Fallen

Runtime: 2 Hours 4 Minutes

Audience Rating: 7.4/10

Critics Rating: 4.2/10

Genre: Mystery & Thriller

Rating: R

Release Date: 16 January 1998

OTT Release Date: 2008-05-01

Original Language: English

Production House: Turner Pictures and Atlas Entertainment

Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures

Page Last Updated On: 27 July 2025

About:

Fallen is a 1998 mystery-thriller about a detective, John Hobbes, who chases a clever demon named Azazel. The demon jumps from person to person, making it hard to catch. Hobbes must solve the puzzle before Azazel tricks him too! With twists and suspense, Fallen is like a spooky game of tag where the demon always stays one step ahead. Fun and creepy!

Review:

Movie Review: Fallen (1998)

Fallen is a 1998 supernatural thriller starring Denzel Washington, John Goodman, and Donald Sutherland. The movie is about a detective who discovers that a dangerous spirit can move from one person to another by touch. This makes it very hard to catch because it keeps changing bodies.

The story begins with Detective John Hobbes (Denzel Washington) watching the execution of a serial killer named Edgar Reese. Hobbes had arrested Reese, so he feels justice has been served. But soon after, strange things start happening. A new killer appears, copying Reese’s style. Hobbes and his partner, Jonesy (John Goodman), investigate, but the clues don’t make sense.

Then, Hobbes learns about a demon named Azazel. This evil spirit can jump into any person just by touching them. Once inside, Azazel controls them and makes them do terrible things. The only way to know it’s Azazel is by hearing the person sing an old song, "Time Is on My Side."

Hobbes realizes that Azazel is playing a game with him. The demon enjoys making him suffer and wants revenge for Reese’s death. The scariest part is that Azazel could be inside anyone—a stranger, a friend, or even a police officer. Hobbes doesn’t know who to trust.

What Works in the Movie?

Denzel Washington is great as Detective Hobbes. He makes the character smart and brave, but also scared because he’s fighting something he doesn’t fully understand. John Goodman is a good sidekick, bringing some humor to the dark story. The idea of a demon that can switch bodies is very creepy. It makes you wonder: What if evil was hiding inside someone you know?

The movie has a good mix of mystery and horror. There are tense moments where Hobbes is trying to figure out who Azazel is controlling. The ending is surprising and makes you think.

What Could Be Better?

Some parts of the movie are a little slow. The middle section takes time explaining Azazel’s powers, which might feel boring for younger viewers. Also, the rules of how Azazel works are not always clear. Sometimes, the spirit seems too powerful, making it hard to believe Hobbes can ever win.

Is It Scary?

Fallen is not a jump-scare horror movie, but it is unsettling. The idea of an invisible enemy is scarier than monsters or ghosts. There are some violent scenes, so it’s not for very young kids. But if you like mysteries with a dark twist, you might enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

Fallen is a smart thriller with a unique villain. Denzel Washington’s strong acting and the creepy story make it worth watching. It’s not perfect, but it keeps you guessing until the end. If you like movies where the bad guy is always one step ahead, you’ll like Fallen.

Would I watch it again? Maybe—just to see if I can spot Azazel’s tricks the second time!