Changing Lanes

Play trailer

Changing Lanes

R

2002

1h 38m

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

Action

Adventure

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

77%

Tomatometer

150 Reviews

53%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

A rush-hour fender-bender on New York City's crowded FDR Drive, under most circumstances, wouldn't set off a chain reaction that could decimate two people's lives. But on this day, at this time, a minor collision will turn two complete strangers into vicious adversaries. Their means of destroying each other might be different, but their goals, ultimately, will be the same: Each will systematically try to dismantle the other's life in a reckless effort to reclaim something he has lost.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Though some may find its conclusion unsatisfying, Changing Lanes is a tense, well-crafted exploration of meaty ethical dilemmas.

Read Critics Reviews

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/22/2010

4/5

Emotionally violent thriller for mature teens.

Go to Full Review

Robert Koehler

Variety

09/22/2008

Combines a knack for storytelling with a rare instinct for exploring ideas within the framework of a major, star-driven Hollywood movie.

Go to Full Review

Olly Richards

Empire Magazine

12/30/2006

4/5

One of the most impressive movies of the year; taut and compelling.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

04/02/2024

3/4

Changing Lanes admirably manages to largely steer clear of black and white simplicity by adorning itself in an appealing shade of gray.

Go to Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

02/03/2024

... an overlooked film that delves into anger management, revenge, and culpability.

Go to Full Review

Joe Leydon

The Moving Picture Show

09/24/2021

Time and again, "Changing Lanes" subversively upends expectations.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Connie R.

@concon0113 Feb 14

I was waiting for the next thing to happen! Good thriller.

See more

Patrick M

@Cannonwill Jan 27

This one is a thriller, a well played drama/thriller!! Keeps you in tune with the story, on the edge, and always guessing. An all star cast and great film work!! I recommend this film, even for a second watch! Who's right, whose wrong? Antagonists and protagonists are continously varied. Reall well done!!

See more

Daniel L

@Hotchopeppa Jan 22

Interesting thriller that just continues to escalate until it peaks. Was entertaining but wouldn't watch it again.

See more

jeffery v

@Fatso Jan 17

One of Sam Jackson's best performances. His anger is controlled below the surface until it erupts with a charged but controlled energy that makes the viewer feel his pain more than fear his wrath.

See more

Andrew M

@RT74562588 04/30/2025

Underaged but good to see Samuel Jackson in another role.

See more

Alejandro E

@Alex970 03/14/2025

Without much in the way of aspirations, this drama has characters fairly close to real life; it's almost an allegory for the level of stress anyone is exposed to on a bad day. For a weekend, to kill 96 painless minutes.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Roger Michell

Director

Ben Affleck

Gavin Banek

Samuel L. Jackson

Doyle Gibson

Toni Collette

Michelle

Sydney Pollack

Delano

William Hurt

Doyle's Sponsor

The Manchurian Candidate

79%

63%

The Manchurian Candidate

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Manchurian Candidate

Twilight

61%

32%

Twilight

Watchlist

Fatal Attraction

74%

72%

Fatal Attraction

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Fatal Attraction

The General's Daughter

22%

46%

The General's Daughter

Watchlist

Shutter Island

69%

77%

Shutter Island

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Shutter Island

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

A rush-hour fender-bender on New York City's crowded FDR Drive, under most circumstances, wouldn't set off a chain reaction that could decimate two people's lives. But on this day, at this time, a minor collision will turn two complete strangers into vicious adversaries. Their means of destroying each other might be different, but their goals, ultimately, will be the same: Each will systematically try to dismantle the other's life in a reckless effort to reclaim something he has lost.

Director: Roger Michell
Producer: Scott Rudin
Screenwriter: Chap Taylor, Michael Tolkin
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Rating: R (Language)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama, Action, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 12, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $66.8M
Runtime: 1h 38m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)