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Jacob's Ladder poster

Jacob's Ladder (1990)

“The most frightening thing about Jacob Singer's nightmare is that he isn't dreaming.”

7.4/10 · 2,007 votes 1h 53m r DramaHorrorMystery

#15 of 69 films from 1990 #1001 of 3759 in drama

Directed by Adrian Lyne · Written by Bruce Joel Rubin

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

After returning home from the Vietnam War, veteran Jacob Singer struggles to maintain his sanity. Plagued by hallucinations and flashbacks, Singer rapidly falls apart as the world and people around him morph and twist into disturbing images. His girlfriend, Jezzie, and ex-wife, Sarah, try to help, but to little avail. Even Singer's chiropractor friend, Louis, fails to reach him as he descends into madness.

Cast

Tim Robbinsas Jacob
Elizabeth Peñaas Jezzie
Danny Aielloas Louis
Matt Cravenas Michael
Pruitt Taylor Vinceas Paul
Jason Alexanderas Geary
Patricia Kalemberas Sarah
Eriq La Salleas Frank
Ving Rhamesas George
Brian Tarantinaas Doug
Anthony Alessandroas Rod
Brent Hinkleyas Jerry
S. Epatha Merkersonas Elsa
Suzanne Shepherdas Hospital Receptionist

Facts

Release dateNovember 2, 1990
Runtime113 min (1h 53m) — about the same as the 1990 average of 104 min
GenresDrama, Horror, Mystery
LanguageEN
Budget$25,000,000
Box office$26,118,851 (1.0× budget)
IMDbtt0099871

More from Adrian Lyne

LolitaLolita1997 · ★ 7.1 · 2h 17m Fatal AttractionFatal Attraction1987 · ★ 6.8 · 1h 59m UnfaithfulUnfaithful2002 · ★ 6.7 · 2h 4m FlashdanceFlashdance1983 · ★ 6.5 · 1h 35m Indecent ProposalIndecent Proposal1993 · ★ 6.4 · 1h 57m Nine 1/2 WeeksNine 1/2 Weeks1986 · ★ 6.1 · 1h 57m Deep WaterDeep Water2022 · ★ 5.8 · 1h 56m

If you liked Jacob's Ladder

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

The Devil's AdvocateThe Devil's Advocate1997 · ★ 7.5 · 2h 24m Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with MeTwin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me1992 · ★ 7.4 · 2h 15m In the Mouth of MadnessIn the Mouth of Madness1995 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 35m Day of the DeadDay of the Dead1985 · ★ 7.0 · 1h 41m Fire in the SkyFire in the Sky1993 · ★ 6.7 · 1h 49m The VanishingThe Vanishing1993 · ★ 6.2 · 1h 49m Twin PeaksTwin Peaks1989 · ★ 8.5 · 1h 56m Michael Jackson's ThrillerMichael Jackson's Thriller1983 · ★ 8.3 · 0h 14m

Questions

How long is Jacob's Ladder?
Jacob's Ladder runs 113 minutes (1h 53m).
Is Jacob's Ladder worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.4/10 across 2,007 votes, which places it #15 of 69 films released in 1990 in this index (top 80%) and #1001 among 3759 drama titles.
Who directed Jacob's Ladder?
Jacob's Ladder was directed by Adrian Lyne. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Lolita (1997), Fatal Attraction (1987), Unfaithful (2002).
Who stars in Jacob's Ladder?
Tim Robbins as Jacob; Elizabeth Peña as Jezzie; Danny Aiello as Louis; Matt Craven as Michael; Pruitt Taylor Vince as Paul; Jason Alexander as Geary.
What is Jacob's Ladder rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Jacob's Ladder?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/29998.

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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.