Add your email and we'll match picks to the services you stream at home.

Poster for Band of Outsiders

Band of Outsiders

Seen it?

1964 | 97 min | Crime, Drama, Comedy

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. 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 Nightmare Alley, 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 37 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1964: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Cinephile slackers Franz and Arthur spend their days mimicking the antiheroes of Hollywood noirs and Westerns while pursuing the lovely Odile. The misfit trio upends convention at every turn, be it through choreographed dances in cafés or frolicsome romps through the Louvre. Eventually, their romantic view of outlaws pushes them to plan their own heist, but their inexperience may send them out in a blaze of glory -- which could be just what they want.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 93 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.5 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $183K worldwide on a $120K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 57K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

More like this

Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks

Cast & crew

Directed by Jean-Luc Godard

  • Anna KarinaOdile
  • Claude BrasseurArthur
  • Sami FreyFranz
  • Danièle GirardEnglish Teacher
  • Louisa ColpeynMadame Victoria
  • Chantal DargetArthur's Aunt
  • Georges StaquetLegionary
  • Ernest MenzerArthur's Uncle
  • Jean-Claude RémoleuxThe Alcoholic Student
  • Michel DelahayeThe Doorman