Donnie Darko (2001)
Richard Kelly's cult masterpiece follows a disturbed teenager drawn into a terrifying rabbit's apocalyptic countdown across 28 haunted days.
Donnie Darko - Movie Information
- Original Title: Donnie Darko
- Release Year: 2001
- Directed by: Richard Kelly
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Fantasy, Drama, Mystery
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 19, 2001 (Mexico - B-15), October 26, 2001 (United States - R), October 25, 2002 (United Kingdom - 15), September 21, 2021 (Germany - 16), January 30, 2002 (France - TP), October 25, 2002 (India - UA), October 16, 2002 (Australia - M), September 24, 2003 (Brazil - 14), November 19, 2004 (Italy - T), July 5, 2002 (Spain - 16), November 22, 2002 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Donis Darko (LT), Donnie Darko (Director's Cut) (US), Donnie Darko - Fürchte die Dunkelheit (DE), Donnie Darko - Karanlık Yolculuk (TR)
- Production Companies: Flower Films, Pandora Cinema, Newmarket Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Donnie Darko - Plot
After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.
Donnie Darko - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the unsettling world of Donnie Darko unfold:
28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, 12 seconds... that is when the world will end.
Where to Watch Donnie Darko
Looking for where to watch Donnie Darko?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Donnie Darko - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard Kelly
Main Cast
- Jake Gyllenhaal
- Jena Malone
- James Duval
- Drew Barrymore
- Beth Grant
- Maggie Gyllenhaal
- Mary McDonnell
- Holmes Osborne
- Noah Wyle
- Katharine Ross
Writers
- Richard Kelly
Producers
- Nancy Juvonen
- Adam Fields
- Sean McKittrick
Donnie Darko - FAQs
What does the ending of Donnie Darko mean?
The ending reveals Donnie as a time traveler who chooses to sacrifice himself to correct a tangent universe and save those he loves. By allowing the jet engine to kill him, he closes the time loop, erasing the 28-day nightmare and restoring the primary timeline — a selfless act of cosmic heroism.
Is Donnie Darko based on a true story?
No, Donnie Darko is not based on a true story. Writer-director Richard Kelly created the original screenplay, drawing on themes of suburban alienation, adolescent anxiety, and theoretical physics. The story is entirely fictional, though it resonates with many viewers through its emotionally grounded portrayal of teenage life.
Where can you stream Donnie Darko online?
Donnie Darko is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, fuboTV, and the Criterion Channel. It can also be watched free with ads on Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Shout! Factory TV. Digital rental and purchase options are available on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube.
Who plays the main character in Donnie Darko?
Jake Gyllenhaal plays Donnie Darko, the troubled teenage protagonist. The film also stars Jena Malone as Gretchen Ross, Drew Barrymore as teacher Karen Pomeroy, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Elizabeth Darko, Mary McDonnell as Rose Darko, and Patrick Swayze as motivational speaker Jim Cunningham.
Is there a post-credits scene in Donnie Darko?
Donnie Darko does not feature a post-credits scene. The film concludes with its emotionally resonant final sequence and closing credits accompanied to the haunting Gary Jules cover of “Mad World,” which became one of the most iconic musical moments in early 2000s cinema.
What is the age rating for Donnie Darko?
Donnie Darko is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's mature themes including psychological disturbance, strong language, brief violence, and disturbing imagery. It is generally considered appropriate for older teenagers and adults.
How long is Donnie Darko?
The theatrical cut of Donnie Darko runs approximately 114 minutes, or 1 hour and 54 minutes. The Director's Cut, released in 2004, runs slightly longer at around 133 minutes and includes additional scenes that expand on the film's time travel mythology.
What movies are similar to Donnie Darko?
Fans of Donnie Darko often enjoy Memento (2000), Fight Club (1999), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Requiem for a Dream (2000), Lost Highway (1997), and Angel Heart (1987). These films share Donnie Darko's blend of psychological intensity, nonlinear storytelling, and dark atmospheric tone.
More About Donnie Darko
Explore further details, ratings, and official records for Donnie Darko on these trusted platforms.