12 Angry Men

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2:13

12 Angry Men

Released Apr 20, 1957

1h 35m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

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61 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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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

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

This arguably remains Sidney Lumet's most compelling work, a sweaty, sustained drama that milks its claustrophobic setting for all it’s worth.

Rated: 4/4

May 8, 2023

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

12 Angry Men is one of the best courtroom dramas in cinematic history.

Rated: 5/5

Apr 18, 2023

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Andrew T

A masterpiece. NO NOTES!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/22/25

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HameZz O

I'm pretty sure that about 95% of this film takes place in one room. Which is pretty unbelievable for how interesting it is. It doesn't need violence or super beautiful settings to keep it interesting. The story is just that amazing.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/19/25

Full Review

Pablo S

Una Gran Película que cuenta con actuación bastante verosímiles y una historia que a priori parece sencilla y aburrida pero Henry Fonda te instala las dudas en la cabeza como a los otros 11 miembros del jurado.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/14/25

Full Review

Audience Member

great movie, with black and white, i like it

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/11/25

Full Review

Steve W

A little bit overrated with some pacing issues but is a pretty good story overall shot in one great take!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/08/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 35 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/07/25

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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