this far darker Disney film from 1979. The "Palomino" discovers the long lost "Cygnus" on the precipice of a black hole and they board her. Once there, they discover that the captain - an excellently eerie Maximilian Schell ("Reinhardt") and our aforementioned robot are determined to take their ship through the spatial anomaly. Soon, though, our visitors discover there is something far more sinister going on and it becomes a test of wits as they and their own - rather more friendly - robots try to escape in one piece. It is not a film seen too often nowadays which is a shame; it shows that back then, Disney could on occasion do more "adult" films with good SFX, a decent, intelligent, script and a cast - including Anthony Perkins, Joseph Bottoms, Ernest Borgnine with something to get their teeth into and Roddy McDowell has good fun as the wise-cracking, laser-toting hover-bot "V. I. N. cent"
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
