Criminal Law

1989·Movie
1h 54min·R
IMDb5.7Rotten Tomatoes30%27%

Where to watch

PrimefuboTVMGM+PhiloThe Roku

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

Criminal Law fingerprint

Strong craft, emotionally cool.

Energy

Tense

  • Tension7
  • Adrenaline6
  • Fast Pace6

Heart

Emotionally reserved

  • Pathos6
  • Catharsis6
  • Melancholy5

Humor

Some dark humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Dark Humor5
  • Wit & Wordplay4
  • Satire & Parody3

World

Everyday modern life, crime, and the mind

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout characters

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Intrigue9
  • Character Depth8
  • Complexity8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing6
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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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

Ben Chase is an on-the-rise Boston attorney currently defending a wealthy client in a high-profile murder case. Martin Thiel is the wealthy young man on trial for a particularly brutal murder. The verdict sets Thiel free. Within 24 hours another grizzly and all-too-familiar murder has taken place with striking similarities to the first crime. Chase inexplicably agrees to act as his defense attorney; but this time it will be to gather evidence that will put away his client for good.
Legal ThrillerPsychological SuspenseMoral DilemmaCat and MouseDark TwistGuilt and RedemptionCourtroom DramaSerial Killer

Crew

Directed by:
Martin Campbell, Tommy Groszman, David Hood
Written by:
Mark Kasdan
Produced by:
Mike Fenton, John Daly, Hilary Dwyer
Composed by:
Jerry Goldsmith, Ian Fuller, Kenneth Hall

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about Criminal Law

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Criminal Law legally?

PrimefuboTVMGM+PhiloThe RokuHooplaVIX Tubi TV

Criminal Law is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Philo, and MGM+ in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Hoopla, VIX , and Tubi TV. 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 Criminal Law worth watching?

38
WeakGoodWatch score

Reviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 38/100 (IMDb 5.7 and Rotten Tomatoes 30%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Criminal Law rated?

RViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong language

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language.

How long is Criminal Law?

1 h 54 min

Criminal Law runs 1 h 54 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on Criminal Law?

Critics30
Audiences42

Not quite. Audiences rate Criminal Law higher (42) than critics (30). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.

Was Criminal Law a box office hit?

Budget$5 million
Box office$10 million

Roughly broke even. It cost about $5 million to make and earned $10 million worldwide, 2.0 times its budget.

What language is Criminal Law in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in Canada.

In how many countries can I watch Criminal Law?

115ADAEAGAOARATAUAZBBBEBFBGBMBO+101

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Criminal Law in 115 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Criminal Law use?

Amoral AttorneyFreudian ExcuseIf You Kill Him, You Will Be Just Like Him!Knight TemplarWhat the Hell Is That Accent?Thrill SeekerI Love the Dead

TV Tropes lists 7 storytelling tropes for Criminal Law, including Amoral Attorney, Freudian Excuse, If You Kill Him, You Will Be Just Like Him!.

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