Citizen X (1995)
Kernel Score: 80% · 375 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama
Released: 1995-02-25
Runtime: 105 minutes
Where to watch Citizen X
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Based on the true story of a Russian serial killer who, over many years, claimed victim to over 50 people. His victims were mostly under the age of 17. In what was then a communists state, the police investigations were hampered by bureaucracy, incompetence and those in power. The story is told from the viewpoint of the detective in charge of the case.
Citizen X parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Citizen X is an R-rated crime drama based on the true story of a Soviet serial killer who targeted mostly minors, hampered by corrupt bureaucracy.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts a serial killer investigation involving murdered minors, corpses, and disturbing crime scene details, rated R.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Citizen X
If you liked Citizen X, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Natural Born Killers (1994) — 80%
- Mississippi Burning (1988) — 86%
- Memories of Murder (2003) — 89%
- Dolores Claiborne (1995) — 82%
- 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007) — 84%
- The Lives of Others (2006) — 89%
- Being There (1979) — 85%
- Se7en (1995) — 92%
Director
Chris Gerolmo
Cast
- Stephen Rea as Lt. Viktor Burakov
- Donald Sutherland as Col. Mikhail Fetisov
- Max von Sydow as Dr. Alexandr Bukhanovsky
- Jeffrey DeMunn as Andrei Chikatilo
- Joss Ackland as Bondarchuk
- John Wood as Gorbunov
- Radu Amzulescu as Federenko
- Imelda Staunton as Mrs. Burakov
- András Bálint as Ignatiev
- Géza Balkay as Procurator
Citizen X FAQ
Is Citizen X good?
Citizen X has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 375 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Citizen X?
In the US you can stream Citizen X on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Citizen X OK for kids?
Citizen X is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Citizen X is an R-rated crime drama based on the true story of a Soviet serial killer who targeted mostly minors, hampered by corrupt bureaucracy.
What movies are like Citizen X?
If you liked Citizen X, try Natural Born Killers, Mississippi Burning, Memories of Murder and Dolores Claiborne.