6.5
Where can I stream Cruising legally?
You can 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.
Cruising fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline7
- Violence7
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Melancholy6
- Catharsis5
- Pathos4
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Cringe Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
Crime, the mind, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighTense and thrilling
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Cruising is tense, thrilling, and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
All heart traits
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics1Relationships and generational ties.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumCrime, the mind, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, the mind, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
Al Pacino is Cruising for a killer.
When New York is caught in the grip of a sadistic serial killer who preys on patrons of the city's underground bars, rookie cop Steve Burns infiltrates the S&M subculture to try and lure him out of the shadows.
Dark Crime ThrillerUndercover InvestigationS&M SubcultureSerial KillerPsychological ExplorationGritty RealismControversial ThemesBleak Atmosphere
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Cruising
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Cruising worth watching?
54
MediocreGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 54/100 (IMDb 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes 50%, and Metacritic 43). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Cruising rated?
RViolenceNuditySexual contentStrong languageDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, nudity, sexual content, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is Cruising?
1 h 42 min
Cruising runs 1 h 42 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Cruising?
Critics47
Audiences61
Not quite. Audiences rate Cruising higher (61) than critics (47). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Cruising a box office hit?
Budget$11 million
Box office$20 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $11 million to make and earned $20 million worldwide, 1.8 times its budget.
What language is Cruising in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States, Germany.
In how many countries can I watch Cruising?
33
+19
+19GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Cruising in 33 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Cruising use?
The Stool PigeonSubculture of the WeekReverse WhodunnitContent WarningVisible VictimologyFair CopBisexual Love TriangleThe Big Rotten AppleJack Bauer Interrogation TechniqueWhere Everybody Knows Your FlameAll Gays Love TheaterGay Cruisingand 36 more
TV Tropes lists 48 storytelling tropes for Cruising, including The Stool Pigeon, Subculture of the Week, Reverse Whodunnit.