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Total Recall

Play trailer 2:07 Poster for Total Recall R 1990 1h 49m Sci-Fi Action Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
80% Tomatometer 80 Reviews 79% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Douglas Quaid is a bored construction worker in the year 2084 who dreams of visiting colonized Mars. He visits "Rekall," a company that plants false memories into people's brains, in order to experience the thrill of Mars without having to travel there. But something goes wrong during the procedure; Quaid discovers that his entire life is actually a false memory and that the people who implanted it in his head now want him dead.
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Total Recall

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Critics Consensus

Under Paul Verhoeven's frenetic direction, Total Recall is a fast-paced rush of violence, gore, and humor that never slacks.

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Critics Reviews

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Malcolm Knox Sydney Morning Herald Apr 28
Total Recall stands above most of its genre-mates by touching on the complex overlaps between various realities. Go to Full Review Kevin Maher The Times (UK) 11/20/2020
5/5
Forget about the disposable Colin Farrell remake from 2012. Go to Full Review David Robinson The Times (UK) 06/23/2020
The film's visual invention is offset by its visceral nastiness. Schwarzenegger's self-deprecatory good humour prevails none the less. Go to Full Review Lee Tuohy Sunday Independent (Ireland) Jul 30
For all its hi-tech, it still remains your basic hardball hero routine, albeit grossly violent. Go to Full Review Patrick Cavanaugh The Wolfman Cometh Sep 11
2/5
It's easy to see how fans of campy, '80s sci-fi hold a soft spot for this, though its more ludicrous components don't entirely stand the test of time. Go to Full Review Harry Solomons Loud and Clear Reviews 01/08/2025
4.5/5
Total Recall succeeds where hundreds of its contemporaries fail; a sci-fi epic turning grand philosophical questions into undeniable and ludicrous fun. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Robert P @Superbad 1d Total Recall = a *4* star movie See more Jason H @RT50328122 Jul 29 I was a projectionist when this was released. Loved it then and I love it now. See more Landon J @Minxsykitty Jul 29 Among Arnold movies and retro Sci-fi this has to be near the top. I can't say what's already been said about this, so, just see it! See more IBMd N @Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Jul 4 Total recall is an ultraviolent, spectacular masterpiece that should be watched by anyone no matter what their taste is. See more Chris S @Janomi Jul 4 Total Recall is one of the smartest science-fiction action films of its era. Paul Verhoeven blends explosive action, dark humor, political satire, and Philip K. Dick's fascinating ideas about memory and identity into a story that constantly keeps you questioning what's real. Even decades later, the central mystery remains just as engaging. Arnold Schwarzenegger is perfectly cast as Douglas Quaid, bringing both action-hero charisma and believable uncertainty as his world unravels. Sharon Stone and Michael Ironside provide memorable support, while Verhoeven's practical effects, creature designs, and vision of Mars still look remarkably impressive. The film's exaggerated style is a big part of its charm. Its over-the-top violence and campy tone won't appeal to everyone, but they're also central to the film's identity. The result is a bold, imaginative sci-fi thriller that's remained a cult classic for good reason. See more Kyle B @puppis435 Jul 1 90’s baby and first time watching Total Recall. Absolutely loved it. Surprisingly good acting, fun plot and at top of list for 90’s sci-fi See more Read all reviews
Total Recall

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Cast & Crew

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Paul Verhoeven

Director

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Douglas Quaid

Rachel Ticotin

Melina

Sharon Stone

Lori

Ronny Cox

Vilos Cohaagen

Michael Ironside

Richter

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Total Recall

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Total Recall

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Movie Info

Synopsis Douglas Quaid is a bored construction worker in the year 2084 who dreams of visiting colonized Mars. He visits "Rekall," a company that plants false memories into people's brains, in order to experience the thrill of Mars without having to travel there. But something goes wrong during the procedure; Quaid discovers that his entire life is actually a false memory and that the people who implanted it in his head now want him dead.
Director
Paul Verhoeven
Producer
Buzz Feitshans, Ronald Shusett
Screenwriter
Ronald Shusett, Dan O'Bannon, Philip K. Dick, Jon Povill, Gary Goldman
Distributor
Image Entertainment Inc., Live Video, TriStar Pictures, Artisan Entertainment
Production Co
TriStar Pictures, Carolco Pictures Inc.
Rating
R
Genre
Sci-Fi, Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 1, 1990, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Oct 10, 2020
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 26, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$117.8M
Runtime
1h 49m
Sound Mix
Surround, Magnetic Stereo 6 Track, Dolby SR, Stereo
Aspect Ratio
35mm
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