The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

2009

"Step inside, where dreams and reality collide."

Also known as: 🇬🇧 EN: Doctor Parnassus^? 🇫🇷 FR: L'Imaginarium du Docteur Parnassus^? 🇵🇹 PT: O Mundo Imaginário do Doutor Parnassus^? 🇮🇹 IT: Parnassus^? 🇰🇷 KO: 파르나서스 박사의 상상극장^? All international titles (8) →

Adventure Fantasy Mystery 123 min 6.7/10

Synopsis

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a movie released in 2009.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a 2009 film that blends adventure, fantasy, and mystery in a visually rich narrative. The story revolves around Doctor Parnassus, an enigmatic figure who leads a mystical traveling show. His performances draw audiences into a world of imagination and wonder, where dreams and reality intertwine. The film explores themes of morality, temptation, and the nature of storytelling, as Parnassus and his troupe confront various challenges that test their beliefs and desires. The atmosphere of the film is both whimsical and dark, creating a unique backdrop for the characters’ journeys. With a creative narrative structure that allows for the exploration of alternate realities, the film invites viewers to ponder the complexities of choice and consequence. The imaginative settings and engaging characters contribute to a distinctive cinematic experience that encourages reflection on the power of the human mind. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus offers a thought-provoking exploration of fantasy and the narratives we craft in our lives.

Read more Read less

🧒

Parental Guide — Suitable for 13+

13+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	2/5
Sexual Content	1/5
Language	2/5
Drugs / Alcohol	1/5
Frightening Elements	3/5

Show detailed explanations Hide explanations

Detailed explanations

Violence

Some scenes involve mild violence and peril, including characters facing threats in a fantastical context.

Sexual Content

There are brief suggestive themes, but no explicit sexual content is present.

Language

Mild profanity is used occasionally, though it is not a central focus of the dialogue.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are references to drinking, but it is not portrayed in a glorifying manner.

Frightening Elements

The film contains some dark imagery and themes that may be unsettling for younger viewers.

Summary for parents:

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus combines adventure and fantasy with some dark themes. While it is visually imaginative, parents should be aware of mild violence, suggestive content, and some frightening elements that may require guidance for younger audiences.

Parental Guide Hub

🔗

Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

The Dark Knigh...

2008

Same Actor Christopher Plummer

Up

2009

Same Actor Christopher Plummer

Scream 7

2026

Similar Theme

Avatar: Fire a...

2025

Similar Genre

Where to Watch The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus Online

All Streaming Services

Alternatives on Netflix

Since this movie is not on Netflix, try these similar titles

6.7 Lower Rated

Kong: Skull Island

Same genres • Similar rating

6.6 Lower Rated

Enola Holmes

Same genres • Similar rating

7.3 Worth Watching

The Boy and the Heron

Same genres • Well rated

7.0 Maybe

The Sea Beast

Same genres • Similar rating

6.6 Lower Rated

Puss in Boots

Same genres • Similar rating

7.6 Worth Watching

Suzume

Same genres • Well rated

Box Office

Budget: $30,000,000

Revenue: $64,352,607

Profit $34,352,607

ROI +114.5% (2.1x)

Reviews & Opinions about The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Write a Review

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!

Register to Write a Review

Already a member? Login

Cast of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Christopher Plummer

Doctor Parnassus

Lily Cole

Valentina

Heath Ledger

Tony

Andrew Garfield

Anton

View Full Cast Cast Filmography

See the complete cast and other films with these actors.

Keywords

#duringcreditsstinger 234 #aftercreditsstinger 177 #immortality 17 #circus 13 #elderly 9 #magic mirror 2

Production Companies

Davis Films

Trivia & Fun Facts about The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

6

• The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus was one of the last films featuring Heath Ledger, who passed away during production; his role was completed using the performances of Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell as alternate versions of his character.

  Fun Fact ai

• The film was shot in various locations in Canada, including Vancouver and the scenic countryside of British Columbia, which provided a diverse backdrop for its fantastical elements.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• The film features a unique blend of practical effects and digital animation, highlighting Terry Gilliam's signature style of combining the tangible with the fantastical.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• In one scene, the character of Doctor Parnassus is seen conversing with a character named Mr. Nick, played by Tom Waits; this interaction subtly alludes to themes of temptation and morality throughout the film.

  Easter Egg ai

• There is a continuity error where the character Valentina's age appears inconsistent throughout the film, as she is depicted as a child in some scenes and as a young adult in others without significant passage of time.

  Movie Mistake ai

• The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus shares thematic elements with Gilliam's earlier works, particularly in its exploration of the nature of reality and the struggle between good and evil, reminiscent of films like The Fisher King and Brazil.

  Movie Connection ai

Show 1 more trivia Show less