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Trailer

Bird on a Wire

1990Movie1 h 50 minPG-13

ComedyRomance
44
WeakGoodWatch score
IMDb6.0Letterboxd3.0/5Metacritic366.8Rotten Tomatoes26%41%

A thrilling, fast-paced comedy movie about crime and everyday modern life.

Good for date night · friends night · party vibe

Skip it if you want something quiet and calm

Where to watch

Fingerprint

Not for warmth, comfort or big ideas.

Movies with

Story

He’s every woman’s dream and one woman’s nightmare.

An FBI informant has kept his new identity secret for 15 years. Now an old flame has recognised him, and the bad guys are back for revenge.

Feels like

  • High-Octane Action Thriller
  • Undercover Cop Drama
  • Star-Studded Cast
  • Fast-Paced Plot
  • Car Chases and Stunts
  • Romantic Subplot
  • Crime Syndicate Takedown
  • Entertaining but Formulaic
  • Late 90s Action Aesthetic

Cast

24 of 26

Crew

Directed by
John Badham
Written by
David Seltzer, Eric Lerner, Louis Venosta
Produced by
Rob Cohen
Music by
Hans Zimmer

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

May 18, 1990 · 1 h 50 min · PG-13

Released
May 18, 1990
Runtime
1 h 50 min
Age rating
PG-13
Content
Violence, Strong Language
Genres
Comedy, Romance, Adventure
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Budget
$20 million
Box office
$139 million
Available in
75 countries

Tropes

The Ace, Titled After the Song, Dirty Cop +9

  • The Ace
  • Titled After the Song
  • Dirty Cop
  • Earn Your Happy Ending
  • Shout-Out
  • Witless Protection Program
  • Faux Yay
  • Vancouver Doubling
  • Shot in the Ass
  • Crooks Are Better Armed
  • Safe Zone Hope Spot
  • Scary Black Man

12 of 24 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

7 questions, like "Where can I stream Bird on a Wire?"

Questions about Bird on a Wire

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Bird on a Wire?

In the United States, you can rent or buy Bird on a Wire from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It streams in 25 other countries, but not in the United States.

Is Bird on a Wire worth watching?

44
WeakGoodWatch score

Reviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 44 (IMDb 6, Letterboxd 3.0 out of 5, Rotten Tomatoes 26%, and Metacritic 36). Audiences rate it higher (57 out of 100) than critics (31).

Is Bird on a Wire okay for kids?

PG-13ViolenceStrong language

Not for young kids: it's rated PG-13 in the United States for violence and strong language, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Will Bird on a Wire make me laugh?

Light

Now and then: the humor is mostly slapstick (6 of 10) and sharp wit (5 of 10).

Is Bird on a Wire good for date night?

and 4 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightParty Vibe

It can be: romance is 5 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.

Was Bird on a Wire a box office hit?

Budget$20 million
Box office$139 million

Yes, a big one: it cost about $20 million to make and earned $139 million worldwide, 6.9 times its budget.

What tropes does Bird on a Wire use?

The AceTitled After the SongDirty CopEarn Your Happy EndingShout-OutWitless Protection ProgramFaux YayVancouver DoublingShot in the AssCrooks Are Better ArmedSafe Zone Hope SpotScary Black Manand 12 more

TV Tropes lists 24 tropes for it, including The Ace, Titled After the Song, and Dirty Cop.