The Devil's Advocate (1997)
Kernel Score: 85% · 6,640 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Horror, Drama, Mystery
Released: 1997-10-17
Runtime: 144 minutes
Is The Devil's Advocate worth watching?
Worth watching. A slick supernatural legal thriller where Al Pacino's devilish boss steals the film. It's overlong and delightfully over the top, and Pacino's performance is the reason to see it.
Watch it if you
- like supernatural thrillers
- enjoy big, theatrical performances
- want something glossy and a bit silly
Skip it if you
- want subtle horror
- dislike a long running time
Best for: Late-night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Devil's Advocate
- Free with ads: Philo
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Aspiring Florida defense lawyer Kevin Lomax accepts a job at a New York law firm. With the stakes getting higher every case, Kevin quickly learns that his boss has something far more evil planned.
The Devil's Advocate parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Devil's Advocate is an R-rated supernatural horror-thriller involving a pact with the devil, seduction, temptation, and a hallucinatory descent into evil.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Supernatural horror includes disturbing hallucinations and references to child abuse in the backstory.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Themes of seduction, lust, and temptation are central to the devil's corrupting influence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Devil's Advocate
If you liked The Devil's Advocate, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Angel Heart (1987) — 80%: Another story where a man discovers a devil in his world.
- Rosemary's Baby (1968) — 88%: Horror where something evil hides in everyday life.
- The Prestige (2006) — 95%: Clever thriller with rivalry and obsession.
- Jacob's Ladder (1990) — 82%: Disturbing story of a man pulled between reality and a nightmare.
- Shutter Island (2010) — 91%: Mind-bending thriller that questions what is real.
Director
Cast
- Keanu Reeves as Kevin Lomax
- Al Pacino as John Milton
- Charlize Theron as Mary Ann Lomax
- Jeffrey Jones as Eddie Barzoon
- Judith Ivey as Mrs. Lomax
- Connie Nielsen as Christabella
- Craig T. Nelson as Alexander Cullen
- Tamara Tunie as Jackie Heath
- Ruben Santiago-Hudson as Leamon Heath
- Debra Monk as Pam Garrety
The Devil's Advocate FAQ
Is The Devil's Advocate worth watching?
Worth watching. A slick supernatural legal thriller where Al Pacino's devilish boss steals the film. It's overlong and delightfully over the top, and Pacino's performance is the reason to see it.
Where can I watch The Devil's Advocate?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Philo and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Devil's Advocate OK for kids?
The Devil's Advocate is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Devil's Advocate is an R-rated supernatural horror-thriller involving a pact with the devil, seduction, temptation, and a hallucinatory descent into evil.
What movies are like The Devil's Advocate?
If you liked The Devil's Advocate, try Angel Heart, Rosemary's Baby, The Prestige and Jacob's Ladder.