25th Hour (2002)
Kernel Score: 83% · 2,524 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama
Released: 2002-12-19
Runtime: 135 minutes
Is 25th Hour worth watching?
Worth watching. Edward Norton plays a drug dealer spending his last day of freedom before prison, in Spike Lee's post-9/11 New York drama. It's reflective, well-acted and sad, and the slow pace is deliberate.
Watch it if you
- like character-driven crime dramas
- love New York stories
- admire strong ensemble acting
Skip it if you
- want crime thriller action
- dislike downbeat, talky dramas
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch 25th Hour
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: Hoopla
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
On the eve of a seven-year prison sentence, a New York drug dealer spends his final day of freedom confronting his past, his relationships, and the choices that led to his downfall in a city still reeling from 9/11.
25th Hour parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that 25th Hour is an R-rated crime drama about a drug dealer's final day before prison.
- Language: Moderate — Strong language is typical of this gritty R-rated crime drama.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Drug dealing is central to the plot, reflecting the protagonist's criminal past.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like 25th Hour
If you liked 25th Hour, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Do the Right Thing (1989) — 89%: Same director, New York tension and sharp characters
- Inside Man (2006) — 82%: Same director, smart New York crime story
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) — 91%: Epic crime saga about friendship and regret
- Carlito's Way (1993) — 87%: Criminal trying to get out and pay for the past
- Mean Streets (1973) — 79%: Gritty New York street drama
- BlacKkKlansman (2018) — 87%: Same director, a tense, urgent true story
Director
Cast
- Edward Norton as Monty Brogan
- Philip Seymour Hoffman as Jacob Elinsky
- Barry Pepper as Frank Xavier Slaughtery
- Rosario Dawson as Naturelle Riviera
- Anna Paquin as Mary D'Annuzio
- Brian Cox as James Brogan
- Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Agent Flood
- Tony Siragusa as Kostya Novotny
- Levan Uchaneishvili as Uncle Nikolai
- Tony Devon as Agent Allen
25th Hour FAQ
Is 25th Hour worth watching?
Worth watching. Edward Norton plays a drug dealer spending his last day of freedom before prison, in Spike Lee's post-9/11 New York drama. It's reflective, well-acted and sad, and the slow pace is deliberate.
Where can I watch 25th Hour?
In the US you can stream 25th Hour on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on Hoopla and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is 25th Hour OK for kids?
25th Hour is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that 25th Hour is an R-rated crime drama about a drug dealer's final day before prison.
What movies are like 25th Hour?
If you liked 25th Hour, try Do the Right Thing, Inside Man, Once Upon a Time in America and Carlito's Way.