Jackie Brown (1997)
Kernel Score: 83% · 6,831 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1997-12-25
Runtime: 154 minutes
Is Jackie Brown worth watching?
Worth watching. Quentin Tarantino's most relaxed film is a smart, slow-burning crime story with a great Pam Grier performance. It's talkier and warmer than his other work, and the plot rewards patience.
Watch it if you
- like Tarantino's dialogue but want less flash
- enjoy crime stories about clever, tired people
- want a strong lead performance
Skip it if you
- want a Tarantino film full of action
- dislike a long runtime
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Jackie Brown
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Jackie Brown is a flight attendant who gets caught in the middle of smuggling cash into the country for her gunrunner boss. When the cops try to use Jackie to get to her boss, she hatches a plan — with help from a bail bondsman — to keep the money for herself.
Jackie Brown parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Jackie Brown is an R-rated crime thriller involving gunrunning, drugs, and strong language.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Involves arms dealing, heists, and criminal danger typical of its R rating.
- Language: Strong — Contains the strong, frequent profanity typical of Tarantino's R-rated films.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Moderate — Drug and cash smuggling are central to the plot.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Jackie Brown
If you liked Jackie Brown, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Pulp Fiction (1994) — 93%: Tarantino's best-known crime film, with sharp talk.
- Reservoir Dogs (1992) — 89%: Tarantino's debut, a talky crime story.
- Heat (1995) — 89%: Crime drama of professionals on both sides.
- Carlito's Way (1993) — 87%: Weary criminal trying to get out.
- Dog Day Afternoon (1975) — 89%: 1970s crime story built on character and tension.
- A Simple Plan (1998) — 82%: Crime story where a small decision snowballs.
Director
Cast
- Pam Grier as Jackie Brown
- Samuel L. Jackson as Ordell Robbie
- Robert De Niro as Louis Gara
- Bridget Fonda as Melanie Ralston
- Michael Keaton as Ray Nicolette
- Robert Forster as Max Cherry
- Michael Bowen as Mark Dargus
- Chris Tucker as Beaumont Livingston
- LisaGay Hamilton as Sheronda
- Tommy Lister Jr. as Winston
Jackie Brown FAQ
Is Jackie Brown worth watching?
Worth watching. Quentin Tarantino's most relaxed film is a smart, slow-burning crime story with a great Pam Grier performance. It's talkier and warmer than his other work, and the plot rewards patience.
Where can I watch Jackie Brown?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Jackie Brown OK for kids?
Jackie Brown is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Jackie Brown is an R-rated crime thriller involving gunrunning, drugs, and strong language.
What movies are like Jackie Brown?
If you liked Jackie Brown, try Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Heat and Carlito's Way.