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The Dark Crystal 1982

Raised by the Mystics, a young Gelfling named Jen learns he must repair the Dark Crystal to restore balance to his world. Long ago, the Crystal maintained harmony, but it was shattered, unleashing the Skeksis, who now rule with malevolence and bring chaos. Jen undertakes a dangerous quest to find the Crystal shards and reunite them, facing perilous landscapes and formidable foes as the fate of his world hangs in the balance.

Raised by the Mystics, a young Gelfling named Jen learns he must repair the Dark Crystal to restore balance to his world. Long ago, the Crystal maintained harmony, but it was shattered, unleashing the Skeksis, who now rule with malevolence and bring chaos. Jen undertakes a dangerous quest to find the Crystal shards and reunite them, facing perilous landscapes and formidable foes as the fate of his world hangs in the balance.

Does The Dark Crystal have end credit scenes?

Yes!

The Dark Crystal does have end credit scenes. Stay until the very end!

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Dark Crystal

Explore the complete cast of The Dark Crystal, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Dark Crystal

See how The Dark Crystal is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Dark Crystal stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

66

Metascore

7.4

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

%

TOMATOMETER

review

0%

User Score

Take the Ultimate The Dark Crystal Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Dark Crystal with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Dark Crystal Quiz: Test your knowledge of the 1982 film, The Dark Crystal, and its fantastical storyline.

What catastrophic event happened a thousand years before the events of The Dark Crystal?

Awards & Nominations for The Dark Crystal

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by The Dark Crystal, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The Dark Crystal and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


37th British Academy Film Awards 1984

Nomination

Best Special Visual Effects

10th Saturn Awards 1983

Nomination

Best Special Effects

Nomination

Best Poster Art

7th Saturn Awards 1980

Nomination

Best Supporting Actress

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Dark Crystal

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Read the complete plot summary of The Dark Crystal, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


On a barren planet ravaged by the passage of time, the aftermath of a cataclysmic event a thousand years earlier gave rise to two distinct species. The menacing Skeksis, who wielded the fractured power of a crystal to prolong their lifespans, and the benevolent urRu Mystics, who inhabited a secluded valley. Among these Mystics was Jen, a young Gelfling orphaned after the Skeksis annihilated his clan. As the alignment of celestial bodies approached, marking the Great Conjunction, the dying Mystic Master bestows upon Jen a sacred mission: to restore the crystal by reclaiming a vital shard from the enigmatic Aughra. If he fails to accomplish this task before the convergence of the three suns, the world will be irrevocably subjected to the tyranny of the Skeksis.

As the Emperor of the Skeksis meets his demise alongside the Mystic Master, the ambitious Skeksis General seizes control, outmaneuvering the Chamberlain during a ceremonial trial by stone, thereby throwing the latter into exile. Learning of Jen’s existence, the Skeksis unleash their gargantuan Garthim to capture him, accompanied by the cunning Chamberlain, who is eager to regain power.

Jen’s perilous journey commences when he encounters Aughra and steps into her mystical orrery. Offered a choice of shards, he selects one that resonates with his flute-playing abilities, producing an enchanting melody. Just as Aughra prepares to reveal Jen’s true purpose, the Garthim attack, destroying the orrery and seizing Aughra while Jen escapes narrowly. The crystal’s call echoes across the land, prompting the Mystics to abandon their valley and set forth towards the stronghold of the Skeksis.

While navigating a treacherous swamp, Jen encounters Kira, another Gelfling, and they form a profound bond through the mystical practice of dreamfasting, exchanging memories and dreams. Taking refuge for the night with the Podlings who raised Kira, they are suddenly thrust into chaos as the Garthim launch an assault on their village. Just when capture seems imminent, the Chamberlain intervenes, commanding his minions to retreat.

As Jen begins to comprehend the significance of his mission, he resolves to reach the castle, driven by an unshakeable sense of obligation. The Chamberlain approaches him, pleading to ally with him for a swift arrival at the castle. Meanwhile, panic ensues among the Gelflings as they mount Landstriders to combat the Garthim that ravaged Kira’s home. They converge upon the Podlings’ fortress with Jen cornered, facing the fierce might of their adversaries.

In a daring attempt to escape, Kira seizes Jen and Fizzgig, taking flight into the castle’s dry moat and plunging into the shadows of the catacombs below. Above, the devious Scientist of the Skeksis siphons the vital essence from helpless Podlings, directing it into a crystal that thrives on their life force. The Emperor, rejuvenated by this energy, momentarily staves off his decay, but craves more life-sustaining power.

Frustration mounts for the Chamberlain as his plans to capture the Gelflings meet further obstacles, leading Jen to retaliate with the shard, its razor-sharp edge marking his unwavering resolve. Meanwhile, the Mystic Chanter senses malevolent forces at play, observing the injury on the Chamberlain’s hand.

