Death Note
Warner Bros. | Release Date: August 25, 2017
3.1
USER SCORE
Generally unfavorable reviews based on 484 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
83
Mixed:
104
Negative:
297
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
snakeordeathSep 3, 2017
My wife left me. :(
7 of 7 users found this helpful70
All this user's reviews
8
MorphVGXSep 4, 2017
These bunch of 0 scores are ridiculous. Objectively speaking, the only issue with this movie is the acting of the main character. It is a bit weird, but it is decent. Everything else about the production seems good to me: special effects,These bunch of 0 scores are ridiculous. Objectively speaking, the only issue with this movie is the acting of the main character. It is a bit weird, but it is decent. Everything else about the production seems good to me: special effects, gore, photography, camera angles, slow motion. People are just pissed about the adaptation (and the movie is based on the anime, it is not an adaptation) because they wanted something more similar to the anime. And because of that they are looking for excuses to tear the movie apart. The main character here has a different personality (he is not a villain like in the anime) and some other things about the base story are changed, but it is still pretty good, interesting and entertaining. I liked L and Ryuk a lot. Characters were interesting and well developed. I would have liked a little bit more of strategy fight among the antagonists. I think the movie did a good job preserving the core aspects of the original work while bringing something different, american-style.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
All this user's reviews
8
jamesoevansSep 9, 2017
For somebody who has never seen the Anime version of the film I found it quite amusing. I enjoy movies where we get to watch somebody play god. Willem Dafoe portrayal of Ryuk was as usual awesome for a bad guy with his voice. As far as theFor somebody who has never seen the Anime version of the film I found it quite amusing. I enjoy movies where we get to watch somebody play god. Willem Dafoe portrayal of Ryuk was as usual awesome for a bad guy with his voice. As far as the protagonist and his girlfriends love story was concerned, typical. The ending I did not care for, as it left a bunch of open ended questions. However I enjoyed watching it, the mystery, the fantasy, the lore, I enjoyed it all and that is why I am giving it a high score. I also like most movies Dafoe plays the villain.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
All this user's reviews
8
Metacritic14Aug 26, 2017
I'm familiar with the source material and think credit should be given to this movie considering the audience it's catering to and the running time. As a Netflix show success means lots of repeat viewings by all types of viewers and I thinkI'm familiar with the source material and think credit should be given to this movie considering the audience it's catering to and the running time. As a Netflix show success means lots of repeat viewings by all types of viewers and I think it makes for an entertaining 100 minutes that you can watch on a Saturday with friends.
Even the Death Note creators approve of it for what it is.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
alexnegaoAug 27, 2017
A little different from the anime and little fast paced, but it had to be done so it would work as a movie, but still a good movie. Hope there will be a second movie.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
10
s3ga33Sep 5, 2017
Im not entirely sure people know what "adaptation" actually means. Movie didnt deserve so much hate reviews . Despite some flaws in the plot, im still looking forward for a sequel.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
7
thenerdport77Sep 27, 2017
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am going to start out by saying I have not watched the anime but know of it. With that being said I enjoyed the movie but it did leave me asking more question then I had to start with like why does L know how to use the death note. Why leave the movie in a cliffhanger. why was it everything rushed would have like it to a little more played out. overall i rate this a C+. Think about this movie as a pg 13 verson of final destination.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
7
WodahsSep 4, 2017
I liked it. Get over it. When critics and fans say they hated the new Death Note, I feel they set their expectations too high. The movie dared to be different, even from the casting choice. If you don't like action packed, cheesy and anI liked it. Get over it. When critics and fans say they hated the new Death Note, I feel they set their expectations too high. The movie dared to be different, even from the casting choice. If you don't like action packed, cheesy and an original interpretation of Death Note, this is not for you. Death note has many adaptions and it is time for fans to accept a different, at times cheesy in terms of acting but unique movie. And I feel people will understand it more in the years to come. I loved the original Death Note and enjoyed this movie too.
Pros: The twist is interesting. It takes liberties with the rules. L and Ryuk are amazing in this, and the actor for L clearly understood the character. There are new intense moments that give this movie a unique style.
Cons: It is short, so the story is a bit rushed. Very cheesy and some scenes are either ironically or unironically played for laughs. Nat Wolff as L is a decent actor, and a lot of the lines are filled with a lot of cursing but if you accept what this movie is and what the NEW characters are trying to be, you'll accept it.

