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Poster for The Grifters

The Grifters

Seen it?

1990 | 110 min | Crime, Drama

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved The Man Who Wasn't There or The Usual Suspects, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Dark and gritty.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 50 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A small-time conman has his loyalties torn between his estranged mother and his new girlfriend, both of whom are high-stakes grifters with their own angles to play.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 86 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.5 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 2 Independent Spirit Awards: Independent Spirit Awards: Best Feature, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Female Lead. Also nominated for 4 Oscars, 1 Golden Globe and 1 BAFTA. Plus 6 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $13 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 121K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Stephen Frears

  • Anjelica HustonLilly Dillon
  • John CusackRoy Dillon
  • Annette BeningMyra Langtry
  • Jan MunroeGuy in bar
  • Robert WeemsRacetrack Announcer
  • Stephen TobolowskyJeweler
  • Jimmy NoonanBartender
  • Richard HoldenCop
  • Henry JonesSims
  • Michael LaskinIrv