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Flatliners

Flatliners is a 1990 American science fiction psychological horror film directed by Joel Schumacher.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Flatliners is a 1990 American science fiction psychological horror film directed by Joel Schumacher. It follows a group of medical students who intentionally induce near-death experiences and then face disturbing consequences tied to their pasts. The film stars Kiefer Sutherland, Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, William Baldwin, and Oliver Platt.

Plot

The story follows medical students who experiment with flatlining, briefly inducing clinical death to discover whether there is an afterlife. Their experiences trigger psychological and supernatural repercussions linked to unresolved guilt and past wrongdoing.

Production and release

Flatliners was released by Columbia Pictures in 1990 and directed by Joel Schumacher. The film drew attention for pairing several then-emerging major stars in a high-concept thriller.

Reception and legacy

The film became a notable early-1990s genre title and later developed a cult following. Its premise was revisited in a 2017 film that served as both a remake and sequel. The film has been available to Canadian audiences through theatrical, home video, and streaming releases, and it remains part of the broader North American film canon often referenced in Canadian film coverage and genre discussions.

Key facts

  • Released in 1990, Flatliners centres on five medical students investigating near-death experiences.
  • The film was directed by Joel Schumacher and became known for its ensemble cast.
  • Its premise involves intentionally stopping and restarting the heart to explore what happens after death.
  • The film was later followed by a 2017 remake/sequel of the same name.
  • It is associated with themes of guilt, mortality, and the consequences of tampering with death.
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Canadian context

Flatliners has been available to Canadian audiences through theatrical, home video, and streaming releases, and it remains part of the broader North American film canon often referenced in Canadian film coverage and genre discussions.

Frequently asked questions

What is Flatliners about?
It follows medical students who deliberately induce near-death experiences to investigate what happens after death, but the experiment leads to frightening consequences.
When was Flatliners released?
It was released in the United States on August 10, 1990.
Who directed Flatliners?
Joel Schumacher directed the film.
Who starred in Flatliners?
The main cast includes Kiefer Sutherland, Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, William Baldwin, and Oliver Platt.
What genre is Flatliners?
It is generally classified as a science fiction psychological horror film.
Was there a remake of Flatliners?
Yes. A 2017 film titled Flatliners was released as a remake and standalone sequel to the 1990 movie.

References

  1. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/flatliners
    Supports: Release date, box office, language, and film identification for the 1990 movie.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099582/
    Supports: Basic premise, cast, and identification of the 1990 film.
  3. Remind Magazine — https://www.remindmagazine.com/article/33976/flatliners-julia-roberts-kiefer-sutherland-kevin-bacon/
    Supports: Director, cast, release timing, and premise of the 1990 film.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/flatliners_2017
    Supports: 2017 remake/sequel relationship and premise.