12 Angry Men

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12 Angry Men

Released Apr 20, 1957

1h 35m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

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63 Reviews

97%

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100,000+ Ratings

Following the closing arguments in a murder trial, the 12 members of the jury must deliberate, with a guilty verdict meaning death for the accused, an inner-city teen. As the dozen men try to reach a unanimous decision while sequestered in a room, one juror (Henry Fonda) casts considerable doubt on elements of the case. Personal issues soon rise to the surface, and conflict threatens to derail the delicate process that will decide one boy's fate.

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Critics Consensus

Sidney Lumet's feature debut is a superbly written, dramatically effective courtroom thriller that rightfully stands as a modern classic.

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Edward Kosmal

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Sidney Lumet's solid success is achieved without even once resorting to flashbacks or other standard procedures of the film trade. The secret rests in spirited dialogue, realistic setting and, of course, the excellent cast of outstanding character actors.

Jan 31, 2023

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Chris Stuckmann

ChrisStuckmann.com

This movie is a masterpiece. That term gets thrown around a lot -- it's a very easy thing to say about great films like this -- but this movie is one of the best. This is one of the very few films that I will call perfect.

Rated: A+

Jan 26, 2018

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Joshua Rothkopf

Time Out

Too few films take on the art of arguing as a subject; we could certainly use more of them, but until then, Lumet's window into strained civic duty will continue to serve mightily.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 3, 2013

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Matthew Rozsa

Reason Online

The 1957 courtroom drama (based on an acclaimed 1954 teleplay) celebrates reasoned dissent, open debate, and the power of a single voice challenging consensus, principles Bhattacharya values deeply, especially in science.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 2, 2025

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Joshua Stevens

Loud and Clear Reviews

It’s a classic for a reason, and it’s a film that everyone should see at least once in their life.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 8, 2025

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Nadir Samara

Screen Rant

A film like 12 Angry Men comes around once in a lifetime, and it will remain a blueprint for what a masterpiece looks like.

Rated: 10/10

Nov 11, 2024

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Rowan W.

the acting, the plot the climax everything about this is so perfect and so raw.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/04/25

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Kimmi B.

The acting, script, and premise are masterfully executed. It’s a movie I come back to again and again knowing its message is never irrelevant. I can’t recommend it enough. Lee Cobb completely embodies his character and is so believable as juror 3 delivering a performance that shows the human side of his character. Henry Fonda is his perfect foil.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/25/25

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Yasmina T

guilty as charged, i liked it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/18/25

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Rob C

Only takes place essentially in one room but the acting and dialog are superb. Lee J Cobb is just fantastic. One of THE best films ever on cinema

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/15/25

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Jacob K

Absolute masterclass.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/15/25

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John F

A masterpiece, both timely and timeless as they say. Should be required viewing in schools.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/14/25

Full Review

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Sidney Lumet

Director

Henry Fonda

Juror No. 8

Lee J. Cobb

Juror No. 3

Ed Begley

Juror No. 10

E.G. Marshall

Juror No. 4

Jack Klugman

Juror No. 5

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Re-enactment

3:42

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - These People

2:18

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Not Guilty

3:42

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - A Responsibility

0:59

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Nose Marks

2:40

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - This Isn't a Game

1:30

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - It's the Same Knife!

2:04

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Kids These Days

2:16

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Who Changed Their Vote?

2:37

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Down & In

2:24

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12 Angry Men: Trailer 1

2:13

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Synopsis

Following the closing arguments in a murder trial, the 12 members of the jury must deliberate, with a guilty verdict meaning death for the accused, an inner-city teen. As the dozen men try to reach a unanimous decision while sequestered in a room, one juror (Henry Fonda) casts considerable doubt on elements of the case. Personal issues soon rise to the surface, and conflict threatens to derail the delicate process that will decide one boy's fate.

Director: Sidney Lumet
Producer: Henry Fonda, Reginald Rose
Screenwriter: Reginald Rose
Distributor: Criterion Collection, United Artists, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: Orion-Nova Pictures
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 20, 1957, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 4, 2012
Runtime: 1h 35m

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