The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Performance & Direction: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus Review
Last updated: February 7, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Adventure.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus features a noteworthy lineup led by Christopher Plummer . Supported by the likes of Lily Cole and Heath Ledger , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Quick Plot Summary: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery 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. After a carnival troupe saves his life, a man agrees to help its immortal leader collect five souls and win a bet with the devil. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- 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 climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Ending Breakdown: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to adventure 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 adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Adventure films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $30.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $64.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus Budget
The estimated production budget for The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is $30.0M. 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: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Apple TV Store
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Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus Parents Guide & Age Rating
2009 AdvisoryWondering about The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is 123 minutes (2h 3m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus worth watching?
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus?
The total duration of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is 123 minutes, which is approximately 2h 3m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
The fantasy element was great. I wish I could live in this fantasy world. It was exceptional and very wonderful. I watched the movie twice. The first time, I didn't understand the movie well and didn't like it. I did not know whether I liked the movie or not, but when I watched it again, I was fascinated and inspired by the wide imagination element that exists within the scenario. The character of Lily Cole was amazing, she is incredibly beautiful and I have to show respect for Heath Ledger's performance and Tom Waits gave an amazing performance. Christopher Plummer stole the show with a controlled, professional performance The animation element wasn't well managed, it could have been shown better the way it was.
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.
