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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1986 โ€บ Down by Law

Down by Law poster

Down by Law (1986)

โ€œIt's not where you start - It's where you start again.โ€

7.4/10 ยท 878 votes 1h 46m r ComedyDramaCrime

#15 of 63 films from 1986 #373 of 2885 in comedy

Directed by Jim Jarmusch ยท Written by Jim Jarmusch

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

A disc jockey, a pimp and an Italian tourist escape from jail in New Orleans.

Cast

Tom Waitsas Zack
John Lurieas Jack
Roberto Benignias Roberto
Nicoletta Braschias Nicoletta
Ellen Barkinas Laurette
Billie Nealas Bobbie
Rockets Redglareas Gig
Vernel Bagnerisas Preston
Timotheaas Julie
L.C. Draneas L.C.
Joy N. Houck Jr.as Detective Mandino
Carrie Lindsoeas Young Girl
Ralph Josephas Detective
Richard Boesas Detective

Facts

Release dateSeptember 20, 1986
Runtime106 min (1h 46m) โ€” about the same as the 1986 average of 102 min
GenresComedy, Drama, Crime
LanguageEN
Budget$1,100,000
Box office$1,529,206 (1.4ร— budget)
IMDbtt0090967

More from Jim Jarmusch

Night on EarthNight on Earth1991 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 2h 9m Ghost Dog: The Way of the SamuraiGhost Dog: The Way of the Samurai1999 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 1h 57m Dead ManDead Man1995 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 2h 2m Mystery TrainMystery Train1989 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 1h 46m Only Lovers Left AliveOnly Lovers Left Alive2013 ยท โ˜… 7.2 ยท 2h 3m Stranger Than ParadiseStranger Than Paradise1984 ยท โ˜… 7.2 ยท 1h 30m PatersonPaterson2016 ยท โ˜… 7.1 ยท 1h 58m Broken FlowersBroken Flowers2005 ยท โ˜… 6.9 ยท 1h 46m

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Questions

How long is Down by Law?
Down by Law runs 106 minutes (1h 46m).
Is Down by Law worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.4/10 across 878 votes, which places it #15 of 63 films released in 1986 in this index (top 78%) and #373 among 2885 comedy titles.
Who directed Down by Law?
Down by Law was directed by Jim Jarmusch. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Night on Earth (1991), Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999), Dead Man (1995).
Who stars in Down by Law?
Tom Waits as Zack; John Lurie as Jack; Roberto Benigni as Roberto; Nicoletta Braschi as Nicoletta; Ellen Barkin as Laurette; Billie Neal as Bobbie.
What is Down by Law rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Down by Law?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/21031.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.