Cruel Intentions

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2:19

Cruel Intentions

R

Released Mar 5, 1999

1h 37m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

54%

Tomatometer

119 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Annette (Reese Witherspoon) unwittingly becomes a pawn in Sebastian's (Ryan Phillippe) and Kathryn's (Sarah Michelle Gellar) deliciously diabolical wager of sexual conquest when she writes an article in Seventeen Magazine about how she intends to stay pure until she marries her boyfriend. However, Sebastian gets more than he bargained for as he attempts to woo Annette into his bed.

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Critics Consensus

This darkly comic drama and its attractive young cast are easy on the eyes, but uneven performances and an uninspired script conspire to foil Cruel Intentions.

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Kristy Puchko

Pajiba

20 years later, you can see the charm that made Witherspoon a star, appreciate Blair's comedic splendor, and recognize that Phillippe was handsome and is also in this movie.

Mar 27, 2019

Full Review

Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

Cruel Intentions is a stretch for all concerned, including the targeted audience, one that pays off handsomely--and works for older moviegoers as well.

Mar 21, 2019

Full Review

Andrew Sarris

Observer

At this infantile level of appraisal, I suspect that Ms. Gellar and Mr. Phillippe may have a harder time next summer than last.

Mar 21, 2019

Full Review

Simon Gallagher

Screen Rant

A steamy, provocative teen drama with improbably high stakes that you really shouldn't watch with your parents. Or your kids. Or your step brother.

Rated: 8/10

Nov 19, 2024

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Rings false and cynical.

Rated: C+

Jul 21, 2024

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Though it’s utterly devoid of upright morals and wholesome characters, there’s something amusing about how dastardly and conniving the two leads can be.

Rated: 5/10

Aug 8, 2023

Full Review

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Alain E

A brilliant sarcastic take on sex relations. It carefully avoids any moralizing or a happy ending. It ends much better for the female characters.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/14/25

Full Review

micah c

The last 30 minutes of this movie saved it in my opinion. I think Ryan and Reese’s chemistry was undeniable and really shined through. The movie itself I can see why it is a cult classic but I felt bored at the first half of the movie and was confused on where it was gonna go. I think the acting was good all things considered but it definitely was not my favorite movie but maybe a rewatch could change my mind.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/10/25

Full Review

RAYMOND O

This movie is such a classic. And so awesome I think I've rewatched it at least 5 times. Of course the critics and audience scores are completely different. And the people with bad reviews on it have the weirdest takes. One guy asked who writes letters too each other. Well ya see jr. back in time before text messages and cell phones, we'd write letters to our lovers because we were thinking of them and wanted to tell them so. Yes love letters were a thing in the time this movie takes place. Smh kids.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/10/25

Full Review

Drew B

Funny, dark, sexy... Prime Ryan Phillippe

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/09/25

Full Review

I'm A D

Great movie, I absolutely enjoyed it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/09/24

Full Review

Audience Member

So dark I couldn't help but laugh

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

12/08/24

Full Review

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Roger Kumble

Director

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Kathryn Merteuil

Ryan Phillippe

Sebastian Valmont

Reese Witherspoon

Annette Hargrove

Selma Blair

Cecile Caldwell

Louise Fletcher

Helen Rosemond

Cruel intentions: Official Clip - The Black Man is Gone

1:36

Cruel Intentions: Official Clip - Practice Makes Perfect

2:06

Cruel Intentions: Official Clip - It's Not You, It's Me

2:13

Cruel Intentions: Official Clip - Funny Faces

1:47

Cruel Intentions: Official Clip - Kathryn's Triumph

2:02

Cruel Intentions: Official Clip - The Bet

2:12

Cruel Intentions: Official Clip - Sebastians' Journal

2:12

Cruel Intentions: Official Clip - Getting to First Base

2:10

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Cruel Intentions: Re-Release Trailer

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Synopsis

Annette (Reese Witherspoon) unwittingly becomes a pawn in Sebastian's (Ryan Phillippe) and Kathryn's (Sarah Michelle Gellar) deliciously diabolical wager of sexual conquest when she writes an article in Seventeen Magazine about how she intends to stay pure until she marries her boyfriend. However, Sebastian gets more than he bargained for as he attempts to woo Annette into his bed.

Director: Roger Kumble
Producer: Neal H. Moritz
Screenwriter: Roger Kumble
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Columbia Pictures, Newmarket Capital Group
Rating: R (Language|Drug Use|Sexual Situations|Strong Sexual Dialogue)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 5, 1999, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Mar 22, 2019
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 28, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $38.6M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby A, SDDS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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