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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1983 โ€บ Koyaanisqatsi

Koyaanisqatsi poster

Koyaanisqatsi (1983)

โ€œLife out of balanceโ€

7.9/10 ยท 805 votes 1h 26m nr MusicDocumentary

#4 of 39 films from 1983 #22 of 233 in music

Directed by Godfrey Reggio ยท Written by Michael Hoenig, Godfrey Reggio, Ron Fricke, Alton Walpole

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Takes us to locations all around the US and shows us the heavy toll that modern technology is having on humans and the earth. The visual tone poem contains neither dialogue nor a vocalized narration: its tone is set by the juxtaposition of images and the exceptional music by Philip Glass.

Cast

Ed Asneras Self (archive footage)
Pat Benataras Self
Johnny Carsonas Self (archive footage)
Dick Cavettas Self (archive footage)
Marilyn Chambersas Self (archive footage)
Sammy Davis Jr.as Self (archive footage)
Lou Dobbsas Self (archive footage)
Linda Ellerbeeas Self (archive footage)
Peter Sellersas Self (archive footage)
Thomas Dolbyas Self (archive footage)
Jerry Falwellas Self - On TV (archive footage) (uncredited)

Facts

Release dateApril 27, 1983
Runtime86 min (1h 26m) โ€” shorter as the 1983 average of 105 min
GenresMusic, Documentary
LanguageEN
Budget$600,000
Box office$3,200,000 (5.3ร— budget)
IMDbtt0085809

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Questions

How long is Koyaanisqatsi?
Koyaanisqatsi runs 86 minutes (1h 26m), short enough for a weeknight.
Is Koyaanisqatsi worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.9/10 across 805 votes, which places it #4 of 39 films released in 1983 in this index (top 92%) and #22 among 233 music titles.
Who directed Koyaanisqatsi?
Koyaanisqatsi was directed by Godfrey Reggio.
Who stars in Koyaanisqatsi?
Ed Asner as Self (archive footage); Pat Benatar as Self; Johnny Carson as Self (archive footage); Dick Cavett as Self (archive footage); Marilyn Chambers as Self (archive footage); Sammy Davis Jr. as Self (archive footage).
What is Koyaanisqatsi rated?
It carries a nr certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Koyaanisqatsi?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/117674.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.