Cronos (1994)
Cronos is streaming in the US on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel, HBO Max.
The verdict
Cronos earns its keep as a steady Spanish film that knows its audience. It holds a 6.7/10 on TMDB from 797 ratings, right around average territory. It's a tight 94-minute watch — easy to fit into a busy night. In the US you can stream it on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel, HBO Max.
Should you spend 94 minutes on it?
94 minutes of Spanish drama with horror threaded through, adults only. Under the two-hour mark — an easy weeknight watch.
Don't watch this if…
- this is the shared-living-room pick — the certificate is R
- you want horror you can watch half-distracted — this one is certified R and means it
- Why
- 6.7/10 from 797 ratings — well received so far, on a modest sample.
- Skip if
- you want plot momentum over character work
- Best for
- A late night with the lights off
Story
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.
Good to know
| Runtime | 1h 34m — short |
| Watch with family? | R · Adults only |
| Genre | Drama / Horror |
| Language | Spanish |
| Best screen | Stream at home |
Director
Guillermo del Toro
Cast
Where to watch in the US
Included with a subscription — no extra charge on these platforms.
Availability as of 2026-09-20 — platforms may change over time.
Trailer
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