The Pit and the Pendulum
1991, English. Directed by Stuart Gordon.
A bizarre descent into hell from the creator of Re-Animator.
Set during the height of Spanish Inquisition. The beautiful and kind-hearted Maria is arrested as a witch when she inadvertently cries out in horror at the public whipping of a child. As Maria’s husband Antonio tries to save her, Torquemada, the Grand Inquisitor, determines to punish Maria with torture for the desire she inflames in him. Loosely based on Edgar Allen Poe's classic short story.
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Snoozefest
Your time is worth more.
5.8/10 from 160 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Pit and the Pendulum
The Pit and the Pendulum isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free online.
Free
Tubi TVAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Stuart GordonDirector
- Lance HenriksenTorquemada
- Stephen LeeGomez
- William NorrisDr. Huesos
- Mark MargolisMendoza
- Carolyn Purdy-GordonContessa D'Alba Molina
- Barbara BocciContessa's Son
- Benito StefanelliExecutioner
- Jeffrey CombsFrancisco
- Tom TowlesDon Carlos
- Rona De RicciMaria
- Jonathan FullerAntonio
- Oliver ReedCardinal
Details
- Released
- 27 June 1991
- Country
- Italy, United States of America
- Written by
- Dennis Paoli
- Budget
- $2M
- Box office
- $3.3K
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What The Pit and the Pendulum is based on
The Pit and the Pendulum is based on The Pit and the Pendulum, an 1842 short story by Edgar Allan Poe.
Short story · 1842
The Pit and the Pendulum
By Edgar Allan Poe
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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The Pit and the Pendulum: quick answers
Is The Pit and the Pendulum worth watching?
Our verdict is Snoozefest: Your time is worth more. It scores 5.8/10 from 160 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Pit and the Pendulum?
The Pit and the Pendulum runs 97 minutes (1h 37m).
Does The Pit and the Pendulum have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Pit and the Pendulum. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Pit and the Pendulum parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Pit and the Pendulum is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Pit and the Pendulum on?
The Pit and the Pendulum isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free online. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Pit and the Pendulum?
If you liked The Pit and the Pendulum, try The Exorcist, Saint Catherine, Two Witches.
Who directed The Pit and the Pendulum?
The Pit and the Pendulum (1991) was directed by Stuart Gordon and stars Lance Henriksen, Stephen Lee, William Norris.
What is The Pit and the Pendulum based on?
The Pit and the Pendulum is based on The Pit and the Pendulum, an 1842 short story by Edgar Allan Poe.