Weighted from a 7.7 average · Why?
A grounded, flesh-and-blood thriller that keeps nerves on edge throughout.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Critic consensus
Don't Breathe draws near-unanimous praise from critics, with most awarding it strong scores for its sustained tension and ability to generate genuine fear through a grounded, flesh-and-blood threat rather than supernatural elements. Critics consistently highlight the film's effectiveness as a nerve-shredding thriller experience, with several noting it stands out as one of the better horror offerings of its year. Director Fede Alvarez receives specific praise for crafting something original. The only notable criticism comes from Shalini Langer, who felt the film was extended past its ideal running time, and Deborah Cornelious noted it falls short in places.
1 not-rated review isn't plotted
The Monk Score is weighted from a plain average of 7.7 · how scores work
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 7 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
While the film manages to smartly get back on its feet, it is clear Alvarez got greedy and extended Don't Breathe past its ideal running time. The thing is — and here is what makes Don't Breathe the standout horror of this year — you may be holding your breath till the last.
Film review ·
Your nerves will be ridiculously frayed by the end of this terrifying movie experience. But since that's the very goal of any horror/thriller movie, you'll walk away satisfied, reminding yourself that it's okay to breathe again.
Film review ·
The idea of a Hotel California-like situation - you can check in, but never check out - makes for a tense, horror-filled film. More so, since the frights are provided by a flesh-and-blood monster and not a ghost or ghoul.
Film review ·
Overall the film succeeds in offering something special and original. And, Fede Alvarez is a director to watch out for.
Film review ·
Suffice to say that within the first few minutes of the movie, you'll find out why it's called Don't Breathe. It's fantastic. Go watch it.
Film review ·
It's a largely on-set exercise in terror and it's played out in real time with a never ending series of challenges thrown-up for survival against all odds -so the increase in heart rate is quite palpable.
Film review ·
Even though Don't Breathe does fall short sometimes, it is still a great watch to see how the prey turns into the predator.
From our readers
11 ratings · user score 7.1
Don't Breathe Is best horror thriller 2016,must watch.
Alvarez's Don't Breathe is a command, both to the characters and to us. The housebound thriller tiptoes behind three robbers who break into a blind Army veteran's home and awaken the angry giant, who grabs a gun and a hammer and nails them inside. If he hears a footstep, he shoots. To survive, the characters get so quiet you can hear their heartbeats. Spooks don't get more primal.Don't Breathe is stripped down to the basics: a dark, hushed house, heavy with dread, and a thousand things that make us choke on a scream, from a furious Rottweiler to a bit of broken glass that turns Rocky's sneaker into a tap shoe. It's effective misery. After Evil Dead, Fede Alvarez impresses again with Don't Breathe. I would go with 4.5/5 for this impressive and terrific movie.
Very good . Best : Direction , Thrilling elements used well that makes it nerve-racking and scary , Performance by the lead . Weakness : minor flaws in screenplay that makes some situations seem a bit unconvincing.
Credits
Stephen LangThe Blind Man
Jane LevyRocky
Dylan MinnetteAlex
Daniel ZovattoMoney
Fede Alvarez
Sam Raimi
Robert Tapert
Roque Baños
Louise FordEnglish films like Don't Breathe
Hereditary
2018
Train to Busan
2016
It Follows
2015
Send Help
2026
Obsession
2026
The Substance
2024
Sinners
2025
28 Years Later
2025
The Shallows
2016
Us
2019
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
