The Sum of All Fears

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The Sum of All Fears

PG-13

Released May 31, 2002

1h 58m

Mystery & Thriller

Action

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Popcornmeter

59%

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177 Reviews

49%

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50,000+ Ratings

Based on Tom Clancy's novel, this espionage thriller tracks a sinister plot to draw the United States and Russia into World War III. When the Russian president (Ciarán Hinds) suddenly dies, world tension escalates. Coupled with missing nuclear scientists and the threat of a nuclear detonation on United States soil, young CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Ben Affleck) must uncover who is behind the conspiracy.

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Critics Consensus

A slick and well-made thriller that takes on new weight due to the current political climate.

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Stanley Kauffmann

The New Republic

In this Bush-Ashcroft age, we do not especially need more strictures on civil liberties, but after this despicable film perhaps the great minds of Movieland could be persuaded to agree on a ground rule: films about nuclear terror must not be risible.

Jan 5, 2018

Full Review

Laura Bushell

BBC.com

Deals with a chillingly topical nuclear attack on Baltimore. But perhaps more disturbingly, it rehashes it into a Ben Affleck action romance.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 5, 2002

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Michael Wilmington

Chicago Tribune

An implausible apocalypse without depth or resonance, a cartoon of international politics presented with no James Bond-like playfulness and with all the superficial realism money can buy.

Rated: 2/4

Jul 20, 2002

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Jason Caro

Radio Times

The intelligent twists and taut pacing ensure entertaining, albeit occasionally uncomfortable, viewing.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 9, 2024

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

If released in a calmer world, the movie would be received and understood, if not necessarily enjoyed, as yet another piece of militaristic pulp from the factory of Tom Clancy, in which only one ingenious American can avert catastrophe.

Rated: C-

Sep 17, 2022

Full Review

Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

Effective Hollywood thriller in which Ben Affleck replaces Harrison Ford as airport novel author Tom Clancy's favourite creation, CIA super-snoop Jack Ryan.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 9, 2020

Full Review

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John W

A rather uninteresting film that is quickly forgotten. The production is also uninspiring and fails to impress. It is not entirely bad, with a well-known cast and other elements that are okay, but nothing more. It is also not a film that is enjoyable to watch, with too many long boring dialogues.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

08/21/25

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D P

Didn't know this was a Jack Ryan story. Another movie I only learned about because social media was talking about it. Eh... true to its genre. It's okay. Just okay.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

08/12/25

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Raymond C

A slow first half that is I think is held afloat by a strong second half featuring a thrilling nuclear bomb detonation scene. Unfortunately, I think Ben Affleck gives the weakest performance as Jack Ryan. He never really gives us anything new to the character and is by far the most forgettable addition. I still enjoy this film but it's definitely one of the weaker entries.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/07/25

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

07/17/25

Full Review

Snek B

I find it quite dumb that a nuclear response from America did not happen quicker, nonetheless, 5/5 stars

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/11/25

Full Review

Ryan M

With just the right amount of action, this stylish spy thriller kept me entertained throughout, although it is a bit silly having Ryan being the only smart person around.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/25/25

Full Review

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Phil Alden Robinson

Director

Ben Affleck

Jack Ryan

Morgan Freeman

William Cabot

James Cromwell

President Fowler

Liev Schreiber

John Clark

Bridget Moynahan

Dr. Kathy Muller

The Sum of All Fears: Official Clip - The Bomb is in Play

2:03

The Sum of All Fears: Official Clip - This Virus Is Airborne

1:31

The Sum of All Fears: Official Clip - Terrorist Attack

0:57

The Sum of All Fears: Official Clip - Back Down

1:59

The Sum of All Fears: Official Clip - Keep The Back Channels Open

1:57

The Sum of All Fears: Official Clip - I Can't Tell You That

1:31

The Sum of All Fears: Official Clip - I Don't Think He Did It

2:12

The Sum of All Fears: Official Clip - I Like Him

2:11

The Sum of All Fears: Official Clip - Everyone Has Opinions

1:48

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Synopsis

Based on Tom Clancy's novel, this espionage thriller tracks a sinister plot to draw the United States and Russia into World War III. When the Russian president (Ciarán Hinds) suddenly dies, world tension escalates. Coupled with missing nuclear scientists and the threat of a nuclear detonation on United States soil, young CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Ben Affleck) must uncover who is behind the conspiracy.

Director: Phil Alden Robinson
Producer: Mace Neufeld
Screenwriter: Paul Attanasio, Daniel Pyne, Tom Clancy
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Mace Neufeld Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Disaster Images|Brief Strong Language|Violence)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 31, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 21, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $118.5M
Runtime: 1h 58m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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