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Possession poster

Possession (1981)

“Inhuman ecstasy fulfilled.”

7.3/10 · 1,444 votes 2h 4m r Horror

#8 of 42 films from 1981 #96 of 1243 in horror

Directed by Andrzej Żuławski · Written by Andrzej Żuławski

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

A young woman left her family for an unspecified reason. The husband determines to find out the truth and starts following his wife. At first, he suspects that a man is involved. But gradually, he finds out more and more strange behaviors and bizarre incidents that indicate something more than a possessed love affair.

Cast

Isabelle Adjanias Anna / Helen
Sam Neillas Mark
Margit Carstensenas Margit Gluckmeister
Heinz Bennentas Heinrich
Johanna Hoferas Heinrich's Mother
Carl Dueringas Private Detective
Shaun Lawtonas Zimmermann
Michael Hogbenas Bob
Maximilian Rüthleinas Man with Pink Socks
Leslie Maltonas Sara
Thomas Freyas Pink Sock's Acolyte
Harry Riebaueras Man at the Conference
Gerd Neubertas Subway Drunk
Dragomir Stanojevićas Taxi Driver

Facts

Release dateMay 27, 1981
Runtime124 min (2h 4m) — longer as the 1981 average of 108 min
GenresHorror
LanguageEN
Budget$2,400,000
Box office$1,200,000 (0.5× budget)
IMDbtt0082933

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Questions

How long is Possession?
Possession runs 124 minutes (2h 4m).
Is Possession worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.3/10 across 1,444 votes, which places it #8 of 42 films released in 1981 in this index (top 83%) and #96 among 1243 horror titles.
Who directed Possession?
Possession was directed by Andrzej Żuławski.
Who stars in Possession?
Isabelle Adjani as Anna / Helen; Sam Neill as Mark; Margit Carstensen as Margit Gluckmeister; Heinz Bennent as Heinrich; Johanna Hofer as Heinrich's Mother; Carl Duering as Private Detective.
What is Possession rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Possession?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/27258.

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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.