Trancers

Trancers

Year: 1985

Runtime: 76 min

Language: English

Director: Charles Band

ActionSci-Fi

A hardened police officer travels from a bleak future to 1980s Los Angeles to stop a powerful, otherworldly figure with plans to change history. He must confront the villain and his followers while navigating the unfamiliar landscape of the past. With time running out, the officer’s mission is to preserve the timeline and prevent a catastrophic shift in reality.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Trancers 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!

Timeline & Setting – Trancers (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Trancers (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1985, Not-so-distant future

The movie oscillates between a not-so-distant future marked by advanced technology and a gritty past set in 1985. In this era, society grapples with the ramifications of crime and the psychological manipulation of its inhabitants. The futuristic perspective highlights how past events shape the struggles and conflicts of the characters.

Location

Angel City, Los Angeles

Angel City is a dystopian future metropolis where crime thrives, and the ruling council's power has waned. It is characterized by its dark, oppressive atmosphere and serves as the primary backdrop for Jack Deth's struggle against the criminal mastermind Martin Whistler. Los Angeles, known for its vibrant culture and history, becomes the focal point of time travel adventures in the film.

🏙️ City ⏳ Futuristic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:13

Main Characters – Trancers (1985)

Meet the key characters of Trancers (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jack Deth (Tim Thomerson)

Jack Deth is a retired law enforcement officer drawn back to confront his past demons. He is resourceful, courageous, and determined to stop the villain Martin Whistler, displaying a strong sense of justice. Deth's journey reveals his complexities as he grapples with his choices and the weight of his actions.

🦸‍♂️ Hero 👮‍♂️ Law Enforcement 💔 Compassion

Lena (Helen Hunt)

Lena is a spirited punk rock enthusiast who plays a crucial role in aiding Jack Deth. Her tenacity and support demonstrate her strength of character, and her relationship with Deth adds an emotional layer to the narrative. Lena’s influence helps Jack navigate through the tumultuous events of the story.

🎸 Music ❤️ Love 🚀 Adventure

Martin Whistler

Martin Whistler is the film's central antagonist, a devious mastermind who manipulates time and his victims to execute his wicked plans. His inherent villainy is compounded by his psychic abilities, making him a formidable foe. Whistler's actions drive much of the film’s conflict, highlighting themes of control and malevolence.

💀 Villain 🧠 Psyche ⏱️ Manipulative

Detective Weisling

Detective Weisling is a Los Angeles police officer whose body is manipulated by Whistler for his own gain. His character embodies the struggle between good and evil, as his connection to Deth complicates the moral challenges faced by the protagonist. Weisling’s predicament adds depth to the plot’s tension.

👮‍♂️ Law Enforcement ⚔️ Conflict 🍂 Sacrifice

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:13

Major Themes – Trancers (1985)

Explore the central themes of Trancers (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⏳ Time Travel

Time travel is a central theme, exploring the consequences and ethical dilemmas arising from manipulating time. Jack Deth's ability to traverse different time periods affects not only his life but also the lives of others. The notion of altering fate and confronting one's past is intricately woven throughout the narrative.

⚖️ Moral Dilemmas

The film presents significant moral dilemmas, particularly reflected in Jack Deth's choice to save a life or eliminate a dangerous foe. These choices underline the character's struggle between compassion and the pursuit of justice. The complexities of right and wrong are compellingly portrayed in the face of dire circumstances.

👤 Identity

Identity plays a crucial role as characters assume new personas while navigating different timelines. Jack's transformation into Phil Dethton exemplifies the complexities of self and legacy. This theme highlights the exploration of who we are through the lens of our past and future selves.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:13

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Future Noir Time Travel Movies like Trancers

Gritty detectives from dystopian futures collide with the unfamiliar past.If you liked the gritty, time-traveling detective vibe of Trancers, explore more movies like it. This thread features sci-fi noir stories where hardened heroes from dystopian futures embark on urgent missions in the past, blending action with a tense, cynical atmosphere.

cynicalgrittyurgentdystopiannoir-inspiredtensedeterminedanxious

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a lone operative or detective from a decaying future who is sent back in time to prevent a cataclysm. The plot is a fast-paced cat-and-mouse game, pitting the protagonist's futuristic knowledge against the constraints and surprises of the past, often culminating in a personal sacrifice for the greater good.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific blend of tone and premise: the tension of a thriller, the visual and thematic grit of noir, and the high-stakes conceptual hook of time travel. They offer a unique experience where action and investigation are framed by existential stakes and a fish-out-of-water dynamic.

High-Stakes Race Against Time Action Movies like Trancers

Urgent missions where every second counts to avert disaster.For viewers who enjoyed the relentless urgency of Trancers, this thread collects movies with similar high-stakes, time-sensitive plots. These films feature determined heroes in a desperate sprint to prevent a looming catastrophe, delivering tense, fast-paced narratives.

urgentsuspensefulanxiousdeterminedhigh-stakestenserelentlessdesperate

Narrative Summary

The narrative is linear and propulsive, driven by a clear, imminent threat. Obstacles arise frequently, testing the protagonist's resolve and ingenuity. The journey is often physically and emotionally taxing, leading to a climax where success is achieved, but frequently at a significant personal cost, resulting in a bittersweet resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their core engine: a deadline that dictates the pace and raises the stakes. They share a specific viewing experience characterized by anxiety, suspense, and the thrill of a near-impossible mission, regardless of the specific genre setting.

Unlock the Full Story of Trancers

Don't stop at just watching — explore Trancers 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 Trancers is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Trancers Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Trancers, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Trancers Summary

Trancers Timeline

Track the full timeline of Trancers with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Trancers Timeline

Trancers Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Trancers that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Trancers Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Trancers

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Trancers: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Trancers

Similar Movies to Trancers

Discover movies like Trancers 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.