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Trailer

Duel

1971Movie1 h 14 minPG

Thriller
81
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.6Metacritic817.9Rotten Tomatoes90%84%

A nerve-racking, gripping action movie about everyday modern life and the mind, with standout editing.

Good for date night · friends night · teens

Skip it if you want something quiet and calm

Where to watch

Fingerprint

Not for warmth, laughs or comfort.

Movies with

Story

The most bizarre murder weapon ever used!

Traveling businessman David Mann angers the driver of a rusty tanker while crossing the California desert. A simple trip turns deadly, as Mann struggles to stay on the road while the tanker plays cat and mouse with his life.

Feels like

  • Road Rage
  • Psychological Thriller
  • Cat and Mouse
  • Existential Dread
  • Isolation
  • Male Vulnerability
  • Early Spielberg
  • Trucks

Cast

13 of 13

Crew

Directed by
Steven Spielberg
Written by
Richard Matheson
Produced by
George Eckstein
Music by
Billy Goldenberg

Everyone

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

Facts

December 25, 1971 · 1 h 14 min · PG

Released
December 25, 1971
Runtime
1 h 14 min
Age rating
PG
Content
Violence, Disturbing Imagery
Genres
Action, Thriller, TV Movie
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Budget
$450,000
Box office
$2,544
Available in
60 countries

Tropes

Funny Background Event, Cassandra Truth, Railroad Tracks of Doom +9

  • Funny Background Event
  • Cassandra Truth
  • Railroad Tracks of Doom
  • One-Word Title
  • The Spook
  • Mundane Horror
  • Hope Spot
  • Gory Discretion Shot
  • Foreshadowing
  • The Alleged Car
  • Real Vehicle Reveal
  • Vehicular Assault

12 of 87 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

6 questions, like "Where can I stream Duel?"

Questions about Duel

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Duel?

In the United States, you can rent or buy Duel from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. It streams in 8 other countries, but not in the United States.

Is Duel worth watching?

81
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81 (IMDb 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes 90%, and Metacritic 81).

Is Duel okay for kids?

PGViolenceDisturbing imagery

Not for young kids: it's rated PG in the United States for violence and disturbing imagery, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Is Duel plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly plot-driven: intrigue (10 of 10) and spectacle (7 of 10) carry it more than its characters do.

Will Duel scare me?

Not scaryTerrifying

At times: scares are rated 7 of 10.

What tropes does Duel use?

Funny Background EventCassandra TruthRailroad Tracks of DoomOne-Word TitleThe SpookMundane HorrorHope SpotGory Discretion ShotForeshadowingThe Alleged CarReal Vehicle RevealVehicular Assaultand 75 more

TV Tropes lists 87 tropes for it, including Funny Background Event, Cassandra Truth, and Railroad Tracks of Doom.