Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
Kernel Score: 84% · 5,574 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Crime, Thriller
Released: 2009-10-15
Runtime: 109 minutes
Is Law Abiding Citizen worth watching?
Worth watching. A revenge thriller in which a grieving man sets elaborate traps for the justice system that failed him. It's absurd in places, but tense and well-cast. It works best if you enjoy ruthless, over-the-top plots.
Watch it if you
- like revenge thrillers
- enjoy a cat-and-mouse plot
- can handle some implausibility
Skip it if you
- want realistic crime drama
- dislike violent revenge
Best for: Thriller night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Law Abiding Citizen
- Stream: Netflix, YouTube TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A frustrated man decides to take justice into his own hands after a plea bargain sets one of his family's killers free. He targets not only the killer but also the district attorney and others involved in the deal.
Law Abiding Citizen parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Law Abiding Citizen is an R-rated crime thriller centered on a man's brutal vigilante revenge campaign, including torture, explosions, and references to rape and murder.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Contains graphic torture, explosions, and brutal vigilante violence, plus references to a rape and murder that trigger the plot.
- Language: Moderate — Strong adult language throughout, consistent with its R rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Law Abiding Citizen
If you liked Law Abiding Citizen, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Prisoners (2013) — 88%: Angry father takes justice into his own hands.
- The Negotiator (1998) — 79%: Tense hostage thriller from the same director.
- Inside Man (2006) — 82%: Clever cat-and-mouse crime thriller.
- The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) — 88%: Crime thriller about justice and obsession.
- The Dark Knight (2008) — 96%: Crime thriller with a brilliant, ruthless villain.
Director
Cast
- Jamie Foxx as Nick Rice
- Gerard Butler as Clyde Alexander Shelton
- Colm Meaney as Detective Dunnigan
- Bruce McGill as Jonas Cantrell
- Leslie Bibb as Sarah Lowell
- Michael Irby as Detective Garza
- Gregory Itzin as Warden Iger
- Regina Hall as Kelly Rice
- Emerald-Angel Young as Denise Rice
- Brooke Stacy Mills as Clyde's Wife
Law Abiding Citizen FAQ
Is Law Abiding Citizen worth watching?
Worth watching. A revenge thriller in which a grieving man sets elaborate traps for the justice system that failed him. It's absurd in places, but tense and well-cast. It works best if you enjoy ruthless, over-the-top plots.
Where can I watch Law Abiding Citizen?
In the US you can stream Law Abiding Citizen on Netflix and YouTube TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Law Abiding Citizen OK for kids?
Law Abiding Citizen is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Law Abiding Citizen is an R-rated crime thriller centered on a man's brutal vigilante revenge campaign, including torture, explosions, and references to rape and murder.
What movies are like Law Abiding Citizen?
If you liked Law Abiding Citizen, try Prisoners, The Negotiator, Inside Man and The Secret in Their Eyes.