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12 Angry Men

Play trailer 2:13 Poster for 12 Angry Men 1957 1h 35m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 63 Reviews 97% Popcornmeter 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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12 Angry Men

12 Angry Men

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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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Critics Reviews

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Edward Kosmal St. Louis Post-Dispatch 01/31/2023
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. Go to Full Review
Chris Stuckmann ChrisStuckmann.com 01/26/2018
A+
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. Go to Full Review
Joshua Rothkopf Time Out 07/03/2013
5/5
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. Go to Full Review
Matthew Rozsa Reason Online Aug 2
4/4
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. Go to Full Review
Joshua Stevens Loud and Clear Reviews Jul 8
5/5
It’s a classic for a reason, and it’s a film that everyone should see at least once in their life. Go to Full Review
Nadir Samara Screen Rant 11/11/2024
10/10
A film like 12 Angry Men comes around once in a lifetime, and it will remain a blueprint for what a masterpiece looks like.  Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Yaaron R @KompetenterMedi 1d Reasonable Doubt, Lasting Impact 12 Angry Men remains remarkably gripping because its tight direction and focused cinematography keep the tension alive even after decades. The black and white visuals and the clear sound design enhance the atmosphere rather than date it, and the single room setting turns every exchange into something meaningful. The ensemble cast gives each juror a distinct presence, which makes their shifting arguments feel organic as the pressure rises. Even the more theatrical moments fit the film’s origins and era. With its sharp writing and its timeless look at bias and justice, the film still feels urgent and relevant today. See more Mason K @Munkeson 2d 1.I love men, i love anger, i love the number 12. - Munkeson 2.The way they portray the anger in each of the men in their own ways to develop their characteristics makes me h*rny. - Kenneth Paul Kendall Jr 3.I like when they are angry, it makes me feel joy and hope for the future of this country, I would recommend to a glurf nation that is near you. - Wetmat 4.I j*zz on men. - Th*t One 5.When the men speak i feel the violent vibrations and when theirs so many of them so many vibrations come through and it makes me very happy and i start making noise. fuhh communist. - Stewart Little 6.This movie made me think, if a really old person goes to buy a bed, do they think "this is going to be my death bed" you know because they're old. - Old person 7.Now we have around 400 letters left so allow me to recite the communist manifesto 8."Workers of the world, unite!" 9."Workers of the world, unite!" 10."Workers of the world, unite!" 11."Workers of the world, unite!" 12.hehe - MJ J*B See more Colin S Nov 10 There's a couple lines that didn't age well, but the authenticity is nice. The reason I removed a star is the fact that it's predictable. See more Scott S. @scottschmeltzer Nov 8 Top ten movie of all time. So many great performances. See more Tyler S @tylerking24 Oct 31 I mean, it was super good. Really simple and effective. See more Richard M @rhmichaels Oct 28 Great Great Movie! Full of Stars! See more Read all reviews
12 Angry Men

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12 Angry Men

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Re-enactment 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Re-enactment 3:42 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - These People 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - These People 2:18 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Not Guilty 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Not Guilty 3:42 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - A Responsibility 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - A Responsibility 0:59 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Nose Marks 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Nose Marks 2:40 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - This Isn't a Game 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - This Isn't a Game 1:30 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - It's the Same Knife! 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - It's the Same Knife! 2:04 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Kids These Days 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Kids These Days 2:16 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Who Changed Their Vote? 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Who Changed Their Vote? 2:37 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Down & In 12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Down & In 2:24 View more videos
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Movie Info

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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