Death Note (Manga and Anime) and Death Note (2017) are very different mediums. Go in with an open mind. Everyone automatically hates the 2017 version, if you go in hating it, then what's the point of watching it? Give yourself a new perspective on a movie that already has a majority consensus, you wouldn't be adding anything new to the table.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
7
ergenecondomAug 27, 2017
Film animesiyle hiçbir alakası yok akıl oyunları karakterler hikaye nerdeyse hiç uymuyor hiçbir bekletiniz yoksa izlenebilir ortalama üstü bir film.ehh yani işte çokda birşey beklemeyin
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
7
CauangtvOct 18, 2017
A great movie, plus a bad adaptation. It is very different from the anime, but it has its ups and downs, the anime is very intelligent and very intellectual, the movie, no...
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
9
Blurryface113Aug 27, 2017
Can all anime viewers back off?! for me and i believe people like me(who doesn't knows anime) can enjoy this movie a lot: it has action, not boring at all. so i like if it's different from anime and my advice don't listen stupid comments:Can all anime viewers back off?! for me and i believe people like me(who doesn't knows anime) can enjoy this movie a lot: it has action, not boring at all. so i like if it's different from anime and my advice don't listen stupid comments: just watch! one think i didn't like was THE END of movie, guessing will have second part or something.....… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
All this user's reviews
7
pitfiendAug 26, 2017
'Death Note' is by no means a bad movie, it simply takes the story in a different direction than the Anime series it's based upon. Although this interpretation isn't as gripping or engaging as the original battle of wits between the'Death Note' is by no means a bad movie, it simply takes the story in a different direction than the Anime series it's based upon. Although this interpretation isn't as gripping or engaging as the original battle of wits between the questionably moral protagonist and his ultimate antagonist it is still an entertaining experience that is at least treating some aspects of the source material with respect. Acting was actually quite good but the wrong portrayal of the main character is inexcusable.… Expand
5 of 11 users found this helpful56
All this user's reviews
7
AlexeyxDDAug 26, 2017
It is not a bad movie, its just an average one. Light is quite bad at times, but sometimes also really decent. L's acting on the other hand is good. Yes, the pace is way too fast, they had no time to develop some story lines, but they sureIt is not a bad movie, its just an average one. Light is quite bad at times, but sometimes also really decent. L's acting on the other hand is good. Yes, the pace is way too fast, they had no time to develop some story lines, but they sure will if there is a sequel (and due to a different ending than in the anime I hope there is one). A lot of relationships are underdeveloped, the main character's dad for example had only one proper conversation with him, so there is very little depth in it to make us really understand his actions, rather than just justifying them with "he is his father and he cares about him" etc. But overall its a good B movie, no need for all the hate.… Expand
4 of 11 users found this helpful47
All this user's reviews
7
fabioloso31Aug 25, 2017
Death note is an adaptation of the famous manga and anime, and while its source material is way better than this movie, I found myself enjoying this cinematic outing. The script was rushed, yes, mainly in the beginning, but it wrapped upDeath note is an adaptation of the famous manga and anime, and while its source material is way better than this movie, I found myself enjoying this cinematic outing. The script was rushed, yes, mainly in the beginning, but it wrapped up pretty nicely in the end. I also thought that it was a good idea to try and update the story for western audiences, you need to try and call people's attention and I think they did that very well. Overall I liked the film, it's not perfect and I knew they would take a lot of liberties, but it was very enjoyable and the direction by Adam wingard is amazing!… Expand
6 of 18 users found this helpful612
All this user's reviews
9
BN333Aug 25, 2017
Top notch super natural film. Overcomes the niche Japanese comic it was based on, translates well into a film for both Western film audiences and Asian alike.
4 of 16 users found this helpful412
All this user's reviews
7
v1c1ousv1c2Aug 25, 2017
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I enjoyed it, yes the pacing was a little to fast. They jammed so much into one movie, it was a bit frustrating at times. Them changing the story up a a bit was refreshing. I am a fan of the original anime and Japanese live actions, so I know what I am talking about. The ending makes me want more, and I hope more are made. But i agree with others, it should be a series not movies, it would have more time to develop. Also stop complaining about light being white, its an american adaptation, also L was really good as well. I had low expectation for him but he was great. Dafoe is daman, not much more to be said. Also i would score higher, if they kept the potato chip scene, lol.… Expand
4 of 21 users found this helpful417
All this user's reviews
10
brunoalmiroAug 25, 2017
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. ótimo... foda-se se e diferente do anime.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................… Expand
10 of 71 users found this helpful1061
All this user's reviews
8
JonDocFeb 8, 2020
I’ve never seen the original anime so can’t compare the two, but based on its merits this live action movie is strong - high concept, likeable leads, satisfying narrative, engaging and definitely better than the meta score would suggest.I’ve never seen the original anime so can’t compare the two, but based on its merits this live action movie is strong - high concept, likeable leads, satisfying narrative, engaging and definitely better than the meta score would suggest. Damn Willem Dafoe does a delicious demon! Great performance.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
7
alexandreaNov 26, 2021
If you want to enjoy this movie you have to forget the anime, try this has it´s own seperate thing and you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find here. Visuals, a good story, wingard plays with the camera in a very anime kind of way.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
10
SunshineRex1885Jul 9, 2020
O filme mais recente de Death Note não tem nenhuma semelhança com o anime original, quão menos com a trama dos antigos filmes, não consegui entender o propósito pelo qual esse filme foi lançado, mas certamente se parecer e relatar em forma deO filme mais recente de Death Note não tem nenhuma semelhança com o anime original, quão menos com a trama dos antigos filmes, não consegui entender o propósito pelo qual esse filme foi lançado, mas certamente se parecer e relatar em forma de filme a trama do Anime não foi. Porém sou honesto em dizer que é uma boa produção, e se você assistir sem o senso de comparação com o Anime pode com certeza gostar, já que foi muito bem feito, mesmo sendo completamente distinto do Anime.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
9
pashapivoNov 17, 2019
It's a really good movie if you didn't see an original anime. But if yoy saw that, than you just should perceive it like new story and absolutely new film. It ISN'T anime adaptation, so don't compare it with anime.
I think it's a goodIt's a really good movie if you didn't see an original anime. But if yoy saw that, than you just should perceive it like new story and absolutely new film. It ISN'T anime adaptation, so don't compare it with anime.
I think it's a good american story. This film just show u what can be if Death Note was found by american boy. Don't connect it with japanese original story.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
10
Eleven31811Jun 19, 2020
Beautiful Dramatic horror movie
Very nice story I liked it very much ending is very sad
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
10
Markov94Jul 17, 2021
There are two ways to judge this movie. As a Death Note adaptation: FAILS in every possible way.

