Enemy of the State (1998)
Kernel Score: 79% · 4,169 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1998-11-20
Runtime: 132 minutes
Is Enemy of the State worth watching?
Worth watching. A lawyer is framed after a murder tape lands in his hands and finds the government tracking his every move. Hackman steals it, and the surveillance ideas hold up, though it gets loud and a bit silly.
Watch it if you
- like fast, glossy conspiracy thrillers
- enjoy Gene Hackman as a burned-out surveillance pro
- want a paranoia story with real chases
Skip it if you
- want a grounded, slow-burn surveillance drama
- dislike late-90s action excess
Best for: Popcorn night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Enemy of the State
- Stream: Prime Video
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
When the videotape of the murder of a congressman unknowingly ends up in the hands of labor lawyer and dedicated family man Robert Clayton Dean, he is framed for the murder. With the help of the mysterious Brill, Dean attempts to throw the NSA off his trail and prove his innocence.
Enemy of the State parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Enemy of the State is an R-rated action thriller about NSA surveillance, government overreach, and a man framed for murder.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes gun violence, a murder, and intense chase/action sequences typical of a surveillance thriller.
- Language: Some — Contains scattered profanity typical of an R-rated 1990s action film.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Enemy of the State
If you liked Enemy of the State, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Conversation (1974) — 87%: Hackman's surveillance-expert character is the ancestor of this film's tone
- All the President's Men (1976) — 85%: Powerful people covering their tracks while one person digs
- The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) — 85%: Hunted man outwits an agency with every resource
- Citizenfour (2014) — 86%: The real surveillance story behind the thriller's fears
- Snowden (2016) — 79%: What mass surveillance looks like when it is true
- Crimson Tide (1995) — 80%: Another Tony Scott thriller starring Gene Hackman
Director
Cast
- Will Smith as Robert Clayton Dean
- Gene Hackman as Brill
- Jon Voight as Reynolds
- Regina King as Carla Dean
- Loren Dean as Hicks
- Jake Busey as Krug
- Barry Pepper as Pratt
- Jason Lee as Daniel Zavitz
- Gabriel Byrne as 'Brill'
- Lisa Bonet as Rachel Banks
Enemy of the State FAQ
Is Enemy of the State worth watching?
Worth watching. A lawyer is framed after a murder tape lands in his hands and finds the government tracking his every move. Hackman steals it, and the surveillance ideas hold up, though it gets loud and a bit silly.
Where can I watch Enemy of the State?
In the US you can stream Enemy of the State on Prime Video and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Enemy of the State OK for kids?
Enemy of the State is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Enemy of the State is an R-rated action thriller about NSA surveillance, government overreach, and a man framed for murder.
What movies are like Enemy of the State?
If you liked Enemy of the State, try The Conversation, All the President's Men, The Bourne Ultimatum and Citizenfour.