Dark Shadows (2012)

6.2PG-13113 minDirector: Tim Burton

2012 film by Tim Burton

Dark Shadows is a 2012 Gothic dark fantasy comedy horror film based on the Gothic television soap opera of the same name. Directed by Tim Burton, the film stars Johnny Depp alongside Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, Jonny Lee Miller, Chloë Grace Moretz, Helena Bonham Carter, and Bella Heathcote in a dual role. Christopher Lee has a small role in the film, marking his 200th film appearance and his fifth and final collaboration with Burton. Jonathan Frid, star of the original Dark Shadows series, makes a cameo appearance, and died shortly before the film was released. One of the film's producers, Richard D. Zanuck, died two months after its release. As of 2026, it is also Burton's last movie with frequent collaborators Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.

The film had a limited release on May 10, 2012, and was officially released the following day in North America. It performed poorly at the United States box office, but did well in foreign markets. Reviews for the film were mixed; critics praised its visual style and consistent humor, but felt it lacked a focused or substantial plot and developed characters.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is Dark Shadows about?
Dark Shadows (2012) — In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the
Is Dark Shadows based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is Dark Shadows scary?
Content rating: PG-13. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.
What is Dark Shadows (2012) about? Plot, synopsis and ending explained — Screencodex