Payback

Play trailer

2:20

Payback

R

Released Feb 5, 1999

1h 41m

Action

Mystery & Thriller

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

56%

Tomatometer

78 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Porter (Mel Gibson) is a thief betrayed by both his wife, Lynn (Deborah Kara Unger), and his partner, Val (Gregg Henry), when he is shot in the back after a heist. Slowly, Porter recovers from his wounds and begins a search for Val, intent on recovering his share of the money they stole together. With the aid of prostitute Rosie (Maria Bello), Porter captures Val but still cannot find his cash. For this, Porter will have to challenge an imposing crime syndicate called the Outfit.

Watch on Peacock

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Sadistic violence and rote humor saddle a predictable action premise.

Read Critics Reviews

AV Club

Rated: B-

Apr 27, 2012

Full Review

Linda Barnard

Toronto Star

Rated: 2.5/4

Mar 16, 2012

Full Review

Rick Groen

Globe and Mail

Rated: 3/4

Mar 16, 2012

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a somewhat erratic yet predominantly engrossing endeavor...

Rated: 3.5/4

Mar 13, 2024

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Aside from Gibson, "Payback" is a wonderfully wretched hive of scum and villainy.

Rated: B

Sep 2, 2022

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Unrelentingly paints a picture of murder, mayhem, and retribution that is both bold and entertaining.

Rated: 8/10

Sep 24, 2020

Full Review

Read all reviews

Brad M

It's worth watching. Not spectacular, but fun. I like the early 90"s vibe.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/07/24

Full Review

Mark B

Typical 90s action. Not the best Mel Gibson vehicle but it is entertaining and worth a watch.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/24/24

Full Review

Jerod S

Mel wants his cut of the money and he isn't gonna let a couple of bullets slow him down. It's 90s fodder - nothing special.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/22/24

Full Review

Uynga U

the role really suits him

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/25/24

Full Review

Bahad j

This idea of the film shooting technique director made the film more attractive to people.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/24/24

Full Review

Brant C

Payback, has some of the best characters, an original storyline, and memorable scenes that you'll be recalling for years after watching it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/13/24

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Brian Helgeland

Director

Mel Gibson

Porter

Gregg Henry

Val Resnick

Maria Bello

Rosie

Deborah Kara Unger

Mrs. Lynn Porter

David Paymer

Arthur Stegman

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

Conspiracy Theory

57%

64%

Conspiracy Theory

Watchlist

Enemy of the State

71%

78%

Enemy of the State

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Enemy of the State

The Jackal

24%

51%

The Jackal

Watchlist

The Assignment

62%

62%

The Assignment

Watchlist

Cradle 2 the Grave

27%

52%

Cradle 2 the Grave

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Payback: Trailer 1

2:20

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

Porter (Mel Gibson) is a thief betrayed by both his wife, Lynn (Deborah Kara Unger), and his partner, Val (Gregg Henry), when he is shot in the back after a heist. Slowly, Porter recovers from his wounds and begins a search for Val, intent on recovering his share of the money they stole together. With the aid of prostitute Rosie (Maria Bello), Porter captures Val but still cannot find his cash. For this, Porter will have to challenge an imposing crime syndicate called the Outfit.

Director: Brian Helgeland
Producer: Bruce Davey
Screenwriter: Donald E. Westlake, Brian Helgeland, Terry Hayes
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Icon Entertainment International
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 5, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $81.5M
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround

Most Popular at Home Now