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MTDb › Best of › 1999 › Instinct

Instinct poster

Instinct (1999)

“Nothing is more savage than civilization.”

6.5/10 · 682 votes 2h 4m r ThrillerDrama

#72 of 105 films from 1999 #1265 of 2475 in thriller

Directed by Jon Turteltaub · Written by Gerald Di Pego

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

In a prison for the criminally insane, deranged anthropologist Ethan Powell is set to be examined by a bright young psychiatrist, Theo Caulder. Driven by ambition and a hunger for the truth, Caulder will eventually risk everything—even put his very life on the line—in a harrowing attempt to understand the bizarre actions of this madman.

Cast

Anthony Hopkinsas Dr. Ethan Powell
Cuba Gooding Jr.as Dr. Theo Caulder
Donald Sutherlandas Ben Hillard
Maura Tierneyas Lynn Powell
George Dzundzaas Dr. John Murray
John Ashtonas Guard Dacks
John Aylwardas Warden Keefer
Doug Spinuzzaas Nicko
Thomas Q. Morrisas Pete
Vivienne Sendaydiegoas Catherine
Paul Batesas Bluto
Rex Linnas Gurad Alan
Rod McLachlanas Guard Anderson
Tracey Ellisas Annie

Facts

Release dateJune 4, 1999
Runtime124 min (2h 4m) — longer as the 1999 average of 110 min
GenresThriller, Drama
LanguageEN
Budget$80,000,000
Box office$34,105,207 (0.4× budget)
IMDbtt0128278

More from Jon Turteltaub

While You Were SleepingWhile You Were Sleeping1995 · ★ 7.0 · 1h 43m Cool RunningsCool Runnings1993 · ★ 7.0 · 1h 38m The KidThe Kid2000 · ★ 6.8 · 1h 44m National TreasureNational Treasure2004 · ★ 6.7 · 2h 11m PhenomenonPhenomenon1996 · ★ 6.5 · 2h 3m Last VegasLast Vegas2013 · ★ 6.4 · 1h 45m National Treasure: Book of SecretsNational Treasure: Book of Secrets2007 · ★ 6.4 · 2h 4m The MegThe Meg2018 · ★ 6.3 · 1h 53m

If you liked Instinct

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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 Instinct?
Instinct runs 124 minutes (2h 4m).
Is Instinct worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.5/10 across 682 votes, which places it #72 of 105 films released in 1999 in this index (top 32%) and #1265 among 2475 thriller titles.
Who directed Instinct?
Instinct was directed by Jon Turteltaub. Other well-rated titles by the same director: While You Were Sleeping (1995), Cool Runnings (1993), The Kid (2000).
Who stars in Instinct?
Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Ethan Powell; Cuba Gooding Jr. as Dr. Theo Caulder; Donald Sutherland as Ben Hillard; Maura Tierney as Lynn Powell; George Dzundza as Dr. John Murray; John Ashton as Guard Dacks.
What is Instinct rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Instinct?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/25668.

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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.