Altered States
1980, English. Directed by Ken Russell.
In the basement of a university medical school, Dr. Jessup floats naked in total darkness. The most terrifying experiment in the history of science is out of control... and the subject is himself.
A research scientist explores the boundaries and frontiers of human consciousness. Using sensory deprivation and hallucinogenic mixtures from Native American shamans, he explores these altered states of cognizance and finds that memory, time, and reality itself are states of mind.
- Runtime
- 1h 43m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.7/10 from 827 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Altered States
Altered States is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Criterion Channel, and Howdy in India.
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Criterion Channel
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Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Ken RussellDirector
- William HurtProfessor Eddie Jessup
- Blair BrownEmily Jessup
- Bob BalabanArthur Rosenberg
- Charles HaidMason Parrish
- Thaao PenghlisEcheverria
- Miguel GodreauPrimal Man
- Dori BrennerSylvia Rosenberg
- Peter BrandonHobart
- Charles White-EagleThe Brujo
- Drew BarrymoreMargaret Jessup
- Megan JeffersGrace Jessup
- Jack MurdockHector Orteco
Details
- Released
- 25 December 1980
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Paddy Chayefsky
- Budget
- $15M
- Box office
- $20M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Altered States is based on
Altered States is adapted from a novel.
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Altered States: quick answers
Is Altered States worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.7/10 from 827 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Altered States?
Altered States runs 103 minutes (1h 43m).
Does Altered States have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Altered States. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Altered States parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Altered States is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Altered States on?
Altered States is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Criterion Channel, and Howdy in India. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like Altered States?
If you liked Altered States, try Brain Dead, Scanners, From Beyond.
Who directed Altered States?
Altered States (1980) was directed by Ken Russell and stars William Hurt, Blair Brown, Bob Balaban.
What is Altered States based on?
Altered States is adapted from a novel.