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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1996 โ€บ Primal Fear

Primal Fear poster

Primal Fear (1996)

โ€œSooner or later, a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real.โ€

7.7/10 ยท 4,188 votes 2h 10m r ThrillerDramaCrimeMystery

#3 of 95 films from 1996 #132 of 2475 in thriller

Directed by Gregory Hoblit ยท Written by Steve Shagan, Ann Biderman, William Diehl

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Defense attorney Martin Vail takes on jobs for money and prestige rather than any sense of the greater good. His latest case involves an altar boy, accused of brutally murdering the archbishop of Chicago. Vail finds himself up against his ex-pupil and ex-lover, but as the case progresses and the Church's dark secrets are revealed, Vail finds that what appeared a simple case takes on a darker, more dangerous aspect.

Cast

Richard Gereas Martin Vail
Laura Linneyas Janet Venable
Edward Nortonas Aaron / Roy Stampler
John Mahoneyas Shaughnessy
Alfre Woodardas Shoat
Frances McDormandas Molly
Terry O'Quinnas Yancy
Andre Braugheras Goodman
Steven Baueras Pinero
Joe Spanoas Stenner
Tony Planaas Martinez
Stanley Andersonas Rushman
Maura Tierneyas Naomi
Jon Sedaas Alex

Facts

Release dateApril 3, 1996
Runtime130 min (2h 10m) โ€” longer as the 1996 average of 109 min
GenresThriller, Drama, Crime, Mystery
LanguageEN
Budget$30,000,000
Box office$102,616,183 (3.4ร— budget)
IMDbtt0117381

More from Gregory Hoblit

FrequencyFrequency2000 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 1h 58m FractureFracture2007 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 1h 53m FallenFallen1998 ยท โ˜… 6.8 ยท 2h 4m Hart's WarHart's War2002 ยท โ˜… 6.4 ยท 2h 5m UntraceableUntraceable2008 ยท โ˜… 6.2 ยท 1h 41m

If you liked Primal Fear

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

Infernal AffairsInfernal Affairs2002 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 1h 41m Mystic RiverMystic River2003 ยท โ˜… 7.7 ยท 2h 18m Mississippi BurningMississippi Burning1988 ยท โ˜… 7.7 ยท 2h 8m The PlayerThe Player1992 ยท โ˜… 7.2 ยท 2h 4m I'm Not ScaredI'm Not Scared2003 ยท โ˜… 7.1 ยท 1h 48m In the Line of FireIn the Line of Fire1993 ยท โ˜… 7.0 ยท 2h 8m Arlington RoadArlington Road1999 ยท โ˜… 7.0 ยท 1h 57m BreakdownBreakdown1997 ยท โ˜… 6.9 ยท 1h 33m

Questions

How long is Primal Fear?
Primal Fear runs 130 minutes (2h 10m).
Is Primal Fear worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.7/10 across 4,188 votes, which places it #3 of 95 films released in 1996 in this index (top 98%) and #132 among 2475 thriller titles.
Who directed Primal Fear?
Primal Fear was directed by Gregory Hoblit. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Frequency (2000), Fracture (2007), Fallen (1998).
Who stars in Primal Fear?
Richard Gere as Martin Vail; Laura Linney as Janet Venable; Edward Norton as Aaron / Roy Stampler; John Mahoney as Shaughnessy; Alfre Woodard as Shoat; Frances McDormand as Molly.
What is Primal Fear rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Primal Fear?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/32343.

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Best of 1996Best thrillerThriller of the 1990sBest dramaDrama of the 1990sBest crimeCrime of the 1990sBest mysteryMystery of the 1990sAll 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.