American History X

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American History X

R

Released Oct 30, 1998

1h 58m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

89 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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Sara S

Some movies are considered a product of their time, but this is on another level. It's more like a product of the entire history of mankind. A history of war, of imperialism, and of superiority.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/07/25

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Mikey B

Norton and Balk give great performances. The movie is good but lacks that something to push it above to the excellent/great level

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

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Shaun R

One of the great films. I’m surprised there aren’t more films like this, but there should be.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/16/25

Full Review

Tommy B

American History X is one of the most emotionally intense and thought-provoking films ever made. It tackles difficult themes with honesty and depth, forcing viewers to confront the realities of hatred, redemption, and change. Edward Norton delivers a career-defining performance — raw, complex, and unforgettable. The film doesn’t shy away from showing darkness, but it also doesn’t leave you without hope. It’s a brutally honest story that manages to be both disturbing and deeply human, and it handles its subject matter with care, intelligence, and purpose. This is not an easy film to watch — but it’s an essential one. American History X is the kind of movie that stays with you long after it ends, challenging your perspective and leaving you changed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/21/25

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Sergio C

EXCELENTE pelicula y maravillosa actuacion de Norton

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/28/25

Full Review

Cameron L

Controversial? Undeniably, so. But the acting is engaging, raw, and truthful. The biggest issue I had there was a prison shower scene that was too much. The acting from Edward Norton was on fire in my opinion, and so was Edward Furlong

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/06/25

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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