As a separate story outside of the Death Note universe: It’s a GOOD MOVIE. I liked the fact, that this is a more realistic perspective of a boyThere are two ways to judge this movie. As a Death Note adaptation: FAILS in every possible way.

As a separate story outside of the Death Note universe: It’s a GOOD MOVIE.

I liked the fact, that this is a more realistic perspective of a boy who finds the death note. We already had an anime about Light Yagami, no need to repeat the same story. I saw it, as a new protagonist, and for me it works. Also, just look at that chemistry between Mia and Light!!! Who doesn’t want a GF like that? :D

It’s NOT A PERFECT movie. But it doesn’t deserve all the salt it received....… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
10
chuckp123Jan 6, 2021
if you want this to be a direct adaptation of the manga you will be disappointed. If you just want to see an awesome DEATH NOTE movie, you'll love it.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
10
angelssworldJan 9, 2018
I realllly enjoyed this movie!!! It was truly fast paced, I had to watch a few times to understand how things worked as some of the scenes crossed each other but eventually things became clear - made you think. It was GREAT!!!! I absolutelyI realllly enjoyed this movie!!! It was truly fast paced, I had to watch a few times to understand how things worked as some of the scenes crossed each other but eventually things became clear - made you think. It was GREAT!!!! I absolutely loved the story line, very unexpected. I really loved the character L, he was very interesting, witty and very different. Light on the other hand was your typical teenager who's emotions were sometimes heard to read. It almost put me in the mindset of Creepshow or Tales from the Crypt with demonic character always lingering around. I definitely would watch again.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
VHS-PlayerJan 15, 2018
At the time it was an interesting angle with a unique story line. I didn't like this remake that much. But it was still a noble try. Like other reviews have mentioned it is a bit dull at times. All in all not a bad movie to kill your time andAt the time it was an interesting angle with a unique story line. I didn't like this remake that much. But it was still a noble try. Like other reviews have mentioned it is a bit dull at times. All in all not a bad movie to kill your time and entertain yourself. I prefer the anime series much better. Not sure why when an anime is done live action it rarely ever turns out better than the original.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
jackson_jacksonSep 22, 2018
I thought this is very diffrent from the anime the characters dont look like they did becuse they where 2d and i think they would have been better played as tim allan like he did in his role in tim alan zoom if you want to watch a real movieI thought this is very diffrent from the anime the characters dont look like they did becuse they where 2d and i think they would have been better played as tim allan like he did in his role in tim alan zoom if you want to watch a real movie you should watch timmey alline's zoom it is a 10 out of 10 movie not like this **** storm of a movie any ways you should watch tim alanz zoom and give it a 10 star review like it diservez.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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