Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

R

Released May 22, 1998

1h 59m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

51%

Tomatometer

72 Reviews

89%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and his attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro) drive a red convertible across the Mojave desert to Las Vegas with a suitcase full of drugs to cover a motorcycle race. As their consumption of drugs increases at an alarming rate, the stoned duo trash their hotel room and fear legal repercussions. Duke begins to drive back to L.A., but after an odd run-in with a cop (Gary Busey), he returns to Sin City and continues his wild drug binge.

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Critics Consensus

Visually creative, but also aimless, repetitive, and devoid of character development.

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Duane Byrge

The Hollywood Reporter

The flaccid film is a goon-show version of Thompson's commentary on the craziness of the American Dream.

May 22, 2019

Full Review

Xan Brooks

Independent (UK)

The one stand-out is Johnny Depp, who brings Hunter S Thompson to bald-headed, pigeon-toed life.

Mar 29, 2019

Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

It's certainly distinctive, looking at times like Richard Lester put through a postmodernist blender.

May 2, 2012

Full Review

Scott Nye

Battleship Pretension

It’s a film for the young and those who think like them. That’s a great thing.

Jul 6, 2024

Full Review

Luke Y. Thompson

ComingSoon.net

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a cautionary tale, yet despite everyone’s best efforts, it also now feels like a nostalgic blast for those of us whose wild days are in the rearview.

Jun 17, 2024

Full Review

Christopher Kelly

Premiere Magazine

Depp and Del Toro deliver deliciously overstuffed ham-sandwich performances that more than compensate for the film's fractured narrative. But the real star here is director Gilliam.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 14, 2023

Full Review

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tucker s

A really really horrible film

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

10/01/25

Full Review

Matthew L

Hunter S. Thompson and Oscar Acosta are brought to life. Amazing film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/28/25

Full Review

thiago s

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

08/02/25

Full Review

Kyle C

There’s plenty of potential here, but only some of it lands. The film starts strong with absurd character work, razor-sharp dialogue, and Johnny Depp’s wildly entertaining physical comedy. The visual style is also impressively creative and immersive. But once the novelty wears off, you’re left wanting more. A stronger narrative or thematic backbone could have elevated it beyond a stylish descent into chaos. As it stands, it’s a trip worth taking—just don’t expect it to go anywhere.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/28/25

Full Review

Cal V

A beautiful cinematic showcase for Thompson at the peak of his writing skills.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/07/25

Full Review

Daniel Z

Brilliantly written and executed film that gets better with every rewatch

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/05/25

Full Review

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Terry Gilliam

Director

Johnny Depp

'Uncle' Raoul Duke

Benicio del Toro

Oscar Zeta Acosta ("Dr. Gonzo")

Craig Bierko

Lacerda

Ellen Barkin

Waitress at North Star Cafe

Gary Busey

Highway Patrolman

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Official Clip - The American Dream in Action

2:06

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Official Clip - Getting "The Fear"

3:02

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Official Clip - Devil Ether

1:44

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Official Clip - Too Much Adrenochrome

2:57

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Official Clip - The Lonely Highway Patrolman

2:59

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Official Clip - Dr. Bumquist's Drug Lecture

2:59

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Official Clip - White Rabbit

2:36

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Official Clip - The Hotel on Acid

3:39

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Official Clip - Somewhere Around Barstow

2:25

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: Official Clip - The High Water Mark

1:52

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Synopsis

Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and his attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro) drive a red convertible across the Mojave desert to Las Vegas with a suitcase full of drugs to cover a motorcycle race. As their consumption of drugs increases at an alarming rate, the stoned duo trash their hotel room and fear legal repercussions. Duke begins to drive back to L.A., but after an odd run-in with a cop (Gary Busey), he returns to Sin City and continues his wild drug binge.

Director: Terry Gilliam
Producer: Patrick Cassavetti, Laila Nabulsi, Stephen Nemeth
Screenwriter: Hunter S. Thompson, Terry Gilliam, Tony Grisoni, Tod Davies, Alex Cox
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Rhino Films
Rating: R (Pervasive Extreme Drug Use|Brief Nudity|Strong Language)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 22, 1998, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $10.6M
Runtime: 1h 59m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, SDDS, Surround, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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