Sling Blade

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Sling Blade

R

Released Aug 30, 1996

2h 16m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

58 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Mentally disabled Karl Childers (Billy Bob Thornton) is released from the mental hospital where he has spent most of his life after murdering his mother and her lover. He soon forms a bond with Frank (Lucas Black), a boy whose father committed suicide. When Frank's mother, Linda (Natalie Canerday), lets Karl stay at their house, her cruel boyfriend, Doyle (Dwight Yoakam), tries to get Karl removed. Determined to protect his friend, Karl devises a way to save Frank from years of Doyle's abuse.

Critics Consensus

You will see what's coming, but the masterful performances, especially Thornton's, will leave you riveted.

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Rita Kempley

Washington Post

A masterpiece of Southern storytelling.

Rated: 5/5

May 8, 2002

Full Review

Janet Maslin

New York Times

An abundance of long, flat medium shots that rob the film of intimacy and give it a sleepy pace.

Rated: 2.5/5

May 8, 2002

Full Review

Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

A mesmerizing parable of good and evil and a splendid example of Southern storytelling at its most poetic and imaginative.

Rated: 5/5

Feb 14, 2001

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

"Sling Blade" has a dull side, but it also has an edge sharp enough to draw blood.

Rated: B-

Sep 1, 2022

Full Review

Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

With one feature film, an underutilized character actor emerged from relative obscurity to become one of the hottest properties in Hollywood. Although his career has had ups and downs since, its clear that a strong voice in cinema arrived...

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 12, 2022

Full Review

Matthew Rozsa

matthewrozsa.com

It is a full blooded story, rich in the best and worst of elements of the human condition, and one of the most satisfying cinematic experiences I've ever had.

Rated: 4/4

Sep 27, 2020

Full Review

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Audience Member

Such a wonderful movie. Billy Bob Thornton's performance is legendary. A must see

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/26/25

Full Review

CaptainBoulder T

An phenomenal movie with phenomenal acting, I love seeing the trust build up and the relationship grow strong

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/17/25

Full Review

Kyle G

So many wholesome moments, dark moments, coming of age moments. Standout performance for me, surprisingly, was Dwight Yoakam's amazing portrayal of Doyle, the psychopath boyfriend.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

06/20/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Success in 2 hours and 16 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starring the late John Ritter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $24,500,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/26/25

Full Review

MG_Claymore C

A beautiful film. You see where it's going but it connected with me. Very emotional at times. Must see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/04/25

Full Review

Gerald F

A masterpiece, novelty, passion, and compelling. It's humanity draws you in and challenges you to think as the story unfolds. Billy Bob Thornton does a memorable job in bringing his creativity to life, a wonderful story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/29/24

Full Review

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Billy Bob Thornton

Director

Billy Bob Thornton

Karl Childers

Dwight Yoakam

Doyle Hargraves

J.T. Walsh

Charles Bushman

John Ritter

Vaughan Cunningham

Lucas Black

Frank Wheatley

Sling Blade: Official Clip - We All Gotta Get Along

2:13

Sling Blade: Official Clip - Doyle Loses It

2:12

Sling Blade: Official Clip - Band Poetry

2:10

Sling Blade: Official Clip - We're Different

2:04

Sling Blade: Official Clip - Welcome to Our Humble Home

2:13

Sling Blade: Official Clip - Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade

2:11

Sling Blade: Official Clip - You Just a Boy

2:01

Sling Blade: Official Clip - I Aim to Kill You

2:13

Sling Blade: Official Clip - French Fried Potaters

1:26

Sling Blade: Official Clip - You Will Be Happy

2:05

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Synopsis

Mentally disabled Karl Childers (Billy Bob Thornton) is released from the mental hospital where he has spent most of his life after murdering his mother and her lover. He soon forms a bond with Frank (Lucas Black), a boy whose father committed suicide. When Frank's mother, Linda (Natalie Canerday), lets Karl stay at their house, her cruel boyfriend, Doyle (Dwight Yoakam), tries to get Karl removed. Determined to protect his friend, Karl devises a way to save Frank from years of Doyle's abuse.

Director: Billy Bob Thornton
Producer: David Bushell, Brandon Rosser
Screenwriter: Billy Bob Thornton
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: Miramax
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 30, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 20, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $24.5M
Runtime: 2h 16m
Sound Mix: Surround