Manhunter

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Manhunter

R

1986

2h 0m

Mystery & Thriller

Crime

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

55 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

FBI criminal profiler Will Graham (William Petersen) is called out of early retirement to assist on a serial murder case involving a killer known as the "Tooth Fairy" (Tom Noonan). Graham enlists the help of imprisoned serial killer -- and cannibal -- Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Brian Cox), who is the reason Graham took an early retirement. Soon, Graham and the FBI are entangled in a deadly cat-and-mouse game between the Tooth Fairy, Lecter and an interfering journalist (Stephen Lang).

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Critics Consensus

Michael Mann introduces audiences to Hannibal Lecter for the first time in Manhunter, a modish thriller that fleshes out Thomas Harris' heinous creations with an elegant, chilling detachment.

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Anthony Miglieri

Chicago Reader

Jul 24

The Final Cut experience punctures the airtight cool of the original.

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Peter Travers

The Travers Take

Jul 24

3.5/4

In case you didn’t know there was a Hannibal Lecter before Tony Hopkins, Michael Mann brings his 1986 crime thriller back to theaters with a revelatory, pre-"Succcession" Brian Cox. Fasten your seatbelts.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

09/08/2023

This slick thriller has been overshadowed by The Silence of the Lambs, but it is a compelling piece of film-making.

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Maitland McDonagh

MaitlandOnMovies (Substack)

Jul 23

A brilliant marriage of traditional policiers and seductive nightmare, painted in shades of ’80s, 'Manhunter' looked amazing four decades ago and looks even more amazing now [in the 4K 40th-anniversary 'Manhunter: The Final Cut'].

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David Elliott

Copley News Service

Jan 7

Mann's approach is preening and full of nightmarish portents that never clarify the rushed, confusing plot.

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Richard Freedman

Newark Star-Ledger

Dec 30

Its inherent action and suspense are practically buried beneath Mann's pretentious direction.

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Lyle

Jul 27

Excellent restoration!

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Rey T

@TheRey6 Jul 26

Very Good Film. Cool End Song.

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Paul D

@RebelOrca Jul 22

I love this little gem of a movie from the 80's! It is slow paced but so is the book. I actually enjoy this version over the Hollywood remade version - Red Dragon with Ed Norton and Ralph Fiennes. Plus the soundtrack is provided by Shriekback!

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Phil H

@ReelPhilReviews Jul 14

Slow paced and takes patience at times

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Aye G

@AyeGeeYT Jul 2

Manhunter is a solid adaptation of Red Dragon, but I think it's a bit overrated. Michael Mann's stylish direction, striking visuals, and incredible '80s soundtrack give the film a unique atmosphere, and the music is easily one of its biggest highlights. That said, I never found myself as invested in the story or characters as I was in Red Dragon, which I still believe is the stronger adaptation. It's a good thriller with plenty to admire, but for me, its reputation exceeds the overall experience.

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William L.

@RT70826415 May 9

Michael Mann brings the book “Red Dragon” to life with Manhunter… with beautiful visuals, terrific musical score, and great acting. William Petersen plays Will Graham… a former FBI criminal profiler who is brought back from retirement to catch a serial killer nicknamed “The Tooth Fairy”. Very striking and unforgettable performance from Petersen, as well from Noonan, Farina, Allen, & Brian Cox who portrays Hannibal Lector. Amazing Film!

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Michael Mann

Director

William Petersen

Will Graham

Kim Greist

Molly Graham

Dennis Farina

Jack Crawford

Joan Allen

Reba

Brian Cox

Dr. Lecktor

Manhunter: Exclusive Movie Clip - Become God

1:57

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Synopsis

FBI criminal profiler Will Graham (William Petersen) is called out of early retirement to assist on a serial murder case involving a killer known as the "Tooth Fairy" (Tom Noonan). Graham enlists the help of imprisoned serial killer -- and cannibal -- Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Brian Cox), who is the reason Graham took an early retirement. Soon, Graham and the FBI are entangled in a deadly cat-and-mouse game between the Tooth Fairy, Lecter and an interfering journalist (Stephen Lang).

Director: Michael Mann
Producer: Dino De Laurentiis
Screenwriter: Michael Mann
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Columbia, Sony Pictures Classics
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 22, 1986, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Jul 24, 2026
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $7.0M
Runtime: 2h 0m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)