Is The Hidden Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Hidden is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Hidden Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, The Hidden emerges as a significant entry in the Science Fiction, Action, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When average, law-abiding citizens suddenly turn to a life of hedonistic behavior and violent crime, Detective Tom Beck is tasked with helping young FBI agent Lloyd Gallagher determine the cause. Unlike standard genre fare, The Hidden attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Hidden features a noteworthy lineup led by Kyle MacLachlan . Supported by the likes of Michael Nouri and Claudia Christian , 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 Hidden (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Hidden Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Hidden is a Science Fiction, Action, Horror film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Hidden Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Hidden concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to science fiction 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 science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Hidden reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Hidden?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
The Hidden Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $9.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Hidden Budget
The estimated production budget for The Hidden 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Hidden
- Kyle MacLachlan – Lloyd Gallagher
- Michael Nouri – Tom Beck
- Claudia Christian – Brenda Lee Van Buren
- Clarence Felder – Lt. John Masterson
- Clu Gulager – Lt. Ed Flynn
Top Highlights
Kyle MacLachlanLloyd Gallagher
Michael NouriTom Beck
Claudia ChristianBrenda Lee Van Buren
Clarence FelderLt. John Masterson
Clu GulagerLt. Ed Flynn
Ed O'RossCliff Willis
William BoyettJonathan Miller
Richard BrooksSanchez
Larry CedarBrem
Katherine CannonBarbara Beck
Where to Watch The Hidden Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ 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 Hidden is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, violence, action sequences. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Hidden stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hidden movie hit or flop?
The Hidden has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Hidden worth watching?
The Hidden is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Science Fiction, Action, Horror movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Hidden online?
The Hidden may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How The Hidden Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Hidden
_**Ferraris, 80’s rock/metal, Los Angeles and an out-of-control… thing**_ An FBI agent (Kyle MacLachlan) from Seattle teams-up with an LAPD detective (Michael Nouri) to apprehend an unstoppable menace in Los Angeles that seems to switch bodies(?). “The Hidden” (1987) is a kinetic sci-fi action/thriller in the mold of “The Terminator” (1984), but not quite as exceptional. It’s captivating with a kinetic 80’s metal/rock/punk soundtrack featuring bands like Shok Paris, Concrete Blonde and The Truth. But, for me, the flick’s hampered by the one dimensional vibe of the gritty concrete jungle. Voluptuous Claudia Christian stands out on the female front as an exotic dancer who gets caught up in the chase. The movie runs 1 hour, 37 minutes, and was shot Los Angeles. GRADE: B+
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