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Deep Cover

1992·Movie
1h 48min·R
IMDb7.0Metacritic677.5

Where to watch

The RokuHooplaCriterionHistory VaultPlex

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

What's your score?

Your score

Deep Cover fingerprint

High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.

Energy

Tense and violent

  • Tension8
  • Violence7
  • Adrenaline6

Heart

Emotionally reserved

  • Melancholy6
  • Pathos5
  • Catharsis4

Humor

Some sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay7
  • Dark Humor3
  • Satire & Parody1

World

Crime, everyday modern life, and society

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion9
  • Dialogue Centrality8
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout performances, direction, and dialogue

  • Acting9
  • Direction8
  • Dialogue Quality8

Style

Standout cinematography

  • Cinematography8
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You need an uplifting mood

Find more like it

Suspense moviesPsychological movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

There's a thin line between catching a criminal... and becoming one.

Black police officer Russell Stevens applies for a special anti-drug squad which targets the highest boss of cocaine delivery to LA—the Colombian foreign minister's nephew. Russell works his way up from the bottom undercover, until he reaches the boss.
Neo-Noir ThrillerUndercover PoliceGritty Crime DramaPsychological DegradationDrug TradeMoral AmbiguitySocial CritiqueStrong Lead PerformanceLos Angeles Setting

Crew

Directed by:
Bill Duke, Conrad E. Palmisano, Greg Wayne Elam
Written by:
Michael Tolkin, Michael Tolkin, Henry Bean
Produced by:
Michael De Luca, Pierre David, Henry Bean
Composed by:
Dana Sano, Terry O'Bright, Terry O'Bright

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Deep Cover

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Deep Cover legally?

The RokuHooplaCriterionHistory VaultPlexXumo PlayTubi TV

Deep Cover is included with a subscription to History Vault in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Hoopla, Plex, and Xumo Play. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Deep Cover worth watching?

69
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 69/100 (IMDb 7 and Metacritic 67). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Deep Cover rated?

RViolenceDrug useStrong languageSexual content

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, drug use, strong language, and sexual content.

How long is Deep Cover?

1 h 48 min

Deep Cover runs 1 h 48 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Deep Cover?

Critics67
Audiences73

Yes. Critics average 67 and audiences 73 out of 100, so both groups see Deep Cover much the same way.

Was Deep Cover a box office hit?

Budget$8 million
Box office$17 million

Yes. It cost about $8 million to make and earned $17 million worldwide, 2.1 times its budget.

What language is Deep Cover in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Deep Cover?

13ATAUBECADEGBGGIEINITNLNZUS

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Deep Cover in 13 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Deep Cover use?

The CartelRight Hand Versus Left HandCoat CapeHarmful to MinorsCowboy CopBecoming the MaskPay Evil unto EvilCorrupt PoliticianSuicide by CopMust State If You're a CopRewarded as a Traitor DeservesTragic Keepsakeand 30 more

TV Tropes lists 42 storytelling tropes for Deep Cover, including The Cartel, Right Hand Versus Left Hand, Coat Cape.