🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Gregory Hoblit
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller, Neo-noir, Supernatural
- Release year: 1998
- Runtime (length): 2h 4min
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10 (97K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 40%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Denzel Washington touches a guy, and suddenly everyone is singing the same song and being a jerk, so he has to kill his friends to stop a supernatural chain letter.
🍿 Fallen: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Execution and the Aftermath
Detective John Hobbes witnesses the execution of serial killer Edgar Reese. Before his death, Reese speaks in Aramaic and sings ‘Time Is on My Side,’ unnerving Hobbes. Soon after, similar killings occur, baffling Hobbes and his partner, Jonesy. People start singing the same song, a chilling echo of Reese.

Unraveling the Mystery
Hobbes discovers a link to a past case involving a detective who committed suicide. Research leads him to Gretta Milano, a theology expert who explains the existence of Azazel, a fallen angel who can possess people through physical contact. Azazel taunts Hobbes, switching bodies and creating chaos.

Framed and Isolated
As Azazel continues his killing spree, Hobbes is framed for the murders, turning his colleagues against him. He becomes increasingly isolated, struggling to prove his innocence and stop the seemingly unstoppable entity. His brother’s death further fuels his determination to end Azazel’s reign of terror.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- John Hobbes (Denzel Washington): A homicide detective who finds himself battling a fallen angel capable of possessing others.
- Azazel (Various): A fallen angel cursed to roam the Earth, possessing people through physical contact.
- Jonesy (John Goodman): Hobbes’ partner and close friend, who becomes entangled in the supernatural events.
- Edgar Reese (Elias Koteas): A serial killer whose execution unleashes the demonic force of Azazel.
- Gretta Milano (Embeth Davidtz): A theology professor who provides Hobbes with crucial information about Azazel.
- Lt. Stanton (Donald Sutherland): Hobbes’ superior, who becomes increasingly suspicious of his detective’s actions.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Edgar Reese: “Time is on my side.” – Reese sings this Rolling Stones song in the gas chamber, taunting Hobbes and foreshadowing the demon’s continued presence.
- John Hobbes: “C’mon Azazel. Open your eyes. Look around sometimes.” – Hobbes says this when trying to taunt Azazel into revealing himself after realizing the cigarettes are laced with poison.
- John Hobbes: “In the night…sometimes you run into yourself.” – Hobbes says this voiceover line, reflecting on the dark and twisted nature of the case and how it affects him.
- Azazel: “What’s this? You don’t smoke anymore.” – Azazel, inhabiting Hobbes’ body, says this to taunt Hobbes and emphasize the control he has over him.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $37,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $25,232,289
- Worldwide Gross: $25,232,289
💥 Fallen Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching ‘Fallen’ years ago and being completely blown away. The idea of a demon passing from person to person just by touch was terrifying. Denzel Washington is fantastic, as always, and the way the film builds suspense is masterful. The scene where everyone in the police station starts singing ‘Time Is on My Side’ still gives me chills. It’s a movie that sticks with you long after the credits roll. The ending is definitely a downer, but it fits the overall tone of the film.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Denzel Washington”
- “Viewers interested in supernatural thrillers”
- “People who enjoy movies with dark and ambiguous endings”
- “Those who like crime dramas with a unique twist”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Disturbing themes”
- “Supernatural elements”
- “Mature language”
- “Suicide”
- “Drug use”
Professional Reviews
- Screen Rant: “Fallen is a solid supernatural thriller with strong performances, especially from Washington and Goodman. While the plot can get convoluted, the film maintains a chilling atmosphere and delivers genuine suspense, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
- Entertainment Weekly: “Hoblit creates a deeply unsettling atmosphere that grips you from the start. Denzel Washington delivers a standout performance as the determined detective, while the supporting cast adds depth. This psychological thriller will leave you questioning reality.
Audience Reactions
The film’s unique concept of a demon transferring between bodies via touch.: Viewers found the unique premise terrifying, and the way it played with paranoia was effective.
Denzel Washington’s captivating performance.: Fans praised Washington’s solid acting, noting how believable he was as the protagonist.
Overall Consensus: A well-made supernatural thriller with a unique premise and strong performances, though its ending is divisive.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film’s concept of a demon transferring between bodies through touch was inspired by the director’s fear of germs and contamination.”
- “Director Gregory Hoblit chose Philadelphia as the filming location to evoke a sense of urban decay and moral ambiguity.”
- “The Syriac/Aramaic phrases spoken by Elias Koteas were carefully researched and translated to add authenticity to the demonic possession aspect.”
🖥️ How to Watch Fallen?
Fallen is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services with subscription options. Physical copies (DVDs and Blu-rays) can be purchased through online retailers like Amazon and at most stores that sell movies.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Fallen, you might like these similar films:
- Se7en (1995): Both films are dark, neo-noir crime thrillers with a supernatural edge and a focus on the battle between good and evil.
- The Prophecy (1995): Deals with angels and demons, exploring themes of good versus evil and the intervention of supernatural forces in human affairs.
- The Hidden (1987): Features an alien entity that can possess human bodies, forcing a detective to confront a hidden threat.
- Angel Heart (1987): Detective noir blended with occult themes and a sense of impending doom
- Identity (2003): A psychological thriller with a clever plot that forces viewers to confront their own perceptions and expectations.
🛒 Fallen Related Products
- Fallen [Blu-ray]: Own the movie in high definition with enhanced audio and visual quality. A must-have for collectors and fans of the film.
- Fallen Movie Poster (Denzel Washington): A high-quality reprint of the original movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or office.
- Demonology: A Comprehensive Guide to Demons and Their Lore: Explore demonology and learn more about the fallen angel Azazel, delve deep into the lore and history of various demons across cultures. Discover the ancient texts, rituals, and beliefs surrounding these fascinating entities.
- Religious Book Series: Expand your exploration of religion and the occult, discover a world of spiritual mysteries and unlock hidden knowledge. Perfect for fans of the supernatural thriller looking to explore new realms of understanding.
🎧 Soundtrack
Fallen features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Time Is on My Side” – performed by The Rolling Stones
- “Sympathy for the Devil” – performed by The Rolling Stones
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Azazel is a fallen angel in the movie, cursed to roam the Earth without a physical form. He possesses people through touch, using them to commit murders and torment Detective Hobbes.
The film implies that Hobbes’ strong moral character and inherent goodness initially prevent Azazel from directly possessing him. This resistance weakens as Hobbes becomes increasingly desperate and compromised.
The song ‘Time is on My Side’ becomes a taunt used by Azazel while possessing different people, symbolizing his patience and inevitable triumph over Hobbes. It represents Azazel’s long-term game of manipulation and control.
🔥 Bonus Content
FALLEN (Azazel The Unclean Demon & Ending) EXPLAINED
Hey there, movie buffs! If you’re curious about the deeper meaning behind ‘Fallen’, check out this video. It breaks down the plot and ending, giving you a fresh perspective on the film.
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