American History X

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American History X

R

1998

1h 58m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

88 Reviews

96%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Living a life marked by violence and racism, neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) finally goes to prison after killing two black youths who tried to steal his car. Upon his release, Derek vows to change his ways; he hopes to prevent his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps. As he struggles with his own deeply ingrained prejudices and watches their mother grow sicker, Derek wonders if his family can overcome a lifetime of hate.

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Critics Consensus

American History X doesn't contend with its subject matter as fully as it could, but Edward Norton's performance gives this hard-hitting drama crucial weight.

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David Edelstein

Slate

Norton is an amazing actor, a hot-dog whose delight in transformation is infectious.

Aug 19, 2011

Full Review

Geoff Andrew

Time Out

Two things hold the interest: Norton's astounding performance, and a feeling for the male reality of reactionary working class environments.

Jun 24, 2006

Full Review

Manohla Dargis

L.A. Weekly

The problem is that Kaye, who's used to selling cars on TV, shoots Derek the Hater as lovingly as he would a new Volkswagen.

Oct 7, 2002

Full Review

Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

Making social statements is important, but so is quality writing. The film lacks too much in one area to be brilliant, but is successful enough in other areas that it is easily a good movie.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 5, 2023

Full Review

Joseph Robinson

Fish Jelly Films (YouTube)

Equal parts disturbing and honest, American History X is a sobering look at the power of role models.

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 19, 2023

Full Review

Akos Peterbencze

Frame Rated (Medium)

The first half of the film works best because it uses rigorous violence and hate-speech to build and showcase the neo-Nazi group’s philosophy. The protagonist’s transformation in the second half is not as profound.

Jul 26, 2023

Full Review

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Qinq D

If didactic and overwrought at times, it's also powerful and persuasive

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/29/25

Full Review

Jack F

I need to watch it again, but from what I remember, it was brutal and heavy. An important movie to see.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/27/25

Full Review

Audience Member

If I could give this film more stars, I would. American History X masterfully presents real-world social issues through compelling fictional characters and an unflinching narrative. The performances are extraordinary, with each actor bringing depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance to their roles. The writing is powerful, the direction is exceptional, and the film’s message is both timeless and deeply impactful. It’s the kind of movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. I only wish I could experience it again for the first time. An unequivocal five stars.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/23/25

Full Review

Gregory S

This whole film just hurts. A masterpiece

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/18/25

Full Review

Estefania O

American History X is brutal, furious, and painfully relevant — a film that stares straight into hate and refuses to blink.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/11/25

Full Review

Slick R

Such a good movie. Edward Norton should have won an Oscar for this movie, if he didn't, I can't remember.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/12/25

Full Review

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Tony Kaye

Director

Edward Norton

Derek Vinyard

Edward Furlong

Daniel "Danny" Vinyard

Fairuza Balk

Stacey

Beverly D'Angelo

Doris Vinyard

Avery Brooks

Bob Sweeney

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Synopsis

Living a life marked by violence and racism, neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) finally goes to prison after killing two black youths who tried to steal his car. Upon his release, Derek vows to change his ways; he hopes to prevent his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps. As he struggles with his own deeply ingrained prejudices and watches their mother grow sicker, Derek wonders if his family can overcome a lifetime of hate.

Director: Tony Kaye
Producer: John Morrissey
Screenwriter: David McKenna
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: New Line Cinema, Turman-Morrissey Company
Rating: R (Nudity|Graphic Brutal Violence|Rape|Strong Sexuality)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 30, 1998, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $6.7M
Runtime: 1h 58m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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