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The Punisher poster

The Punisher (1989)

“If society won't punish the guilty, he will.”

5.8/10 · 717 votes 1h 29m r ActionThrillerRomanceDramaCrime

#64 of 70 films from 1989 #1903 of 2168 in action

Directed by Mark Goldblatt · Written by Boaz Yakin

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

The avenging angel of Marvel Comics fame comes brilliantly to life in this searing action-adventure thriller! Dolph Lundgren stars as Frank Castle, a veteran cop who loses his entire family to a mafia car bomb. His ex-partner believes Castle survived the blast and became the Punisher, living in the sewers and exacting vigilante violence against mob bosses throughout the city. When the populace is caught in the midst of a gang war that he caused, Castle must again emerge from the shadows and save the innocent.

Cast

Dolph Lundgrenas Frank Castle
Louis Gossett Jr.as Jake Berkowitz
Jeroen Krabbéas Gianni Franco
Kim Miyorias Lady Tanaka
Bryan Marshallas Dino Moretti
Nancy Everhardas Sam Leary
Barry Ottoas Shake
Brian Rooneyas Tommy Franco
Zoshka Mizakas Tanaka's Daughter
Kenji Yamakias Sato
Hirofumi Kanayamaas Tomio
Larry McCormickas TV Newsreader
Todd Boyceas Tarrone
Lani John Tupuas Laccone

Facts

Release dateOctober 5, 1989
Runtime89 min (1h 29m) — shorter as the 1989 average of 103 min
GenresAction, Thriller, Romance, Drama, Crime
LanguageEN
Budget$9,000,000
IMDbtt0098141

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Questions

How long is The Punisher?
The Punisher runs 89 minutes (1h 29m), short enough for a weeknight.
Is The Punisher worth watching?
TMDB users give it 5.8/10 across 717 votes, which places it #64 of 70 films released in 1989 in this index (top 10%) and #1903 among 2168 action titles.
Who directed The Punisher?
The Punisher was directed by Mark Goldblatt.
Who stars in The Punisher?
Dolph Lundgren as Frank Castle; Louis Gossett Jr. as Jake Berkowitz; Jeroen Krabbé as Gianni Franco; Kim Miyori as Lady Tanaka; Bryan Marshall as Dino Moretti; Nancy Everhard as Sam Leary.
What is The Punisher rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Punisher?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/81285.

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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.