Cronos
“An ancient device. A modern discovery. A terrifying tale of the eternal.”
Synopsis
Faced with his own mortality, an ingenious alchemist tried to perfect an invention that would provide him with the key to eternal life. It was called the Cronos device. When he died more than 400 years later, he took the secrets of this remarkable device to the grave with him. Now, an elderly antiques dealer has found the hellish machine hidden in a statue and learns about its incredible powers. The more he uses the device, the younger he becomes...but nothing comes without a price. Life after death is just the beginning as this nerve-shattering thriller unfolds and the fountain of youth turns bloody.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
4K Restoration Trailer [Subtitled]Official
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-12-08
Top Cast
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Federico Luppi
Jesus Gris
Ron Perlman
Angel de la Guardia
Claudio Brook
De la Guardia
Margarita Isabel
Mercedes
Tamara Shanath
Aurora
Mario Iván Martínez
Alchemist
Daniel Giménez Cacho
Tito
Farnesio de Bernal
Manuelito
Juan Carlos Colombo
Funeral Director
Jorge Martínez de Hoyos
Narrator (voice)
Javier Álvarez
Bleeding Man
Gerardo Moscoso
Drunk
Eugenio Lobo
Stoned Man
Laurencio Cordero
Watchman
Guillermo del Toro
Man Walking Dog (uncredited)
Francisco 'Napo' Sanchez
Mimo
Luis de Icaza
Tango Student
Release History & Theatrical Window
XXV Muestra Internacional de Cine
Festival / Special Debut
March 30, 1994
Wide Cinema Exhibition
October 14, 2003
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Guillermo del Toro
- Screenplay & Story
- Guillermo del Toro
- Original Score
- Javier Álvarez
- Original Title
- Cronos
- Country of Origin
- Mexico
- Spoken Languages
- English, Spanish
- Runtime
- 1h 34m
- Production Studios
- Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes, Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía, Fondo de Fomento a la Calidad Cinematográfica, Universidad de Guadalajara, Iguana Producciones, Ventana Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo del Toro
Javier Álvarez
Guillermo Navarro
Raúl Dávalos
Arthur Gorson, Bertha Navarro
Department Leadership Roster
Arthur Gorson
Producer
Guillermo del Toro
Director
Javier Álvarez
Original Music Composer
Guillermo del Toro
Screenplay
Guillermo Navarro
Director of Photography
Raúl Dávalos
Editor
Bertha Navarro
Producer
Genoveva Petitpierre
Costume Design
Tolita Figueroa
Production Design
Gerardo Moreno
Stunt Coordinator
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Cronos.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cronos
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Cronos about?
Faced with his own mortality, an ingenious alchemist tried to perfect an invention that would provide him with the key to eternal life. It was called the Cronos device. When he died more than 400 years later, he took the secrets of this remarkable device to the grave with him. Now, an elderly antiques dealer has found the hellish machine hidden in a statue and learns about its incredible powers. The more he uses the device, the younger he becomes...but nothing comes without a price. Life after death is just the beginning as this nerve-shattering thriller unfolds and the fountain of youth turns bloody.
Who directed Cronos?
Cronos was directed by Guillermo del Toro.
Who stars in Cronos?
The principal cast of Cronos includes Federico Luppi, Ron Perlman, Claudio Brook, Margarita Isabel, Tamara Shanath.
When was Cronos released and how long is it?
Cronos was released in 1993 with a total runtime of 1h 34m.
Who composed the musical score for Cronos?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Cronos was composed by Javier Álvarez.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Cronos?
Cronos holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: 12 (Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.); GB: 18 (Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).