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The Usual Suspects

Play trailer Poster for The Usual Suspects R 1995 1h 45m Mystery & Thriller Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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87% Tomatometer 83 Reviews 96% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist," says con man Kint (Kevin Spacey), drawing a comparison to the most enigmatic criminal of all time, Keyser Soze. Kint attempts to convince the feds that the mythic crime lord not only exists, but is also responsible for drawing Kint and his four partners into a multi-million dollar heist that ended with an explosion in San Pedro Harbor - leaving few survivors.
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The Usual Suspects

The Usual Suspects

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Critics Consensus

Expertly shot and edited, The Usual Suspects gives the audience a simple plot and then piles on layers of deceit, twists, and violence before pulling out the rug from underneath.

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Critics Reviews

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Manohla Dargis Spin Singer has an obvious grasp of craft, but it's far less clear whether he has anything to say about movies, violence, the world, or his place in the world. Dec 27, 2022 Full Review Doug Thomas Seattle Times An imaginative, entertaining crime mystery with plenty of nerve and vigor. Rated: 3.5/4 Jun 18, 2013 Full Review Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel If the pleasures of The Usual Suspects are the more superficial ones of ingenuity and style, those are abundantly available. The twists and turns of the plot are an awful lot of fun, while the ending is genuinely satisfying and surprising. Jun 18, 2013 Full Review Todd James Vue Weekly (Edmonton, Alberta) The end of this movie doesn't justify the means as director Bryan Singer takes his audience on a cat and mouse chase that never finds its way. Rated: 2/5 Mar 29, 2024 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...a perpetually engrossing endeavor that benefits from its myriad of above-average, inherently spellbinding attributes... Rated: 4/4 Jan 9, 2024 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy With one Internet to rule them all, it's hard for most folks to avoid cinematic spoilers of yore (whether it's the sled in Citizen Kane or the penis in The Crying Game), but even knowing the answer shouldn't spoil this film's myriad other pleasures. Rated: 3.5/4 Nov 7, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Silke B The only things missing are Edward Norton, Steve Buscemi & Harvey Keitel Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/28/25 Full Review Dave C A pretty solidly constructed and well executed elaborate tale of a myth... a villainous mastermind hiding in plain sight, executing long-planned revenge and retribution... mercilessly and with absolute relish Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/27/25 Full Review Jack F I didn't really like it because it was all confusing. But it did have a really good cast, and I struck with it. A classic as well. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/27/25 Full Review Andrea C Fun thriller but the supposedly incredible plot twist was very forseeable for a first time viewer. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/23/25 Full Review Rohan H The Usual Suspects (1995) remains one of the most clever and captivating crime thrillers ever made — a puzzle box of deception, loyalty, and manipulation that rewards every rewatch. Directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie, the film is a brilliant blend of sharp dialogue, atmospheric tension, and one of the most unforgettable endings in cinema history. The story unfolds through the eyes of Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey), a small-time conman recounting a tangled tale of crime and betrayal that begins when five criminals meet during a police lineup. What follows is a masterfully woven narrative of heists, double-crosses, and the enigmatic figure of Keyser Söze — a name that sends shivers through the criminal underworld. The ensemble cast — including Gabriel Byrne, Benicio Del Toro, Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Pollak, and Chazz Palminteri — delivers exceptional performances, each bringing a unique energy to the group dynamic. Spacey’s portrayal, in particular, is mesmerizing, full of nuance and subtlety that make the film’s final moments truly jaw-dropping. Visually, The Usual Suspects thrives on its moody cinematography and gritty atmosphere. The pacing is tight, the dialogue is razor-sharp, and the soundtrack enhances the tension without ever overwhelming it. Every detail feels deliberate — every line, every glance, every flashback — leading the audience deeper into a web of lies that culminates in one of the most iconic twists in movie history. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/31/25 Full Review Zac C I cannot believe that people actually don’t like this movie. I understand that the plot led you to think what is the point, but really, can we just ENJOY THAT BEAUTIFUL ENDING? Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/22/25 Full Review Read all reviews
The Usual Suspects

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Cast & Crew

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Bryan Singer

Director

Stephen Baldwin

Michael McManus

Gabriel Byrne

Dean Keaton

Chazz Palminteri

Dave Kujan

Kevin Pollak

Todd Hockney

Pete Postlethwaite

Kobayashi

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The Usual Suspects

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Movie Info

Synopsis "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist," says con man Kint (Kevin Spacey), drawing a comparison to the most enigmatic criminal of all time, Keyser Soze. Kint attempts to convince the feds that the mythic crime lord not only exists, but is also responsible for drawing Kint and his four partners into a multi-million dollar heist that ended with an explosion in San Pedro Harbor - leaving few survivors.
Director
Bryan Singer
Producer
Michael McDonnell
Screenwriter
Christopher McQuarrie
Distributor
Gramercy Pictures
Production Co
Bad Hat Harry
Rating
R (Violence|Strong Language)
Genre
Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 16, 1995, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 27, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$22.6M
Runtime
1h 45m
Sound Mix
Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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