Scanners
“10 Seconds: The Pain Begins. 15 Seconds: You Can’t Breathe. 20 Seconds: You Explode.”
Synopsis
A scientist trains a man with an advanced telepathic ability called 'scanning' to stop a dangerous Scanner with extraordinary psychic powers from waging war against non-Scanners.
Part of the Scanners Collection
Stream the entire interconnected saga and experience every installment in chronological storyline order.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Behind the Scenes: Scanners (Cronenberg, 1981) with Stephen Lack and Michael Ironside
Type: Behind the Scenes • Published 2026-07-04
Top Cast
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Stephen Lack
Cameron Vale
Jennifer O'Neill
Kim Obrist
Michael Ironside
Darryl Revok
Patrick McGoohan
Dr. Paul Ruth
Lawrence Dane
Braedon Keller
Robert A. Silverman
Benjamin Pierce
Lee Broker
Security One
Mavor Moore
Trevellyan
Adam Ludwig
Arno Crostic
Murray Cruchley
Programmer 1
Fred Döderlein
Dieter Tautz
Géza Kovács
Killer in Record Store
Sonny Forbes
Killer in Attic
Jérôme Tiberghien
Killer in Attic
Denis Lacroix
Killer in Barn
Elizabeth Mudry
Killer in Barn
Victor Désy
Dr. Gatineau
Louis Del Grande
First Scanner
Release History & Theatrical Window
Night Visions International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
January 14, 1981
Wide Cinema Exhibition
June 13, 2000
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$4.1M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$14.2M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
3.47x
+$10.1M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- David Cronenberg
- Screenplay & Story
- David Cronenberg
- Original Score
- Howard Shore
- Original Title
- Scanners
- Country of Origin
- Canada
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 43m
- Production Budget
- $4.1M
- Worldwide Gross
- $14.2M
- Production Studios
- Filmplan International, Canadian Film Development Corporation, Montreal Trust Company of Canada
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
David Cronenberg
David Cronenberg
Howard Shore
Mark Irwin
Ronald Sanders
Victor Solnicki, Pierre David, Claude Héroux
Department Leadership Roster
Delphine White
Costume Design
Ronald Sanders
Editor
David Cronenberg
Director
Mark Irwin
Director of Photography
David Cronenberg
Writer
Claude Héroux
Producer
Howard Shore
Original Music Composer
Alex Stevens
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
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Scanners.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Scanners
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Scanners about?
A scientist trains a man with an advanced telepathic ability called 'scanning' to stop a dangerous Scanner with extraordinary psychic powers from waging war against non-Scanners.
Who directed Scanners?
Scanners was directed by David Cronenberg.
Who stars in Scanners?
The principal cast of Scanners includes Stephen Lack, Jennifer O'Neill, Michael Ironside, Patrick McGoohan, Lawrence Dane.
When was Scanners released and how long is it?
Scanners was released in 1981 with a total runtime of 1h 43m.
What was the box office and production budget of Scanners?
Scanners had a reported production budget of $4.1M and grossed $14.2M at the worldwide box office (3.47 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for Scanners?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Scanners was composed by Howard Shore.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Scanners?
Scanners holds official age classifications: AU: R 18+; DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: 12 (Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).