Year: 1994
Runtime: 101 min
Language: Chinese
Director: Chuck Russell
A small-time crook discovers a mysterious mask that transforms him into a powerful and unpredictable being. Thrust into a world of high-stakes crime fighting, he must balance his newfound abilities with a blossoming romance and a responsibility to protect the city from danger. The mask unlocks incredible power, but also unleashes a chaotic and comedic adventure as he navigates his dual existence and confronts formidable foes.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Mask yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of The Mask (1994), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Stanley Ipkiss, portrayed by Jim Carrey, is a timid bank clerk living in Edge City, often the target of ridicule from his boss, landlady, and even car mechanics. His only solace comes from his loyal Fox Terrier, Milo, and his supportive coworker Charlie. Meanwhile, the shady gangster Dorian Tyrell, who operates the glamorous Coco Bongo nightclub, concocts a plan to seize power from his boss, Niko, by leveraging his sultry singer girlfriend, Tina Carlyle, played by Cameron Diaz.
In a twist of fate, Tyrell sends Tina into Stanley’s bank with a hidden surveillance camera as part of his heist scheme. Enamored with Tina, Stanley believes there might be a spark between them. However, a night of misadventures leads him to a dilapidated harbor where he stumbles upon a mysterious wooden mask. Mistaken initially for someone in distress, Stanley takes the mask home and playfully dons it. To his astonishment, the mask transforms him into “The Mask”: a zany, green-headed figure bursting with whimsical abilities that defy reality, along with a penchant for mischief.
With a newfound confidence, Stanley uses his masked persona to retaliate against his tormentors and frighten a gang of would-be muggers. The following day, he finds himself in a complex web involving the local detective, Lieutenant Kellaway, and reporter Peggy Brandt, who are both hot on the trail of The Mask. Despite the chaos that ensues, Stanley’s fascination with the mask proves too irresistible to resist, leading him to again embrace its unpredictable powers.
With dreams of impressing Tina and securing money for her performance, The Mask crashes Tyrell’s bank heist, albeit with humorous flair. He dances flamboyantly with Tina at the Coco Bongo, leaving the audience in awe, but his antics attract the ire of Tyrell. After a series of exhilarating events and confrontations, including The Mask’s daring reactions to police captures and a harrowing betrayal from Peggy, the stakes heighten as Tyrell, now wielding the mask’s powers himself, poses a grave threat.
In a climactic showdown at a charity event, chaos unfurls as Tyrell targets both Tina and the club. With the help of Milo, who becomes a cartoonish champion, Stanley battles against Tyrell to reclaim the mask. As the police close in, the confrontation resolves with Stanley finally using the mask’s powers for good, saving Tina and vanquishing Tyrell.
As dawn breaks, Stanley, Tina, Milo, and Charlie share a pivotal moment by the harbor, where they return the mask to the depths from which it came, solidifying their bond with a kiss. With moments of laughter and adventure behind them, a sense of peace settles in, though Milo mischievously swims off with the mask, hinting at the potential for future escapades.
Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 17:10
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Mask in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Mask is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of The Mask with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Mask. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Discover movies like The Mask that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
The Mask (1994) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Mask (1994) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
The Mask (1994) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like The Mask – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Masked Saint (2016) Movie Recap & Themes
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Mask of Zorro (1998) Story Summary & Characters
Darkman (1990) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Last Action Hero (1993) Complete Plot Breakdown
Masked and Anonymous (2003) Complete Plot Breakdown
Megamind (2010) Detailed Story Recap
The Shadow (1994) Full Movie Breakdown
The Phantom (1996) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Batman: The Movie (1966) Detailed Story Recap
The Green Hornet (2011) Film Overview & Timeline
The Tuxedo (2002) Story Summary & Characters
MirrorMask (2005) Film Overview & Timeline
Surge of Power (2006) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Batman (2022) Movie Recap & Themes