A Simple Plan (1998)
Kernel Score: 82% · 1,053 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1998-12-11
Runtime: 121 minutes
Where to watch A Simple Plan
- Stream: Fubo, Paramount+
- Free with ads: Kanopy
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Captivated by the lure of sudden wealth, the quiet rural lives of two brothers erupt into conflicts of greed, paranoia and distrust when over $4 million in cash is discovered at the remote site of a downed small airplane. Their simple plan to retain the money while avoiding detection opens a Pandora's box when the fear of getting caught triggers panicked behavior and leads to virulent consequences.
A Simple Plan parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that this R-rated crime thriller involves brothers whose discovery of stolen money leads to greed, paranoia, and violence.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Panic and greed over hidden cash lead to escalating violent consequences, consistent with the R rating.
- Language: Some — Some strong language is present typical of an R-rated crime drama.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like A Simple Plan
If you liked A Simple Plan, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Fargo (1996) — 86%
- Jackie Brown (1997) — 83%
- Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) — 79%
- The Town (2010) — 83%
- The Usual Suspects (1995) — 91%
- The Killing (1956) — 86%
- Beasts Clawing at Straws (2020) — 77%
- Charley Varrick (1973) — 82%
Director
Cast
- Billy Bob Thornton as Jacob Mitchell
- Bill Paxton as Hank Mitchell
- Bridget Fonda as Sarah Mitchell
- Brent Briscoe as Lou Chambers
- Jack Walsh as Tom Butler
- Chelcie Ross as Carl Jenkins
- Becky Ann Baker as Nancy Chambers
- Gary Cole as Baxter
- Bob Davis as FBI Agent Renkins
- Peter Syvertsen as FBI Agent Freemont
A Simple Plan FAQ
Is A Simple Plan good?
A Simple Plan has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,053 audience ratings.
Where can I watch A Simple Plan?
In the US you can stream A Simple Plan on Fubo and Paramount+, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is A Simple Plan OK for kids?
A Simple Plan is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated crime thriller involves brothers whose discovery of stolen money leads to greed, paranoia, and violence.
What movies are like A Simple Plan?
If you liked A Simple Plan, try Fargo, Jackie Brown, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead and The Town.