Iron Lung released on 29th January in Cineworld, and you’ve still got plenty of opportunity to watch this exciting video game adaptation. An exhilarating proposition for a film, Iron Lung was self-funded by a big YouTube star, Markiplier – real name Mark Fischbach – who also stars in it, and has been in the making for some years.
With plenty of buzz and anticipation for its release, Iron Lung has had an incredible opening weekend, making it that more an intriguing a film – even if you have no prior knowledge of the video game it’s based on, or Markiplier himself. Here’s why Iron Lung needs to be on your watch list.
You can see the heart and passion that has gone in by Markiplier and his team
There is so much time, artistry, and love that goes into creating a film, but it can’t be denied there is a certain level of passion needed to take on something as ambitious as creating a movie from scratch. And one big takeaway from Cineworlders was that the care put into Iron Lung was palpable.
I saw it twice it was so good! i dont even know where to begin theres so much care that was put into making it from mark and the crew that is present from the start, you can tell how big of a passion project this was for mark and everyone involved
— darkblade|iron lung (@HarryWi33176078) February 2, 2026
I enjoyed the movie a lot! You can definitely see all the love, care and attention that was put into this passion project and I'm genuinely so proud of Mark and the rest of the crew for such a successful weekend!
— 🌿a feral gremlin🌿 (he/they) (@monstermemories) February 2, 2026
Iron Lung is incredibly atmospheric, one to be experienced on the big screen
There’s lots of emphasis on it being an independently made film, and Markiplier being attached obviously adds an extra bit of sparkle. But we just have to say that Iron Lung is a genuinely good movie without all the bells and whistles which stands up against plenty of other releases coming out of the horror genre.
Iron lung was amazing! With breath taking visuals and a captivating and very convincing performance by Markiplier. This movie legitimately had me on the edge of my seat. Very good!
— DarkJ (@Darkj2000) February 2, 2026
There’s a ton of blood in Iron Lung – despite what this viewer says
Did you know Iron Lung had the most fake blood used in any horror film ever? Approximately 300,000 litres was poured into the film. That’s behind Evil Dead (2013)’s 190,000 litres. So yeah, despite what this X user had to say, there’s a lot of blood to wade through when watching Iron Lung.
Solid 8/10 - Could have done with more blood. pic.twitter.com/ldz10MYowh
— ΩMechanicum (@OMechanicum) February 2, 2026
There, is, in fact, a little bit of blood.
there’s a little bit of blood
— Opal (@OOakOkay) February 2, 2026
You don't need to be familiar with the video game or Markiplier to love it
Plenty of people are piling on the praise for Iron Lung despite knowing nothing about the video game and/or Markiplier. So no, it’s not just raking in all the praise from potentially biased fans – people going in completely blind have also been sucked into the ether by this one.
I came in completely cold, knowing nothing about the film. I really enjoyed the slow world building, reveals, claustrophobia, mystery & ending. 9/10.
— james (@jamesgardenman) February 2, 2026
For media I knew zero about, it was well good, esp for a film contained within a singular small space, probs to mark for putting his passion on the big screen
— Tate⁴/JM161125 (@TateKuy50306) February 2, 2026
If you’re a fan of Markiplier or Iron Lung, you obviously need to see it
Of course, if you do happen to be a fan of either the video game or Markiplier, or both, it goes without saying you need to see it. Anyone fearful of it not living up to the hype or adoration of the YouTuber can rest easy knowing it’s been a hit with other fans. And you’ll walk away feeling so, so proud of him!
I waited 3 years with constant excitement and absolutely I LOVED IT! I wish I had more ways to support it. It was not your traditional feeling film and it was fun to watch something so unique and different.
— Eden (@Katheri24140677) February 3, 2026
Cinematography ate down and I genuinely found myself forgetting I was watching Mark for most of it.
— k⁷ (@jiminmonstr) February 2, 2026
Proud and in awe of him and everyone behind the project!
The film was incredible! But having been watching Markiplier for the last 12 years or so, it made the experience so much more special! Super proud of him and his efforts! ❤️
— 𝕷𝖔𝖌𝖆𝖓 (@cinema_freaky) February 2, 2026
People who’ve already seen it are queueing up to watch Iron Lung again
While one Cineworlder says the jury is out on their final thoughts on Iron Lung, it’s pretty telling they’re keen to see it again.
I think it’s a solid debit but seeing it again tonight just to be sure 😉
— Traco: ALTR 0363 (@TracoButtons) February 2, 2026
And other Cineworlders have already seen it twice. It speaks for itself, right?!
i did twice! it was incredible.
— powder ||🔞toby fox media enjoyer📞📺 (@powpocalypse) February 2, 2026
I genuinely loved it so much, the acting was really good and I loved the setting and everything about it. I'm seeing it for the 3rd time this week I'm obsessed, Mark and Every talented person who worked on Iron Lung did a beautiful job it's so good
— 𝔸𝕪𝕝𝕚𝕟🍁★ WATCHED IRON LUNG TWICE!!!🩸🫁 (@_engineerPlier_) February 2, 2026
You might not be a horror fan, but you can’t miss Iron Lung
When it comes to the horror genre, generally you’re either all in, or it’s not for you. And that’s fair enough – it can be a pretty in your face genre. All that being said, if you don’t usually like horror, we suggest you still give Iron Lung a go. Not least because it is unique in its independent origins, many people who wouldn’t usually opt to watch a horror movie loved it.
Atmosphere was very tense, sound design was fantastic, Mark gave a heartwrenching performance. I'm not usually one for horror movies but I did it for him and I had a great time ☺️
— Kat🍂💙💛 (@KathrynHarrop90) February 2, 2026
I don't like horror movies usually but when to see it with my SO. I ended up really liking it. The suspenseful cosmic horror of it all is amazing.
— Dumb_Marketing_ (@Dumb_Marketing_) February 3, 2026
Doesn’t ‘cosmic horror’ just sound so alluring?
Iron Lung has viewers asking for more indie game adaptations by Markiplier
If the people are asking for more, you know it’s good. And that’s definitely the case. Katie is in need of all the lore, and we’re right behind her in demand for a prequel of Iron Lung. And more video game adaptations in general, to be honest.
So good, I need a prequel or just more indie horror games adapted by markiplier studios
— katie misses MK🌙 (@MarvelsKnight) February 2, 2026
Iron Lung is completely self-funded and self-distributed
We know we’ve sort of already hashed over this, but it does feel like a significant thing worthy of emphasising. Markiplier completely self-financed this project, reportedly costing $3 million to make, and has already made more than 7x this in its opening weekend. That’s no small feat, giving more mainstream titles a run for their money. It’s a huge win for independent films, too.
Speaking to his fans on a live stream, Markiplier said, “Maybe if I could inspire someone to keep making films, that would be pretty cool. And maybe if it could open up the door for other people to do their projects independently, and know there could be success in it, I think that would be pretty cool.”
Iron Lung won't be showing at Cineworld for long, so make sure you grab your tickets and watch Iron Lung on the big screen before it's gone.
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