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The Crucible

Play trailer Poster for The Crucible PG-13 1996 2h 3m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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72% Tomatometer 64 Reviews 66% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
After married man John Proctor (Daniel Day-Lewis) decides to break off his affair with his young lover, Abigail Williams (Winona Ryder), she leads other local girls in an occult rite to wish death upon his wife, Elizabeth (Joan Allen). When the ritual is discovered, the girls are brought to trial. Accusations begin to fly, and a literal witch hunt gets underway. Before long, Elizabeth is suspected of witchcraft, and John's attempt to defend her only makes matters worse.
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The Crucible

The Crucible

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Critics Consensus

This staid adaptation of The Crucible dutifully renders Arthur Miller's landmark play on the screen with handsome production design and sturdy performances, if not with the political anger and thematic depth that earned the drama its reputation.

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Critics Reviews

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Ryan Gilbey Independent (UK) 12/07/2018
Perhaps understanding the distance that these fictional interpretations have created, The Crucible seems to invite a moral and emotional, rather then political reading. Go to Full Review Joe Morgenstern Wall Street Journal 05/17/2013
Then there's always Mr. Scofield, bringing an almost unbearable, yet entirely believable, lightness of spirit to his loathsome character. It's a bold stroke by a great actor, making zealotry and evil seem positively beneficent. Go to Full Review David Ansen Newsweek 05/17/2013
I recommend Hytner's movie highly, but a part of me resists a work that makes the audience feel as noble in our moral certainty as the characters it invites us to deplore. Some part of its power seems borrowed from the thing it hates. Go to Full Review Dan DiNicola The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY) Apr 10
A
A powerful, vital and compelling adaptation of the great Arthur Miller play. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews 11/02/2024
3/4
The Crucible benefits from an increasingly compelling midsection and second half focused on Day-Lewis’ commanding figure... Go to Full Review Dennis Harvey 48 Hills 11/30/2023
Raymond Rouleau’s French-East German coproduction should provide something of a revelation... Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Monty G @Montyginger Jan 1 Performances are amazing and the movie it self is scarier than any other horror film. It’s quiet and hunting. Winona was so good and is always a pleasure to watch ! See more Anthony H. @Hardy Dec 18 The Crucible, a powerful film that dives into the depths of human nature, revealing the capacity for evil. The performances in this film are nothing short of exceptional. While the narrative may be slow at certain points, the majority of the film is a relentless display of hatred and malevolence. This film left a profound impact on me, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to gain valuable insights into the human psyche. See more Isla L @RT06018919 Sep 12 A heart wrenchingly moving film with suspense and a chill across your spine when Winona comes in to the scene. As for Mr Daniel day Lewis all I can say is my man you were born in the wrong era. Most films do not move me to tears but this was like nothing other I’ve ever seen and worth the watch. See more Jelisije J @jjosifovic 08/25/2025 An absolute greatly acted masterpiece of a film that deals with the real life situation of the Salem Witch Trials and the horror of what happened in the year 1692. See more Ben S @RT80784314 07/21/2025 A classic story. The speech at the end is beyond powerful and sticks with you See more 2000's Barbie T @Thedoll 05/15/2025 When first watched The Crucible I must admit that it really did scared me more than the horror movies do. It was both quiet and energetic at the same time that I can’t really find the word to describe it. It’s a minimalist looking movie and really makes you feel like in it. The acting was on its point! It was so good and especially Winona Ryder! She was amazing!!!! The whole cast it self is so good and performances are phenomenal. But I have to warn you it’s a bit stressful and if you haven’t read the play you don’t know what’s coming next. See more Read all reviews
The Crucible

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Cast & Crew

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Nicholas Hytner

Director

Daniel Day-Lewis

John Proctor

Winona Ryder

Abigail Williams

Paul Scofield

Judge Thomas Danforth

Joan Allen

Elizabeth Proctor

Bruce Davison

Reverend Parris

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The Crucible

The Crucible (1996) The Crucible (1996) The Crucible (1996) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After married man John Proctor (Daniel Day-Lewis) decides to break off his affair with his young lover, Abigail Williams (Winona Ryder), she leads other local girls in an occult rite to wish death upon his wife, Elizabeth (Joan Allen). When the ritual is discovered, the girls are brought to trial. Accusations begin to fly, and a literal witch hunt gets underway. Before long, Elizabeth is suspected of witchcraft, and John's attempt to defend her only makes matters worse.
Director
Nicholas Hytner
Producer
Robert A. Miller, David V. Picker
Screenwriter
Arthur Miller
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
Twentieth Century Fox
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 27, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$7.3M
Runtime
2h 3m
Sound Mix
Surround
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