Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Kernel Score: 81% · 2,943 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Comedy, Crime, Mystery, Thriller

Released: 2005-09-14

Runtime: 102 minutes

Is Kiss Kiss Bang Bang worth watching?

Worth watching. A sharp, funny neo-noir that mocks and loves detective stories at once. Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer have great chemistry, and the plot is twisty enough to keep you alert.

Watch it if you

  • like witty crime comedies
  • enjoy buddy-detective stories
  • want clever, fast dialogue

Skip it if you

  • dislike crude humour or violence
  • want a straight mystery

Best for: Night in with friends

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

A petty thief posing as an actor is brought to Los Angeles for an unlikely audition and finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation along with his high school dream girl and a detective who's been training him for his upcoming role...

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that this R-rated crime comedy involves murder investigation, violence, and crude humor typical of noir-style thrillers.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Involves a series of murders and a female corpse discovery, with crime-thriller violence throughout.
  • Language: Moderate — R-rated dialogue includes frequent crude and profane language typical of the genre.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

If you liked Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • The Nice Guys (2016) — 78%: Same writer-director's buddy-detective comedy
  • L.A. Confidential (1997) — 89%: Classic, twisty Hollywood crime story
  • Knives Out (2019) — 86%: Funny, clever whodunit
  • The Long Goodbye (1973) — 83%: Offbeat, laid-back take on the private-detective story
  • The Thin Man (1934) — 84%: Classic detective comedy with witty banter
  • Clue (1985) — 82%: Silly, quotable murder mystery

Director

Shane Black

Cast

  • Robert Downey Jr. as Harry Lockhart
  • Val Kilmer as Gay Perry
  • Michelle Monaghan as Harmony Faith Lane
  • Corbin Bernsen as Harlan Dexter
  • Dash Mihok as Mr. Frying Pan
  • Larry Miller as Dabney Shaw
  • Rockmond Dunbar as Mr. Fire
  • Shannyn Sossamon as Pink Hair Girl
  • Angela Lindvall as Flicka
  • Indio Falconer Downey as Harry Age 9

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang FAQ

Is Kiss Kiss Bang Bang worth watching?

Worth watching. A sharp, funny neo-noir that mocks and loves detective stories at once. Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer have great chemistry, and the plot is twisty enough to keep you alert.

Where can I watch Kiss Kiss Bang Bang?

In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Kiss Kiss Bang Bang OK for kids?

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that this R-rated crime comedy involves murder investigation, violence, and crude humor typical of noir-style thrillers.

What movies are like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang?

If you liked Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, try The Nice Guys, L.A. Confidential, Knives Out and The Long Goodbye.