Falling Down (1993)
Kernel Score: 82% · 4,003 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1993-02-26
Runtime: 113 minutes
Is Falling Down worth watching?
Worth watching. An ordinary man snaps on a hot day in Los Angeles and sets off across the city. It's uneasy, funny in spots and more thoughtful than its reputation, with a strong Michael Douglas.
Watch it if you
- like dark thrillers about everyday anger
- want a character study with edge
- enjoy Los Angeles at its worst
Skip it if you
- dislike violence and angry characters
- want a clear hero
Best for: Late-night thriller
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Falling Down
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
An ordinary man frustrated with the various flaws he sees in society begins to psychotically and violently lash out against them.
Falling Down parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Falling Down is an R-rated thriller centered on a man's violent, psychotic breakdown against society, including a rocket launcher and road rage.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — An ordinary man violently and psychotically lashes out against society, including use of a rocket launcher and aggressive confrontations.
- Language: Strong — R rating and intense confrontational tone imply frequent strong language.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Falling Down
If you liked Falling Down, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Joker (2019) — 92%: Ordinary man pushed past breaking point
- Wild Tales (2014) — 89%: Dark comic stories about people snapping
- Dog Day Afternoon (1975) — 89%: Tense city day that spirals out of control
- Straw Dogs (1971) — 81%: Mild man pushed into violence
- Drive (2011) — 85%: Quiet man with a violent streak in Los Angeles
- Boyz n the Hood (1991) — 86%: Hard look at the pressure of city life
Director
Cast
- Michael Douglas as D-Fens
- Robert Duvall as Prendergast
- Barbara Hershey as Beth
- Rachel Ticotin as Sandra
- Tuesday Weld as Mrs. Prendergast
- Frederic Forrest as Surplus Store Owner
- Lois Smith as D-Fens' Mother
- Joey Singer as Adele (Beth's Child)
- Ebbe Roe Smith as Guy on Freeway
- Michael Paul Chan as Mr. Lee
Falling Down FAQ
Is Falling Down worth watching?
Worth watching. An ordinary man snaps on a hot day in Los Angeles and sets off across the city. It's uneasy, funny in spots and more thoughtful than its reputation, with a strong Michael Douglas.
Where can I watch Falling Down?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Falling Down OK for kids?
Falling Down is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Falling Down is an R-rated thriller centered on a man's violent, psychotic breakdown against society, including a rocket launcher and road rage.
What movies are like Falling Down?
If you liked Falling Down, try Joker, Wild Tales, Dog Day Afternoon and Straw Dogs.