Down by Law
Seen it?1986 | 106 min | Crime, Drama, Comedy
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (88% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Carlito's Way or Bad Boys, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 46 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
A disc jockey, a pimp and an Italian tourist escape from jail in New Orleans.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
1 win and 0 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$2 million worldwide on a $1 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 94K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Carlito's Way
Saturday SpecialAnother prison crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
Animal Factory Sunday Safe BetAnother prison crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Money Talks
Monday Morning MaybeAnother prison crime comedy. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
Bad Boys Saturday SpecialAnother prison crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
High Sierra Sunday Safe BetAnother prison crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Jim Jarmusch
- Tom WaitsZack
- John LurieJack
- Roberto BenigniRoberto
- Nicoletta BraschiNicoletta
- Ellen BarkinLaurette
- Billie NealBobbie
- Rockets RedglareGig
- Vernel BagnerisPreston
- TimotheaJulie
- L.C. DraneL.C.