🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Mark Pellington
- Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Release year: 2002
- Runtime (length): 1h 59min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (87K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 52%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A grieving reporter accidentally stumbles into West Virginia, gets pranked by a supernatural being, and accidentally saves someone from a bridge collapsing, but it’s all *based on a true story*, so it’s, like, *totally* serious.
🍿 The Mothman Prophecies: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Tragic Beginning
John Klein, a Washington Post reporter, and his wife Mary are involved in a car accident after Mary sees a strange, winged figure. Mary later dies from a previously undetected brain tumor, but before her death, she draws unsettling images of the creature she saw. John is devastated and confused by her drawings.

Lost in Point Pleasant
Two years later, John inexplicably finds himself in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, a town he has no memory of traveling to. He encounters Connie Mills, a local police officer, who informs him of strange occurrences in the town, including sightings of a moth-like creature. John realizes that these events might be connected to his wife’s drawings and her accident.

Unraveling the Mystery
As John investigates further, he meets Gordon Smallwood, a resident who claims to have communicated with a being named Indrid Cold. Gordon relays prophecies, some of which come true, increasing John’s belief in the supernatural events. He consults Alexander Leek, an expert on paranormal activity, who warns him about delving too deep into the Mothman phenomenon.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- John Klein (Richard Gere): A Washington Post reporter investigating the Mothman phenomena after his wife’s death, leading him to Point Pleasant.
- Connie Mills (Laura Linney): A Point Pleasant police officer who assists John in his investigation of the strange events plaguing the town.
- Mary Klein (Debra Messing): John’s deceased wife, whose visions of a moth-like creature initiate John’s investigation.
- Gordon Smallwood (Will Patton): A Point Pleasant resident deeply affected by the Mothman, experiencing visions and direct contact.
- Alexander Leek (Alan Bates): An expert on paranormal activity who provides John with insights into the Mothman prophecies.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Alexander Leek: “You’re asking for explanations which can’t be explained rationally.” – Leek says this to Klein, emphasizing the limits of human understanding when dealing with the supernatural.
- Alexander Leek: “You’re more advanced than a cockroach, have you ever tried explaining yourself to one of them?” – Leek’s response to Klein when he asks why the entities don’t come out and tell us what’s on their minds.
- Indrid Cold: “Number 906.” – The mysterious voice of Indrid Cold repeats this seemingly random number, which later gains significance.
- Connie Mills: “Sometimes things just happen. We can’t stop them.” – Sheriff Mills says this, reflecting the fatalistic acceptance of events in Point Pleasant.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $32,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $35,746,370
- Worldwide Gross: $55,305,279
💥 The Mothman Prophecies Reviews
Personal Review
I remember seeing this movie in the theater, and it genuinely creeped me out. The way the film builds suspense, focusing on the unknown rather than showing a monster, was really effective. The phone call scene with Indrid Cold still gives me chills. I think it’s a really great experience for those who enjoy supernatural thrillers. Plus, the soundtrack is fantastic. Highly recommended for a late night viewing.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of supernatural thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in paranormal phenomena”
- “Those who enjoy movies with ambiguous endings”
- “Fans of Richard Gere and Laura Linney”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild Language”
- “Disturbing images”
- “Themes of death and loss”
- “Supernatural themes that may be unsettling”
Professional Reviews
- Film Threat: “Though it meanders, ‘The Mothman Prophecies’ delivers genuine scares, relying on atmosphere and unease rather than cheap jump scares. Gere and Linney are solid, crafting believable characters in a world spiraling into the unexplained.
- Rolling Stone: “Creepy and atmospheric, but ultimately lacks a satisfying resolution. Gere gives a committed performance, but the film’s ambiguity may frustrate viewers seeking definitive answers. Worth a watch for the unsettling mood alone.
- Entertainment Weekly: “‘The Mothman Prophecies’ is more about mood than monster. Its scares are subtle, its questions lingering. Richard Gere gives a solid performance, but the film’s strength lies in its eerie atmosphere.
Audience Reactions
The suspense and eerie atmosphere kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and Richard Gere’s performance.
The phone call scene was legitimately terrifying and unforgettable!: Many found the Indrid Cold phone call scene unforgettable.
Overall Consensus: A suspenseful and atmospheric supernatural thriller, though some find the lack of clear answers frustrating.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the 1975 book of the same name by parapsychologist John Keel, which recounts allegedly true events surrounding sightings of a creature called the Mothman in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, from November 1966 to December 1967.”
- “Richard Gere has stated in interviews that he was drawn to the script because of its ambiguity and its exploration of the unknown, rather than a typical monster movie.”
- “To enhance the unsettling atmosphere, director Mark Pellington used unconventional camera angles, quick cuts, and sound design to create a sense of disorientation and unease.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Mothman Prophecies?
The Mothman Prophecies is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where you may rent or purchase the movie. Check your preferred streaming platform for availability in your region. Physical copies, including Blu-ray and DVD, are also available for purchase online and in stores like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Mothman Prophecies, you might like these similar films:
- The X-Files: Fight the Future (1998): Both explore government conspiracies and unexplained phenomena with a focus on mystery and suspense.
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977): Shares a sense of wonder and apprehension about the unknown and potential contact with otherworldly entities.
- Signs (2002): Both deal with unexplained events and the effect those events have on a small community.
- The Ring (2002): Both create a sense of dread and foreboding through unsettling imagery and an impending sense of doom.
🛒 The Mothman Prophecies Related Products
- The Mothman Prophecies (John A. Keel) Paperback: The original book that inspired the film. Dive deeper into the real-life events and folklore surrounding the Mothman legend, offering a more detailed and comprehensive account than the movie.
- Mothman Plush Toy: A soft, huggable Mothman plushie that brings the cryptid legend to life. A unique addition to any collection of paranormal-themed items, or a quirky gift for fans of the movie.
- Mothman Prophecies Movie Poster: High-quality reprint of the original theatrical poster. A must-have for fans of the movie, perfect for decorating home theaters or adding a touch of the macabre to any space.
- Funko Pop! Myths: Mothman: A stylized collectible vinyl figure, standing 3 3/4 inches tall, perfect for any cryptid enthusiast or Funko collector. Packaged in a window display box.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Mothman Prophecies features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Half Light” – performed by Low
- “Where You Go” – performed by Alien Ant Farm
- “Jingle Bell Swing” – performed by Ib Glindemann
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The film is loosely based on the book of the same name by John A. Keel, which documents purported sightings of a mysterious winged creature in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, in the late 1960s, and the subsequent collapse of the Silver Bridge.
While inspired by real events and accounts, The Mothman Prophecies takes creative liberties with the source material. It blends factual incidents with fictional elements to create a suspenseful and mysterious narrative.
The Mothman’s representation is ambiguous. It’s portrayed as a harbinger of disaster, possibly warning of impending doom, but its motives remain unclear. This ambiguity contributes to the film’s unsettling and thought-provoking nature.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Mothman Prophecies – Movie Review
Interested in a film review that dissects ‘The Mothman Prophecies’? Check out this one by Chris Stuckmann, a well-known reviewer, to gain a fresh perspective on the movie.
Why THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES Broke Me
Curious about a heartfelt analysis of ‘The Mothman Prophecies’? In this video, Ryan Hollinger shares his personal journey with the film and why it had such a profound impact on him. It’s a must-watch for fans who want a deeper connection to the movie.
The Legend of the Mothman
Ever wondered about the real-life legend behind ‘The Mothman Prophecies’? Dive into this captivating video by Bedtime Stories, which unravels the eerie tale of the Mothman and its connection to the events depicted in the movie.
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.