In a fit of rage over his defeats, the Chamberlain buries Jen under an avalanche of rubble while taking Kira hostage, intending to present her to the Emperor as a trophy of his triumph. Yet, Kira’s fate remains entwined with that of Aughra, who is imprisoned by the Skeksis’ ruthless grip.

Guided by Aughra’s sagacity, Kira discovers her fate and summons the animals restrained by the Skeksis’ power. As the creatures break free, they turn against the Scientist, who adeptly deflects the draining prism before plummeting into the fiery crystal shaft. Amidst this upheaval, the Mystic Alchemist disappears in a blaze, leaving just a faint echo of his presence.

As Jen awakens, he is drawn toward Kira’s desperate cries for help, scaling the shaft to unite with her in the laboratory. Amidst the wreckage of their world, they arrive at a pivotal decision: to confront the Skeksis in a climactic showdown.

At this juncture, the Gelflings mount their final stand against the Skeksis, racing to the crystal chamber as the Skeksis prepare for their conjunction ceremony. Spotting the Gelflings, they prime the Garthim for an assault, but Jen leaps onto the crystal, only to lose the shard in a moment of horror.

Kira, undaunted and courageous, dives into the chamber, retrieves the shard, and tosses it back to Jen just before falling victim to the treacherous blade of the High Priest. As the suns align, Jen plunges the shard into the crystal with a force that sends him sprawling back.

In the wake of this monumental event, the Garthim dissolve into nothingness, while the previously drained Podlings regain their vitality. The dark, stone façade of the castle collapses, revealing a crystalline structure shining with ethereal light. The Mystics arrive, drawing the Skeksis with the radiant energy emitted by the crystal.

As the Skeksis transform into beautiful urSkeks, the leader of this newly formed entity reveals to Jen that they were culpable for the crystal’s shattering a millennium ago, disrupting the world’s balance. Expressing gratitude for Jen’s part in the restoration, Kira is brought back to life, and together they ascend toward the heavens, leaving behind a renewed world illuminated by the light of the revitalized crystal.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Dark Crystal

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Dark Crystal. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Trailer

Official Trailer

Digital Trailer

Behind the Scenes: Fashion Collection

Test

Test Footage

Mystic Test

Behind the Scenes: Skeksis Test

Creating Dark Crystal Characters

Aughra Puppetry

The Dark Crystal Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


puppetrymagical crystalcrystal shardcult favoritepuppetmysticcrystalquestmonsterfeeding on energysword and sorcerymissionmagicgood versus evilslaveryorrerymutationpsychotronic filmmysticismbegins with voice over narrationhigh fantasycult filmthree word titlemale herotitle written by maletitle directed by malemale protagonistepic fantasyhumanoidepic adventurewinged humanoidslimehouseopening narrationlast of one's kindcastlefantasy worldjourneydeath of mentorpipe the musical instrumentvoice over narrationvalleymultiple characters voiced by same personpractical effectsshardhidden entrancegiant crystalactor voicing multiple charactersplanetary alignmentreunificationdark fantasy

The Dark Crystal Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for The Dark Crystal across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Ciemny krysztal Dâku kurisutaru El cristal encantado El cristal oscuro Le Cristal Magique Der dunkle Kristall Cristal oscuro Dark Crystal O Cristal Encantado Den mörka kristallen Το Μυστηριώδες Κρύσταλλο הקריסטל האפל A sötét kristály Тёмный кристалл Den sorte krystal Temný krystal Siyah Kristal Тъмният кристал 다크 크리스탈 Ciemny Kryształ El Cristal encantado 魔水晶 Le cristal magique 黑水晶 Темний кристал Cristalul întunecat Tamni kristal Temni kristal ダーククリスタル Pha Lê Đen Tumma kristalli เดอะ ดาร์ก คริสตัล อภินิหารผลึกแก้ว

Articles, Reviews & Explainers About The Dark Crystal

Stay updated on The Dark Crystal with in-depth articles, critical reviews, and ending explainers. Explore hidden meanings, major themes, and expert insights into the film’s story and impact.


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Other Names for The Dark Crystal

Explore the alternate titles, translations, and working names for The Dark Crystal. Learn how the film is known in different regions, languages, and releases, and discover the variations that reflect its cultural reach and marketing choices.


Ciemny krysztal Dâku kurisutaru El cristal encantado El cristal oscuro Le Cristal Magique Der dunkle Kristall Cristal oscuro Dark Crystal O Cristal Encantado Den mörka kristallen Το Μυστηριώδες Κρύσταλλο הקריסטל האפל A sötét kristály Тёмный кристалл Den sorte krystal Temný krystal Siyah Kristal Тъмният кристал 다크 크리스탈 Ciemny Kryształ El Cristal encantado 魔水晶 Le cristal magique 黑水晶 Темний кристал Cristalul întunecat Tamni kristal Temni kristal ダーククリスタル Pha Lê Đen Tumma kristalli เดอะ ดาร์ก คริสตัล อภินิหารผลึกแก้ว

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