The Dead Zone (1983)
Kernel Score: 80% · 1,782 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Thriller, Horror, Science Fiction
Released: 1983-10-21
Runtime: 103 minutes
Where to watch The Dead Zone
- Stream: Paramount+, Philo, AMC+, History Vault
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Johnny Smith is a schoolteacher with his whole life ahead of him but, after leaving his fiancee's home one night, is involved in a car crash which leaves him in a coma for 5 years. When he wakes, he discovers he has an ability to see into the past, present and future life of anyone with whom he comes into physical contact.
The Dead Zone parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated horror-thriller includes a car accident, murders, and disturbing psychic visions.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes a car accident, a coma, and depictions of a series of murders investigated via psychic visions.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Dead Zone
If you liked The Dead Zone, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Deep Red (1975) — 88%
- The Maze Runner (2014) — 82%
- The Devil All the Time (2020) — 79%
- The Vow (2012) — 81%
- If I Stay (2014) — 83%
- Juliet of the Spirits (1965) — 81%
- Frailty (2002) — 75%
- Infernal Affairs III (2003) — 76%
Director
Cast
- Christopher Walken as Johnny Smith
- Brooke Adams as Sarah Bracknell
- Tom Skerritt as Sheriff Bannerman
- Herbert Lom as Dr. Sam Weizak
- Anthony Zerbe as Roger Stuart
- Colleen Dewhurst as Henrietta Dodd
- Martin Sheen as Greg Stillson
- Nicholas Campbell as Frank Dodd
- Sean Sullivan as Herb Smith
- Jackie Burroughs as Vera Smith
The Dead Zone FAQ
Is The Dead Zone good?
The Dead Zone has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,782 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Dead Zone?
In the US you can stream The Dead Zone on Paramount+, Philo, AMC+ and History Vault, watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Dead Zone OK for kids?
The Dead Zone is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated horror-thriller includes a car accident, murders, and disturbing psychic visions.
What movies are like The Dead Zone?
If you liked The Dead Zone, try Deep Red, The Maze Runner, The Devil All the Time and The Vow.