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Z poster

Z (1969)

“He is alive!”

7.8/10 · 653 votes 2h 2m nr ThrillerDramaCrime

#2 of 12 films from 1969 #100 of 2475 in thriller

Directed by Costa-Gavras · Written by Costa-Gavras, Vasilis Vasilikos, Jorge Semprún, Ben Barzman

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

A prominent politician is murdered during a demonstration. The government and army are trying to suppress the truth, but a tenacious magistrate is determined not to let them get away with it.

Cast

Yves Montandas Z
Irene Papasas Hélène
Jean-Louis Trintignantas Examining Magistrate
Jacques Perrinas Photojournalist
Charles Denneras Manuel
François Périeras Public Prosecutor
Bernard Fressonas Matt
Pierre Duxas Gendarmerie General Missou
Georges Géretas Nick
Magali Noëlas Nick's Sister
Marcel Bozzuffias Vago
Julien Guiomaras Gendarmerie Colonel
Renato Salvatorias Yago
Jean Bouiseas Deputy Georges Pirou

Facts

Release dateFebruary 26, 1969
Runtime122 min (2h 2m) — about the same as the 1969 average of 116 min
GenresThriller, Drama, Crime
LanguageFR
Box office$83,305
IMDbtt0065234

If you liked Z

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

High and LowHigh and Low1963 · ★ 8.4 · 2h 22m ChinatownChinatown1974 · ★ 7.9 · 2h 10m Dog Day AfternoonDog Day Afternoon1975 · ★ 7.9 · 2h 4m Le SamouraïLe Samouraï1967 · ★ 7.8 · 1h 45m In the Heat of the NightIn the Heat of the Night1967 · ★ 7.7 · 1h 49m Le Cercle RougeLe Cercle Rouge1970 · ★ 7.6 · 2h 20m The Taking of Pelham One Two ThreeThe Taking of Pelham One Two Three1974 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 45m Cape FearCape Fear1962 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 46m

Questions

How long is Z?
Z runs 122 minutes (2h 2m).
Is Z worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.8/10 across 653 votes, which places it #2 of 12 films released in 1969 in this index (top 92%) and #100 among 2475 thriller titles.
Who directed Z?
Z was directed by Costa-Gavras.
Who stars in Z?
Yves Montand as Z; Irene Papas as Hélène; Jean-Louis Trintignant as Examining Magistrate; Jacques Perrin as Photojournalist; Charles Denner as Manuel; François Périer as Public Prosecutor.
What is Z rated?
It carries a nr certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Z?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/73872.

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Best of 1969Best thrillerThriller of the 1960sBest dramaDrama of the 1960sBest crimeCrime of the 1960sAll 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.