12 Angry Men

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2:13

12 Angry Men

1957

1h 35m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

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63 Reviews

97%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Following the closing arguments in a murder trial, the 12 members of the jury must deliberate, with a guilty verdict meaning death for the accused, an inner-city teen. As the dozen men try to reach a unanimous decision while sequestered in a room, one juror (Henry Fonda) casts considerable doubt on elements of the case. Personal issues soon rise to the surface, and conflict threatens to derail the delicate process that will decide one boy's fate.

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Critics Consensus

Sidney Lumet's feature debut is a superbly written, dramatically effective courtroom thriller that rightfully stands as a modern classic.

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Edward Kosmal

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

01/31/2023

Sidney Lumet's solid success is achieved without even once resorting to flashbacks or other standard procedures of the film trade. The secret rests in spirited dialogue, realistic setting and, of course, the excellent cast of outstanding character actors.

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Chris Stuckmann

ChrisStuckmann.com

01/26/2018

A+

This movie is a masterpiece. That term gets thrown around a lot -- it's a very easy thing to say about great films like this -- but this movie is one of the best. This is one of the very few films that I will call perfect.

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Joshua Rothkopf

Time Out

07/03/2013

5/5

Too few films take on the art of arguing as a subject; we could certainly use more of them, but until then, Lumet's window into strained civic duty will continue to serve mightily.

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Matthew Rozsa

Reason Online

Aug 2

4/4

The 1957 courtroom drama (based on an acclaimed 1954 teleplay) celebrates reasoned dissent, open debate, and the power of a single voice challenging consensus, principles Bhattacharya values deeply, especially in science.

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Joshua Stevens

Loud and Clear Reviews

Jul 8

5/5

It’s a classic for a reason, and it’s a film that everyone should see at least once in their life.

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Nadir Samara

Screen Rant

11/11/2024

10/10

A film like 12 Angry Men comes around once in a lifetime, and it will remain a blueprint for what a masterpiece looks like.

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Dbtracing

Apr 21

We love the old movies. No profanity, no blood and gore, no nudity. Just a great story with top notch acting.

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Babatunde Michael A

@Teeabod 3d

12 Angry Men is seriously the best courtroom drama ever made. It’s wild how a movie set in just one room can keep you glued to the screen the whole time. There are no crazy stunts or special effects, just amazing writing and a bunch of characters clashing with each other. Henry Fonda is incredible as the one guy who actually stops to think before deciding a man’s fate. Watching the jurors battle it out and deal with their own biases is still super relevant today. The dialogue is sharp, the acting is top-tier, and it really makes you think about how easy it is to rush to judgment. Definitely a must-watch classic.

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Patrick C.

@Filmguy35 Jun 21

Even with the entire movie basically being shot in one single room, you may think this would be a boring film. On the contrary, 12 angry men is a court room masterpiece with an ensemble cast that gave performances near the top of their careers. Led by producer Henry Fonda, 12 Angry Men should be watched by all Americans who are about to do jury duty. One of the best films ever made

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Marjorie S.

@Ruddydog Jun 8

Exceptional the best never gets old . It’s real nothing fake. Despite the passage of time, societal norms have undergone significant transformations. Individuals now hold the belief that their cause surpasses the objective truth. Like it or not society has changed no longer can a group come together and put aside there differences to make a morally right choice. 😫

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Patrick C

@RT84374237 Jun 4

Let me get to the point: this is one of the best films I've ever seen. To make such an enticing drama with pretty much one location in a court jury room is no small feat. But when you have a script as sharp as a switchblade and a truly wonderful cast of fabulous acting talent, it's a great help. The studies in character and the journey of the jurors from certainty to uncertainty are handled beautifully. Just a wonderful piece of cinema that hasn't lost any of its appeal nearly 70 years after its release.

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Gretchen W.

@RT16280876 Jun 3

Probably one of my favorite movies ever.

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Sidney Lumet

Director

Henry Fonda

Juror No. 8

Lee J. Cobb

Juror No. 3

Ed Begley

Juror No. 10

E.G. Marshall

Juror No. 4

Jack Klugman

Juror No. 5

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Re-enactment

3:42

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - These People

2:18

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Not Guilty

3:42

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - A Responsibility

0:59

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Nose Marks

2:40

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - This Isn't a Game

1:30

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - It's the Same Knife!

2:04

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Kids These Days

2:16

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Who Changed Their Vote?

2:37

12 Angry Men: Official Clip - Down & In

2:24

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12 Angry Men: Trailer 1

2:13

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Synopsis

Following the closing arguments in a murder trial, the 12 members of the jury must deliberate, with a guilty verdict meaning death for the accused, an inner-city teen. As the dozen men try to reach a unanimous decision while sequestered in a room, one juror (Henry Fonda) casts considerable doubt on elements of the case. Personal issues soon rise to the surface, and conflict threatens to derail the delicate process that will decide one boy's fate.

Director: Sidney Lumet
Producer: Henry Fonda, Reginald Rose
Screenwriter: Reginald Rose
Distributor: Criterion Collection, United Artists, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: Orion-Nova Pictures
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 20, 1957, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 4, 2012
Runtime: 1h 35m