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MTDb › Best of › 1931 › M

M poster

M (1931)

“Who is the murderer?”

8.1/10 · 2,547 votes 1h 50m pg-13 ThrillerDramaCrime

#2 of 4 films from 1931 #36 of 2475 in thriller

Directed by Fritz Lang · Written by Fritz Lang, Thea von Harbou, Egon Jacobson

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

In this classic German thriller, Hans Beckert, a serial killer who preys on children, becomes the focus of a massive Berlin police manhunt. Beckert's heinous crimes are so repellant and disruptive to city life that he is even targeted by others in the seedy underworld network. With both cops and criminals in pursuit, the murderer soon realizes that people are on his trail, sending him into a tense, panicked attempt to escape justice.

Cast

Peter Lorreas Hans Beckert
Ellen Widmannas Frau Beckmann
Inge Landgutas Elsie Beckmann
Otto Wernickeas Inspector Karl Lohmann
Theodor Loosas Inspector Groeber
Gustaf Gründgensas Schränker
Friedrich Gnaßas Franz
Fritz Odemaras The Cheater
Paul Kempas Pickpocket with Six Watches
Theo Lingenas Bauernfänger
Rudolf Blümneras Becker's 'Attorney'
Georg Johnas Blind Panhandler
Franz Steinas Minister
Ernst Stahl-Nachbauras Police Chief

Facts

Release dateMay 11, 1931
Runtime110 min (1h 50m) — longer as the 1931 average of 85 min
GenresThriller, Drama, Crime
Original titleM - Eine Stadt sucht einen Mörder
LanguageDE
Box office$35,274
IMDbtt0022100

More from Fritz Lang

MetropolisMetropolis1927 · ★ 8.1 · 2h 28m The Big HeatThe Big Heat1953 · ★ 7.7 · 1h 29m

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ScarfaceScarface1932 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 33m Modern TimesModern Times1936 · ★ 8.3 · 1h 27m City LightsCity Lights1931 · ★ 8.2 · 1h 27m MetropolisMetropolis1927 · ★ 8.1 · 2h 28m The Passion of Joan of ArcThe Passion of Joan of Arc1928 · ★ 8.0 · 1h 21m The Gold RushThe Gold Rush1925 · ★ 8.0 · 1h 35m Gone with the WindGone with the Wind1939 · ★ 7.9 · 3h 58m Grand IllusionGrand Illusion1937 · ★ 7.9 · 1h 54m

Questions

How long is M?
M runs 110 minutes (1h 50m).
Is M worth watching?
TMDB users give it 8.1/10 across 2,547 votes, which places it #2 of 4 films released in 1931 in this index (top 75%) and #36 among 2475 thriller titles.
Who directed M?
M was directed by Fritz Lang. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Metropolis (1927), The Big Heat (1953).
Who stars in M?
Peter Lorre as Hans Beckert; Ellen Widmann as Frau Beckmann; Inge Landgut as Elsie Beckmann; Otto Wernicke as Inspector Karl Lohmann; Theodor Loos as Inspector Groeber; Gustaf Gründgens as Schränker.
What is M rated?
It carries a pg-13 certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for M?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/2988.

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Best of 1931Best thrillerThriller of the 1930sBest dramaDrama of the 1930sBest crimeCrime of the 1930sAll lists
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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.