The Manitou

  • 1978
  • PG
  • 104m
movieMx RATING
5.4/10$69.0
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Manitou Review

Last updated: January 21, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 21, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Manitou (1978) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Manitou features a noteworthy lineup led by Tony Curtis . Supported by the likes of Michael Ansara and Susan Strasberg , 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 Manitou (1978) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Story & Plot Summary: The Manitou

Quick Plot Summary: The Manitou is a Horror, Science Fiction 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.

Ending Explained: The Manitou

Ending Breakdown: The Manitou attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 The Manitou reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Manitou?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Horror films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Top Cast: The Manitou

All Cast & Crew →
Tony Curtis
Tony CurtisHarry Erskine
Michael Ansara
Michael AnsaraJohn Singing Rock
Susan Strasberg
Susan StrasbergKaren Tandy
Stella Stevens
Stella StevensAmelia Crusoe
Jon Cedar
Jon CedarDr. Jack Hughes
Ann Sothern
Ann SothernMrs. Karmann
Paul Mantee
Paul ManteeDr. McEvoy
Jeanette Nolan
Jeanette NolanMrs. Winconis
Lurene Tuttle
Lurene TuttleMrs. Herz
Hugh Corcoran
Hugh CorcoranMacArthur
Anne Newman Bacal
Anne Newman Bacal10th-Floor Nurse
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Where to Watch The Manitou Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

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🏷️ Buy on

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The Manitou Parents Guide & Age Rating

1978 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Manitou age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Manitou is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Manitou is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Manitou stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Manitou worth watching?

The Manitou is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.4/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Manitou parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Manitou identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Manitou?

The total duration of The Manitou is 104 minutes, which is approximately 1h 44m long.

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Critic Reviews for The Manitou

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.4
The Manitou
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-manitou-40060" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.4</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Manitou</div></div></a>

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