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The Insider poster

The Insider (1999)

“Two men driven to tell the truth … whatever the cost.”

7.5/10 · 2,160 votes 2h 38m r ThrillerDrama

#14 of 105 films from 1999 #201 of 2475 in thriller

Directed by Michael Mann · Written by Michael Mann, Eric Roth

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

A research chemist comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear in a 60 Minutes exposé on Big Tobacco.

Cast

Al Pacinoas Lowell Bergman
Russell Croweas Jeffrey Wigand
Christopher Plummeras Mike Wallace
Diane Venoraas Liane Wigand
Philip Baker Hallas Don Hewitt
Lindsay Crouseas Sharon Tiller
Debi Mazaras Debbie De Luca
Stephen Tobolowskyas Eric Kluster
Colm Feoreas Richard Scruggs
Bruce McGillas Ron Motley
Gina Gershonas Helen Caperelli
Michael Gambonas Thomas Sandefur
Rip Tornas John Scanlon
Lynne Thigpenas Mrs. Williams

Facts

Release dateOctober 28, 1999
Runtime158 min (2h 38m) — longer as the 1999 average of 110 min
GenresThriller, Drama
LanguageEN
Budget$90,000,000
Box office$60,300,000 (0.7× budget)
IMDbtt0140352

More from Michael Mann

HeatHeat1995 · ★ 7.9 · 2h 50m The Last of the MohicansThe Last of the Mohicans1992 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 52m ThiefThief1981 · ★ 7.2 · 2h 3m CollateralCollateral2004 · ★ 7.2 · 2h 0m ManhunterManhunter1986 · ★ 7.0 · 2h 0m AliAli2001 · ★ 6.7 · 2h 37m Public EnemiesPublic Enemies2009 · ★ 6.7 · 2h 20m FerrariFerrari2023 · ★ 6.4 · 2h 11m

If you liked The Insider

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

Pulp FictionPulp Fiction1994 · ★ 8.5 · 2h 34m Fight ClubFight Club1999 · ★ 8.4 · 2h 19m The Silence of the LambsThe Silence of the Lambs1991 · ★ 8.3 · 1h 59m The DepartedThe Departed2006 · ★ 8.2 · 2h 31m The Usual SuspectsThe Usual Suspects1995 · ★ 8.2 · 1h 46m Bound by HonorBound by Honor1993 · ★ 8.2 · 3h 10m OldboyOldboy2003 · ★ 8.2 · 2h 0m Memories of MurderMemories of Murder2003 · ★ 8.1 · 2h 11m

Questions

How long is The Insider?
The Insider runs 158 minutes (2h 38m), which is long for a thriller — plan for it.
Is The Insider worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.5/10 across 2,160 votes, which places it #14 of 105 films released in 1999 in this index (top 88%) and #201 among 2475 thriller titles.
Who directed The Insider?
The Insider was directed by Michael Mann. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Heat (1995), The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Thief (1981).
Who stars in The Insider?
Al Pacino as Lowell Bergman; Russell Crowe as Jeffrey Wigand; Christopher Plummer as Mike Wallace; Diane Venora as Liane Wigand; Philip Baker Hall as Don Hewitt; Lindsay Crouse as Sharon Tiller.
What is The Insider rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Insider?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/2491.

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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.