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Manhunter

Play trailer Poster for Manhunter R 1986 1h 59m Mystery & Thriller Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 52 Reviews 77% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
FBI criminal profiler Will Graham (William L. Petersen) is called out of early retirement to assist on a serial murder case involving a killer known as the "Tooth Fairy" (Tom Noonan). Graham enlists the help of imprisoned serial killer -- and cannibal -- Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Brian Cox), who is the reason Graham took an early retirement. Soon, Graham and the FBI are entangled in a deadly cat-and-mouse game between the Tooth Fairy, Lecter and an interfering journalist (Stephen Lang).
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Manhunter

Manhunter

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Critics Consensus

Michael Mann introduces audiences to Hannibal Lecter for the first time in Manhunter, a modish thriller that fleshes out Thomas Harris' heinous creations with an elegant, chilling detachment.

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Critics Reviews

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Wendy Ide The Times (UK) 09/08/2023
This slick thriller has been overshadowed by The Silence of the Lambs, but it is a compelling piece of film-making. Go to Full Review Paul Attanasio Washington Post 01/04/2018
... "Manhunter" is a gory and gorgeous cop thriller... Go to Full Review David Edelstein Slate 02/07/2007
Manhunter ushered in the age of empathy for the devil. Go to Full Review David Elliott Copley News Service 14h
Mann's approach is preening and full of nightmarish portents that never clarify the rushed, confusing plot. Go to Full Review Richard Freedman Newark Star-Ledger Dec 30
Its inherent action and suspense are practically buried beneath Mann's pretentious direction. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Dec 27
3.5/4
Innovatively shot by ace cinematographer Dante Spinotti, this contains at least two bravura sequences that still stand out. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Michel V 2d Great movie. In has the kind of Miami Vice style from in the 80's. When it started the name Brian Cox showed up, I was a fan of him in Succession, and he is great in this one too. I had seen Silence of the Lambs many many years ago and decided to watch the whole series over the weekend, and when it I saw BC his name I was afraid he could top Sir Antony Hopkins but he just did great, in fact this version was much better than the Red Dragon remake they did in 2002 with Sir Antony Hopkins. Just love the overall vibe of this movie, classic! See more Girish S @GirishShenoy Dec 29 A fine crime thriller made to perfection! All the characters nail their performance. A solid soundtrack and editing hits it out of the park. Cinematography and Direction was way ahead of the time and redefines greatness. 4.5 out 5 from me! See more Janos B Oct 2 Worked in forensic’s for over 2 decades. Material is very accurate, this is an excellent movie. See more Amber M Sep 3 Mann's visual aesthetic combined with the source material of Harris is a slick and tense package with its own unique boatload of frights. See more Paul W Aug 5 A standout thriller with the impressive trio of Cox, Petersen and Farina blowing away the overhyped Silence of the Lambs. See more William L Jul 25 Terrific film from start to finish. Breath taking with amazing visuals. Great storyline that keeps building up the suspense with an amazing soundtrack. Compelling characters with great acting from its stars, most notably William Petersen as Will Graham. A true gem and a Michael Mann masterpiece. See more Read all reviews
Manhunter

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Cast & Crew

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Michael Mann

Director

William Petersen

FBI Agent Will Graham (as William Petersen)

Kim Greist

Molly Graham

Dennis Farina

FBI Section Chief Jack Crawford

Joan Allen

Reba McClane

Brian Cox

Dr. Hannibal Lecktor

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Manhunter

Manhunter (1986) Manhunter (1986) Manhunter (1986) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis FBI criminal profiler Will Graham (William L. Petersen) is called out of early retirement to assist on a serial murder case involving a killer known as the "Tooth Fairy" (Tom Noonan). Graham enlists the help of imprisoned serial killer -- and cannibal -- Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Brian Cox), who is the reason Graham took an early retirement. Soon, Graham and the FBI are entangled in a deadly cat-and-mouse game between the Tooth Fairy, Lecter and an interfering journalist (Stephen Lang).
Director
Michael Mann
Producer
Dino De Laurentiis
Screenwriter
Michael Mann
Distributor
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co
Columbia, Sony Pictures Classics
Rating
R
Genre
Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 22, 1986, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$7.0M
Runtime
1h 59m
Sound Mix
Surround
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