The Dark Crystal (1982)
Kernel Score: 80% · 1,231 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Released: 1982-12-17
Runtime: 93 minutes
Where to watch The Dark Crystal
- Stream: Fubo, Peacock, Night Flight Plus
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Fawesome, Philo, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal and restore order to his world, before the grotesque race of Skeksis find and use the crystal for evil.
The Dark Crystal parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The Dark Crystal is a fantasy adventure with a good-versus-evil quest featuring some frightening creature designs.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes menacing villains and fantasy peril that may frighten younger children.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Dark Crystal
If you liked The Dark Crystal, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Peter Pan (2003) — 82%
- Labyrinth (1986) — 82%
- Jason and the Argonauts (1963) — 80%
- The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) — 92%
- Descendants 2 (2017) — 83%
- Maleficent (2014) — 80%
- Leave Her to Heaven (1945) — 85%
- The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser (1974) — 80%
Director
Cast
- Jim Henson as Jen / High Priest, Ritual Master
- Kathryn Mullen as Kira, a Gelfling
- Frank Oz as Aughra, a Keeper of Secrets / Chamberlain
- Dave Goelz as Fizzgig, a Friendly Monster / General, Garthim Master
- Steve Whitmire as Scientist (voice)
- Louise Gold as Gourmand
- Brian Meehl as Ornamentalist / Urzah / Dying Master
- Stephen Garlick as Jen (voice)
- Lisa Maxwell as Kira (voice)
- Billie Whitelaw as Aughra (voice)
The Dark Crystal FAQ
Is The Dark Crystal good?
The Dark Crystal has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,231 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Dark Crystal?
In the US you can stream The Dark Crystal on Fubo, Peacock and Night Flight Plus, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Fawesome, Philo, The Roku Channel and Pluto TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Dark Crystal OK for kids?
The Dark Crystal is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Dark Crystal is a fantasy adventure with a good-versus-evil quest featuring some frightening creature designs.
What movies are like The Dark Crystal?
If you liked The Dark Crystal, try Peter Pan, Labyrinth, Jason and the Argonauts and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.