The Dark Tower poster

The Dark Tower

"There are other worlds than these."

Movie PG-13 2017 1h 35m 5.8 /10
Directed by Nikolaj Arcel

Haunted by visions of a parallel world, a teenager named Jake finds his dreams pulling him toward a broken city at the edge of reality. There he encounters Roland Deschain, a battle weary gunslinger sworn to guard the Dark Tower, a crumbling anchor that holds every universe together. The tower's... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: February 21, 2026

About The Dark Tower

Haunted by visions of a parallel world, a teenager named Jake finds his dreams pulling him toward a broken city at the edge of reality. There he encounters Roland Deschain, a battle weary gunslinger sworn to guard the Dark Tower, a crumbling anchor that holds every universe together. The tower's stability is failing, and the threat of annihilation grows as a sinister figure named Walter O'Dim seeks to collapse the barrier between worlds. With the fate of countless realms resting on their uneasy partnership, the two set off across warped landscapes that blend western dust and futuristic ruins. They chase clues, face overwhelming danger, and wrestle with questions about destiny, choice, and what it means to protect multiple worlds today.

Directed by Nikolaj Arcel, The Dark Tower adapts Stephen King's sprawling book series for screen. The film stars Idris Elba as Roland Deschain and Matthew McConaughey as the enigmatic Walter O'Dim, and aims for a cinematic look and epic scope.

Box office performance was modest for a large scale fantasy release, with worldwide receipts that fell short of studio expectations. The reception among audiences and critics reflected divided opinions on the adaptation and left the studio pondering future risks globally.

Despite the star power and ambitious visuals the film did not leave a lasting mark on pop culture. It sits as a curious footnote in Stephen King adaptations, remembered mainly for Idris Elba's stoic presence and the uneasy blend of Western mood with sci fi imagery for fans everywhere now.

Critics were split on how the story was condensed and how the tone shifted. Some praised the pace and performances, while others felt important moments were sacrificed. Core themes include duty, prophecy, and the trade offs of guarding multiple worlds. These discussions keep the film relevant for some viewers today.

What Viewers Are Saying

5.8/10
from 5,427 ratings

Viewers have mixed opinions about The Dark Tower, with some praising its action-packed sequences and Idris Elba's and Matthew McConaughey's performances, particularly enjoying it as a fun, summer adventure film. However, many express disappointment over the movie's condensed storytelling, feeling it inadequately adapts the complex source material and would have been better suited as a series. Criticism is also directed at its pacing and failure to capture the depth of Stephen King's books, leading some to view it as a missed opportunity. Overall, audiences are divided between appreciation for the entertainment value and frustration with the execution and narrative limitations.

Details

Release Date
August 03, 2017
Runtime
1h 35m
Rating
PG-13
User Ratings
5,427 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Fantasy, Action, Science Fiction
Country
United States
Studio
Columbia Pictures +3 more
Budget
$60,000,000
Box Office
$113,231,078
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Idris Elba

Idris Elba

Roland Deschain

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey

Walter O’Dim

Tom Taylor

Tom Taylor

Jake Chambers

Claudia Kim

Claudia Kim

Arra Champignon

Fran Kranz

Fran Kranz

Pimli Prentiss

Abbey Lee

Abbey Lee

Tirana

Jackie Earle Haley

Jackie Earle Haley

Richard Sayre

Katheryn Winnick

Katheryn Winnick

Laurie Chambers

Dennis Haysbert

Dennis Haysbert

Steven Deschain

Michael Barbieri

Michael Barbieri

Timmy

Director: Nikolaj Arcel

Written by: Anders Thomas Jensen, Jeff Pinkner, Akiva Goldsman

Frequently Asked Questions

The Dark Tower is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 5.8/10 from 5,427 viewers, The Dark Tower is divisive among viewers - your mileage may vary. It's a good pick if you enjoy fantasy, action, and science fiction stories.

Haunted by visions of a parallel world, a teenager named Jake finds his dreams pulling him toward a broken city at the edge of reality. There he encounters Roland Deschain, a battle weary gunslinger sworn to guard the Dark Tower, a crumbling anchor that holds every universe together. The tower's ...

Idris Elba plays Roland Deschain. Roland Deschain is the central character in the story.

Matthew McConaughey plays Walter O'Dim. Walter O'Dim is the film's main antagonist.