Conspiracy Theory

Play trailer

Conspiracy Theory

R

Released Aug 8, 1997

2h 9m

Mystery & Thriller

Action

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

57%

Tomatometer

44 Reviews

64%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

New York City cabbie Jerry Fletcher (Mel Gibson) is an expert on paranoid conspiracy theories. He is also infatuated with government lawyer Alice Sutton (Julia Roberts), who permits his attention because he once rescued her from a mugging. However, when Jerry is captured and put through psychotic tests by Dr. Jonas (Patrick Stewart), he realizes there is an actual conspiracy. After escaping, Jerry enlists Alice's help, but she wonders whether he has uncovered a real threat or is just insane.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Carol Buckland

CNN.com

Conspiracy Theory is the smartest thriller of the summer.

Jan 5, 2018

Full Review

Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: B-

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Jeff Strickler

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Donner directs with an efficient hand. He keeps the action moving briskly. But most important for this format, he knows how to slip in a quick joke or two without detracting from the tension of the suspenseful plot.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 6, 2002

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Drollness tinges the panic and irreverence that go hand in hand with Mel Gibson; he plays crazy incredibly well.

Rated: 8/10

Sep 11, 2020

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a marginally engrossing thriller that ultimately comes off as something of a disappointment...

Rated: 2.5/4

Oct 23, 2009

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Two-thirds of a fine comedy of paranoia.

Rated: B

Jul 30, 2007

Full Review

Read all reviews

Michael H

Fabulous film. Just enjoyable from start to finish. No let up whatsoever. Gibson is phenomenal in this one. Whoever mentioned that it is too long, is 100% INCORRECT.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/10/25

Full Review

Eye C

This one is a good movie, BUT is too long for the story, if they take away a half hour this could be a more enjoyable film.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/26/25

Full Review

Chris W

One of this 66 year olds favorite movies. Excellent ensemble cast with a great story. Great action with true emotion. 5/5. Watch “Edge of Darkness.”Just as good, if not even better.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/10/25

Full Review

Jerod S

Gibson is either brilliant or a psycho - and Roberts is a lawyer trying to decide whether to believe him or not. 90s thriller fodder.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

06/10/25

Full Review

Levon H

An underrated gem of a film

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/26/25

Full Review

Audience Member

1 of the Greatest movie I’ve ever watched. Deserves 97% on the Popcornmeter

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/13/25

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Richard Donner

Director

Mel Gibson

Jerry Fletcher

Julia Roberts

Alice Sutton

Patrick Stewart

Dr. Jonas

Cylk Cozart

Agent Lowry

Steve Kahan

Mr. Wilson

Lethal Weapon

81%

86%

Lethal Weapon

Watchlist

Lethal Weapon 3

60%

61%

Lethal Weapon 3

Watchlist

Executive Decision

62%

53%

Executive Decision

Watchlist

Fair Game

15%

14%

Fair Game

Watchlist

Payback

56%

69%

Payback

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Payback

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

The 5 Biggest Developments from This Week’s TV Upfronts

10 Movies and TV Shows to Watch if You Love Empire

"Unleashed" Director to Helm "The Incredible Hulk"

View more photos

Synopsis

New York City cabbie Jerry Fletcher (Mel Gibson) is an expert on paranoid conspiracy theories. He is also infatuated with government lawyer Alice Sutton (Julia Roberts), who permits his attention because he once rescued her from a mugging. However, when Jerry is captured and put through psychotic tests by Dr. Jonas (Patrick Stewart), he realizes there is an actual conspiracy. After escaping, Jerry enlists Alice's help, but she wonders whether he has uncovered a real threat or is just insane.

Director: Richard Donner
Producer: Joel Silver, Richard Donner
Screenwriter: Brian Helgeland
Distributor: Warner Home Vídeo, Warner Bros.
Production Co: Silver Pictures, Donner/Schuler-Donner, Warner Brothers
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 8, 1997, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $76.1M
Runtime: 2h 9m
Sound Mix: SDDS, DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: 35mm, Scope (2.35:1)

Most Popular at Home Now