Limitless (2011)

A struggling writer unlocks the full power of his mind through a mysterious pill — and pays a dangerous price for his newfound brilliance.

Limitless - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Limitless
  • Release Year: 2011
  • Directed by: Neil Burger
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Sci-Fi
  • Age Rating (US): PG-13
  • Runtime: 1h 46m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English, Italian, Russian, Mandarin, French
  • Release Date (Theatrical): March 17, 2011 (BA), March 18, 2011 (United States - PG-13), March 18, 2011 (Canada - 18A), March 23, 2011 (United Kingdom - 15), April 14, 2011 (Germany - 16), June 8, 2011 (France - U), April 29, 2011 (India), March 18, 2011 (New Zealand - M), March 18, 2011 (Australia - M), March 25, 2011 (Brazil - 14), April 22, 2011 (Mexico - B-15), April 15, 2011 (Italy - T), April 8, 2011 (Spain - 12), July 12, 2012 (South Korea - 15), October 13, 2011 (China)
  • Alternative Titles: Областi темряви (UA), Ohne Limit - Die Droge für Reichtum und Macht (DE), 黑暗领域 (CN), 리미트리스 (KR), The Dark Fields (US), 逆天潛能 (HK), 藥命效應 (TW)
  • Production Companies: Relativity Media, Virgin Produced, Many Rivers Productions, Boy of the Year, Rogue Pictures, Mandate International
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Limitless - Plot

The life of an unsuccessful writer is transformed by a top-secret 'smart drug' that allows him to use 100% of his brain and become a perfect version of himself. His enhanced abilities soon attract shadowy forces that threaten his new life.

Limitless - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see what happens when one pill changes everything:

What if a pill could make you rich and powerful?

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Limitless - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Neil Burger

Main Cast

  • Bradley Cooper
  • Robert De Niro
  • Abbie Cornish
  • Andrew Howard
  • Anna Friel
  • Johnny Whitworth
  • Tomas Arana
  • Robert John Burke
  • Darren Goldstein
  • Ned Eisenberg

Writers

  • Leslie Dixon

Producers

  • Leslie Dixon
  • Ryan Kavanaugh
  • Scott Kroopf

Limitless - FAQs

Is the NZT-48 drug in Limitless real?

NZT-48 is entirely fictional. However, it was inspired by real-world nootropics and cognitive enhancers. Scientists and pharmacologists have noted that no existing drug can unlock 100% of the brain, as the premise is based on the widely debunked myth that humans only use 10% of their brains.

Where can I stream Limitless online?

Limitless is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, and Peacock Premium. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on The Roku Channel, Shout! Factory TV, and YouTube Free.

What is Limitless (2011) about?

Limitless follows Eddie Morra, a struggling New York writer who discovers NZT-48, a pill granting access to 100% of his brain. He becomes extraordinarily intelligent, wealthy, and powerful — but his meteoric rise draws dangerous criminals and shadowy figures determined to control or eliminate him.

Is Limitless based on a true story?

No, Limitless is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the 2001 novel The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn. The story is entirely fictional, though it draws on real scientific discussions around cognitive enhancement, nootropics, and the popular myth about humans using only a fraction of their brain.

Who are the main actors in Limitless?

Limitless stars Bradley Cooper as Eddie Morra, a writer transformed by a cognitive-enhancing drug, and Robert De Niro as powerful financier Carl Van Loon. Abbie Cornish plays Eddie's girlfriend Lindy, while Andrew Howard, Anna Friel, and Johnny Whitworth round out the principal supporting cast.

What is the age rating for Limitless?

Limitless is rated PG-13 in the United States by the MPA. The rating reflects sequences of violence, disturbing content, sexuality, and drug use. In the United Kingdom it carries a 15 certificate, while Germany rated it 16 and Australia and New Zealand classified it M.

How long is Limitless and when was it released?

Limitless has a runtime of 1 hour 46 minutes. It was theatrically released in the United States on March 18, 2011, directed by Neil Burger. The film opened to strong box office results, ultimately grossing approximately $161.9 million worldwide against a production budget of $27 million.

Did Limitless receive positive reviews from critics?

Limitless received mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics praised Bradley Cooper's charismatic lead performance and the film's slick visual style, particularly its inventive cinematography. Some reviewers found the premise more intriguing than its execution, but audiences responded enthusiastically, giving it strong commercial approval and a loyal fan following.

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